Shimoda is a lovely laid-back beach resort area on the south end of the Izu Peninsula. Famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, blue seas, hot spring baths, great surfing, and sailing, and delicious seafood, Shimoda is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the city. One of the first landing places of Admiral Perry’s Black Ships in 1854, Shimoda also has some interesting historical sites worth visiting. Reachable by express train from Tokyo in about 2 hours, Shimoda is well worth visiting.