Guida
Shimoda Park is a scenic park located on a high point in Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It is the site of the former Shimoda Castle, with its main enclosure situated at the summit of Mt. Ushijima (approx. 70m elevation). Today, it is a beautifully maintained natural park. From the park, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Shimoda Port. The park is a vibrant destination that changes with the seasons, featuring beautiful blooms such as azaleas, hydrangeas, and camellias.
The park sits upon the ruins of Shimoda Castle, which was once a vital defensive stronghold for the Minami-Izu region. Historically, the castle was built by the Hojo clan to prepare for potential invasions by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In 1590 (Tensho 18), the site was the scene of a 50-day siege by Toyotomi's forces. Today, the area serves as an open-air museum of history, featuring monuments such as the Opening of Japan Memorial and the monument of Renjo Shimooka, which commemorate the era when Japan began its engagement with the West.
Visitors can explore the remnants of the castle's architecture, including the 'karabori' (dry moats) and the stone foundations (todan) that once supported watchtowers (yagura). Scattered throughout the park are various historical monuments and stone tablets. The landscape is defined by the original castle topography, which provides a unique sense of depth to the scenery. Depending on when you visit, you can witness spectacular displays of spring azaleas, early summer hydrangeas, or winter camellias.
The best times to visit are spring (March to May) for azaleas, early summer (June) for hydrangeas, and winter (December to February) for camellias. While the park is open 24 hours a day, we recommend visiting during daylight hours to fully appreciate the vivid colors of the seasonal flowers and the stunning view of Shimoda Port.
The park features well-maintained walking paths, making it easy to stroll through the historical sites. You can explore the old castle moats and visit various historical monuments. Because the terrain follows the original castle structure, walking through the park offers a physical sense of how the fortification was once laid out.
Shimoda Park is located near other significant historical sites, such as the famous Perry Road. It is approximately a 20-minute walk from Izukyu-Shimoda Station, making it easy to combine a visit to the park with a walk through the charming, historic streets of the surrounding neighborhood.
As the park features uneven terrain, slopes, and historical dry moats, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Most of the park is free to enter. Please note that English signage is limited, so it is helpful to check a map beforehand. Please respect the historical sites and local flora, and follow standard public etiquette when taking photographs.