Hi there! I recently spent a week living the digital nomad life in Shimoda, a coastal town in Shizuoka Prefecture. Here's a little travel log of the experience — the perfect blend of work and wander.
Where I Stayed: GuestHouse All you need surf&chill
I stayed at a cozy guesthouse called GuestHouse All you need surf&chill.
The dormitory cost around 4,000 yen per night, and while it’s about a 20-minute walk from the station, it’s absolutely worth it.
The staff were super friendly and introduced me to great local restaurants, beaches, and hot springs.
They also offer free bicycle rentals, which was a game-changer for exploring places a bit further out.
The shared space had a nice, spacious table that was great for getting work done — and the view from the window was just stunning. Honestly, just for that view, I’m glad I stayed here.
Working with a View
Most of my working hours were spent in front of this view — calming, inspiring, and the perfect backdrop for focused work.
Local Eats You Can’t Miss
Of course, I also checked out some delicious local food spots. Here are two I highly recommend:
■ Gassho
Their zaru udon was unique — topped with lots of bonito flakes. The noodles had a great chewy texture, and the large portion was definitely the right choice.
■ Kurofuneya
A heartwarming spot that serves traditional Japanese comfort food.
Every set meal is just 800 yen, and the homey atmosphere makes you feel instantly relaxed.
A Town Steeped in History
Shimoda is rich in history. It was one of the first ports opened to foreign countries after Japan’s long period of isolation, when Commodore Perry arrived with the “Black Ships.”
It’s also known for Yoshida Shōin’s failed attempt to sneak onto a foreign ship — a pivotal moment in Japanese history.
Walking around this historic town, you really feel the charm and depth of its past.
Sweet Break: Ice Cream Near the Station
Near the station, I grabbed a quick treat at an ice cream shop called perry`s balck ship house (yes, same name as the restaurant!).
A sweet pick-me-up during my strolls around town.
Top 4 Sightseeing Spots Around Shimoda
① Perry Road
This street connects to Ryosenji Temple, where the treaty negotiations with Perry took place.
It still has that old-town feel, lined with cute cafes and restaurants — perfect for a stroll.
② Shimoda Aquarium
Located near Perry Road, Shimoda Aquarium is well worth a visit.
Tickets are 2,400 yen for adults, and there are frequent events throughout the day.
My personal favorite was the sea lion and dolphin show around 3:20 PM — heartwarming and impressive! You’ll also find penguins and otters here.
③ Ryugu Sea Cave (Ryugukutsu)
A short ride south from Shimoda (I went by bike from the guesthouse).
This cave features a 50-meter wide skylight, and from above it looks like a heart!
On the way there, I stopped at a stylish café called 85 Café, where I enjoyed a basque cheesecake and coffee by the beach.
They also serve keema curry and burgers — great for lunch.
④ Amagiso Onsen (Ōtaki Hot Springs)
For this spot, I took a train to Kawazu Station, followed by a bus. It’s a bit of a trek, but totally worth it.
At Amagiso Onsen, you can bathe outdoors in a swimsuit, right at the base of a stunning waterfall!
The area is also home to the famous “Seven Waterfalls of Izu”, which make for a nice half-day hike (around 50–60 minutes round trip).
Here’s my suggested plan:
- Morning hike
- Lunch at a nearby food court
- Afternoon soak in the hot spring
- Head back before 3 PM (shops close by 4 PM)
⚠️ Just a heads-up: the last bus back to Kawazu leaves around 5 PM, and buses come only once per hour, so plan accordingly!
In Conclusion
And just like that, my week flew by.
It was the perfect balance of work and adventure — surrounded by nature, good food, local culture, and a peaceful pace of life.
Shimoda is now officially on my list of “places I want to come back to.”
If you’re considering working remotely or just planning a relaxing trip, I hope this log gives you some ideas and inspiration!
