🇯🇵 Shimoda,
Japan
#2868
Nomad Score
5.9
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34.6795450, 138.9453790
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ESSENTIALS
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏙️ City | Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 95 Mbps; high-speed fiber is common in satellite offices and modern guesthouses. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.0067 USD. Japan Post Bank (Yucho) ATMs at Shimoda Post Office accept international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Safe and drinkable; high quality coming from the Amagi mountains. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets (Flat two-pin). |
| 📶 SIM Card | Sakura Mobile or Mobal (eSIM/Physical) via delivery; local UQ Mobile shop in nearby Ito. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Sony Bank or Wise (digital); local Suruga Bank for residents. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Ryokans, Minshuku (Guest Houses), and dedicated workation facilities like LivingAnywhere Commons. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderate; larger hotels and Seven-Eleven accept cards/Suica, but local seafood shacks are Cash Only. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb at Kisami Ohama Beach (approx. ¥120,000/month) or Guest House Yasuragi. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Shimoda Guest House (¥3,500/night) or outdoor camping at Tagoyose (¥2,000/night). |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Shimoda Central/Peri Road for history and easy access to the train station. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kisami/Ohama area - a surf-friendly international community with beachside cafes. |
WORKING AND NETWORKING
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | LivingAnywhere Commons Izu-Shimoda (¥2,000/day, includes high-speed Wi-Fi and community events). |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | South Cafe in Kisami; large tables, coastal vibes, and reliable Wi-Fi (Coffee approx. ¥550). |
| 💼 Networking Events | Shimoda Workation Meetups organized by the city hall's tourism department regularly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Friday nights at White Beach Hotel Bar in Kisami; a hub for the local foreign surfing community. |
TRANSPORTATION
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | S.Ride or JapanTaxi; Uber is not available. Local taxis: Shimoda Taxi (0558-22-1324). |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Hello Cycling (E-bikes) at Izukyu-Shimoda Station (¥200/30 mins). |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Shiratama Beach; crystal clear water and white sand, 10 mins by bus from station. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Fuji Dream Airlines (FDA) flying from Shizuoka Airport (FSZ). |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | JAL or ANA via Tokyo Haneda (HND) – 3 hours away by train. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Route 135 connects to Atami and the Izu Skyline; no direct expressway to the city center. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Izukyu-Shimoda Station (Terminal of the Odoriko Express from Tokyo). |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Shimoda 2-Day Pass (Tokai Bus) - ¥2,100 for unlimited local bus travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | JR Limited Express Odoriko Train (2.5 hours to Tokyo, approx. ¥6,500). |
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Shimoda Shidankai Medical Center (English assistance is limited, bring a translator app). |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga at Shirahama Beach (Seasonal) or private sessions at Retreat Hotel Hotel Sea Shell. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Shimoda Municipal Gymnasium (¥200 per entry for residents/visitors). |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin Laundry Pier Shimoda (Standard load ¥400-¥600). |
FOOD AND DRINK
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | None available; Demae-can operates in larger cities but rarely here. Direct phone delivery for pizza. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kinmedai (Splendid Alfonsino) Nimono - simmered red snapper (Approx. ¥2,800). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Spice Dog (Kisami) - offers vegetable curries and beachy atmosphere (¥1,500). |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Hiraishiya - Traditional Japanese sweets and Manju near Peri Road (¥150 per piece). |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | MaxValu Shimoda Central - best for groceries and bento boxes after 7 PM. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Japan and Rakuten (Delivery is typically 1-2 days from Tokyo). |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Aeon Net Super (Available with a Japanese membership account). |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Sanchome (3-Chome) area - Narrow alleys with 'Snack' bars and small pubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Hansharo Beer (brewed nearby in Izunokuni, sold at Shimoda Station souvenir shops). |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Cave de Nagisa - Wine shop and bar near the harbor with a large selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Shimoda Harbor Market - Fresh grilled squid and seafood skewers (¥500-¥800). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Taverna di Mare - Excellent Italian seafood pasta (¥1,800) overlooking the bay. |
CULTURE AND ATTRACTIONS
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ryosen-ji Temple; site of the signing of the Shimoda Treaty with Commodore Perry. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Shimoda開国博物館 (Shimoda History Museum) - ¥1,200 entry. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Peri Road (Perry Road) - stone-paved path along the canal with historic buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Shirabe Shrine - stunning coastal shrine with views of the Pacific. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kurofune Matsuri (Black Ship Festival) in May celebrating the opening of Japan. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Town Sanchome - preserved Showa-era architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Shimoda Civic Center (occasional kabuki or local music performances). |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Shimoda Fish Market (Inatori Fish Market nearby) - open early mornings. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live jazz nights at Shimoda Sea Village during summer months. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; focus is on traditional 'Namako-kabe' (lattice-patterned) walls. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local Minshuku 'Sotoura' offers dried fish (Himono) making workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Uehara Museum of Modern Art (Short drive from city center). |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Hofuku-ji Temple, the burial site of Tojin Okichi. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The 'Black Ships' (Kurofune) heritage which defines the town’s identity. |
NATURE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Tsumekizaki Park - Famous for narcissus flowers and a striking lighthouse. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park (Shimoda is located within the park boundaries). |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Izu Trail - rugged coastal hiking paths connecting the seven beaches. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mt. Nesugata - accessible by ferry ropeway (¥1,200 round trip) for bay views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Inozawa River estuary - great for seeing kingfishers and herons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain zones in Kisami Ohama Beach (strictly regulated; check seasonal signs). |
OTHER SERVICES AND AMENITIES
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) - local office near the station or drop off at 7-Eleven. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | PC Depot in Numazu (1.5 hours away); limited local repair options. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Shimoda Municipal Gymnasium has tables for public use (¥100 per hour). |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Volunteer-run Japanese lessons at the Shimoda Community Center (Free/Low cost). |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Shimoda市立図書館 (Shimoda City Library) - Quiet, free Wi-Fi available. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Shimoda Shimin Center (Community gatherings and local classes). |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | None; visit the nearby city of Numazu for gaming centers/Arcades. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Pachinko Parlors (e.g., Happy P-1) near the Route 135 bypass. |
BUSINESS
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥250,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² older condo = ¥7.5M). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥150,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² rural house = ¥4.5M). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥220,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ¥11M). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥120,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ¥6M). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥200,000 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = ¥14M). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥100,000 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = ¥7M). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Effective rate approx. 30.6% (including national and local inhabited taxes). |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20.42% (Commonly reduced via tax treaties). |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident-based: Worldwide income for permanent residents (>5 years). |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for income over ¥40 million. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% Standard Rate; 8% for food and beverages (take-out). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies if foreign subsidiary tax rate is below 20%. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Fixed Assets Tax at 1.4% of assessed value annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Real Estate Acquisition Tax (approx 3-4%) plus Registration Tax. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | New 6-month Digital Nomad Visa (April 2024); verify tax residency triggers at 183 days. |
🧭 CONTINUE EXPLORING SHIMODA