Essentials
- 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.
- 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.
Working and Networking
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.