Perry Road

The city of Shimoda gained fame as the stage for Japan's opening to the world when the United States Navy, led by Perry, arrived in a black ship during the end of the Edo period. The road along Hiranamegawa, which connects Ryosenji and Shimoda Port where the 1854 Shimoda Treaty negotiations between Japan and the United States took place, is called "Shimoda Perry Road," and the rows of willow trees give off a unique atmosphere. You can see many things that make you feel the history and culture, and various architectural styles such as namako walls and Izu stone can be seen, making it a great place for a photogenic stroll. In the retro townscape where you can enjoy flowers in every season, there are many stylish cafes, souvenir shops, and miscellaneous goods stores lined up, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll. In the evening, you can enjoy a fantastic view different from the daytime thanks to the unique gas lamp lighting on Perry Road.

One of the must-see tourist spots in Shimoda is Ryosenji Temple. It is well-known as the location where the negotiations for the Shimoda Treaty between Japan and the United States took place in 1854, making it a site of historical significance. Ryosenji is also famous as the "Jasmine Temple," with several hundred American jasmine plants planted from the precincts to the approach. During the blooming season, the "Festival of Fragrant Flowers" is also held.

The "Black Ship Museum (Mobs)" on the grounds of Ryozenji Temple houses over 3,000 original materials related to the arrival of the Black Ships and cross-cultural exchange during the end of the Edo period, with regular exhibitions. The "Black Ship Theater" allows people of all ages, from elementary school students to the elderly, to enjoy learning about the complicated history through videos. The museum shop, which sells Perry-related goods and limited-edition original goods, is free to visit.

The Perry Landing Monument is another spot to check out when visiting Shimoda, located about a 5-minute walk from Ryozenji Temple along Perry Road. The monument is located in Perry Landing Memorial Park, facing Shimoda Port, and next to the monument is an anchor donated by the United States Navy. The Perry Landing Monument is also beloved as a symbol of Japanese-American friendship. In addition, during the "Kurofune Matsuri" (Black Ship Festival) commemorating Perry's arrival, many people gather for the international festival, which includes a reenactment of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Peace and Amity between Japan and the United States, a fireworks display, and a parade and concert featuring the music bands of the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

On Perry Road, you can see buildings made with unique "namako walls." These walls have a black-brown color and a unique texture, with joints that resemble "namako" (sea cucumber), hence the name "namako walls." The Sawa Residence, a traditional house with namako walls, is designated as a historical building in Shimoda City due to its high historical value. Visitors can tour the inside of the house for free, and there are also restrooms available. It's a great place to take a break during a stroll along Perry Road.

One of the features of Perry Road is the unique buildings made with "Izu Stone" in addition to the "Namako Wall". "Izu Stone" is a type of stone material that can be found on the Izu Peninsula. It is said to have excellent heat resistance and is easy to process due to its softness. The "Gallery and Cafe Sogabou" is one of the highlights of Perry Road, which utilizes buildings made of Izu Stone. The charming interior, which symbolizes Japanese style, displays seasonal flowers and antiques. It's also recommended as a rest spot during your stroll, where you can enjoy drinks and cakes.

Shimoda is famous for its opening to the United States, but in the year following the conclusion of the Shimoda Treaty with the United States in 1855, the Japan-Russia Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed here at Chorakuji Temple. Compared to "Ryosenji," it's a small and quiet place, but the treasure museum on the grounds displays items related to the signing of the Japan-Russia Treaty of Amity and Commerce, as well as relics of Yoshida Shoin, which can be viewed. It is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods temples in Izu.