shimoda

Vegetarian in Shimoda (and tips for vegans in Japan)

When I first came to Japan 20 years ago, it was a real challenge to remain vegetarian. There were very few restaurants that catered to non-meat eaters and very few servers understood when I asked for something without meat, “niku … Read More

Minami Izu Kayaking Shimoda Japan

Kayaking with Surface

Sea Kayaks have got to be the best way to explore Izu’s incredibly beautiful coastline. Guides can take you into caves and through natural tunnels. There are quite a few sea kayak tour guides in the area. We went with … Read More

Sakanadonya

Kaitenzushi is a sushi shop where nigirizushi rolls up to you on a conveyer belt and you get to take your pick of Japan’s most celebrated culinary tradition. Sakanadonya is on the 2nd floor of Shimoda’s Michi-no-eki (road station), right … Read More

Shimoda Burger

At the Ra-Maru Diner in Michi-no-Eki they serve a fish burger made with Shimoda’s most popular fish, kin-me-dai (aka splendid alfonsino). ¥1000 may seem a little pricey for a fish burger and some chips, but it’s a tasty change from … Read More

Michi-no-eki (road station)

道 (Michi) means road, の (no) is a possessive like our ‘s, and 駅 (eki) means station. Together you have “Road Station“, which have all of the conveniences of a train station but is made for drivers and their cars. … Read More

shimoda bus stop to kisami

Izukyu-Shimoda to Retreat wabi-sabi

To get to Kisami from Izukyu Shimoda Station you can take a bus from the rotary right outside the station. Look for the big orange signs. Busses departing from bus stop 2, 3, and 4, all stop at Kisami Bus … Read More

South Cafe

I have been meaning to write about South Cafe for a long time. And so I bring my camera with me every time I go but then as soon as the food arrives, my mouth waters and I dig in … Read More

minami-izu-trail-view shimoda Shizuoka Japan

Cape Tarai Hiking Trail

The Mimami Izu Hiking Trail is know for its amazing views off the high jagged peak of Cape Tarai, or what the local people call “a fierce god”. To get to the trail we took the 20 minute bus ride … Read More

Ryuguktsu sea cave shimoda Izu Japan

Ryugukutsu Sea Cave

sand ski hill shimoda izu geopark

Sand Ski Hill

Sand Ski Hill is right next to Ryugukutsu, a cave that opens up to the sea so if you want to see one you should definitely check out the other. We have toboggans guests are more than welcome to borrow … Read More

Morinookurimono Bakery

Shimoda’s wood-burning-oven bakery is set in the heavens above. The scenic drive through the country side, then a hair-raising thrill ride up a steep and narrow mountain road is so worth your test of faith (and brakes!). Once you are … Read More

shimoda seasfood local food izu fish

Gorosaya

Shimoda is jam-packed with restaurants, cafes, and bars which can make it really difficult to choose. Well at least that is what happened to me many years ago when I really wanted to try some good local seafood. Eventually I … Read More

Minami Izu boat cruise shimoda Shizuoka

Izu Cruise

As I have mentioned in my blog about kayaking, the best way to see Izu’s beautiful and rugged coastline is from the sea. But if you are not feeling so active and don’t want to spend a day paddling then … Read More

Kannon Onsen

Kannon Onsen  is tucked away among greenery in the rugged hills of Shimoda. The hot-spring is famous for its super alkaline rich waters. The same waters are flowing through shokichi-no-yu but for those without a car, Kannon onsen is a … Read More

Yamatokan Onsen

One of the closest onsens to Retreat wabi-sabi and Guesthouse tabi-tabi is at the Yamatokan Hotel on Tatado beach in the Kisami area of Shimoda. It  has a private and public onsen non-staying guests can use at certain times and … Read More

Happy Buddha Smoothies

Happy Buddha Smoothies is a little hard to find but totally worth the extra effort. To get there take the main road and turn at the entrance for Irita Beach (between Re-mix and the Chinese restaurant). Instead of following the … Read More

Maru Cafe

Maru Cafe is set in a quaint old Japanese house just steps from Maiso Beach to get there you need to cross the river. We recommend taking the wooden board-walk along the river then use the overhanging bridge, Maru Cafe … Read More

Irita Beach

The entrance to Iritahama,  Irita Beach in English, is not well marked, moreover, parking is limited and so since access is limited it tends to be a little quieter than some of the other beaches in Shimoda. However, it is … Read More

Yumigahama Beach Minami Izu Japan

Yumigahama Beach

Yumi means bow, as in “bow and arrow”, in Japanese and if you have been there you will know why. Yumigahama is a perfectly rounded shape bay and because it is a bay it is well protected from waves so … Read More

Tatado Beach

Tatado Beach is made famous by the surfers in the area and so tends to be a little busier with locals and tourists wanting to catch some waves. If that’s why you have come to Shimoda, please be aware that … Read More

Cubstar Cafe

If you love a good sandwich, like I love a good sandwich, you have got to check out cubstar in Shimoda. They have a Panini lunch special to please everyone. A veggie version with mozzarella and cheese, the pescetarian special … Read More

osaka to shimoda by train

How to get to Shimoda from Osaka and Kyoto

To get to Shimoda from Osaka, or Kyoto, you should take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Shin-Osaka or Kyoto Station to Atami (141 min). From Atami take the JR Ito line to Ito (23 min) and from Ito take the … Read More

On the Beach

On the Beach is not actually on the beach but their BBQ sets are all wrapped up to go so you can certainly take it to the beach, or to the boardwalk, or back to your room, or anywhere else … Read More

Kisami Ohama Beach Shimoda Izu Shizuoka Japan

Kisami Ohama Beach

Kisami Ohama Beach is our “home beach”. Less than 5 minutes on foot from Retreat wabi-sabi. We recommend you take the short cut, down a dirt ,road past the baseball field, cross the street, then walk straight into the ocean.  … Read More

Juice cleanse detox and yoga retreat shimoda izu japan

Detox & Yoga Retreat

In October 2017 Retreat wabi-sabi hosted it’s very first juice cleanse and yoga retreat. 9 participants joined us for 2 nights / 3 days to detox, relax, and re-fresh the body and mind. If you have never done a detox … Read More

Shimoda port Izu Japan

A Danish View of Japan: På eventyr i Japan

Japan betyder ”solens ophav” og kaldes for Nippon, 日 (sol) 本 (ophav), men er bedre kendt som solens rige. Efter at have opholdt mig i Japan i to måneder, fremgår det tydeligt hvorfor, at solen har sit herredømme i dette … Read More

shimoda on a bicycle

Japón no es solo lo que viste en Doraemon!

Si durante tu infancia (o puede que incluso ahora) fuiste un fiel seguidor de estos dibujos, al llegar a Japón y empezar a descubrirlo te vendrán a la mente muchas, muchísimas semejanzas que harán que sueltes una sonrisa de vez … Read More

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