Shimoda, Port settlement in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Shimoda is a port settlement at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. The community sits between mountains to the north and the Pacific Ocean, where a warm current flows along the coast.
When Commodore Perry's ships arrived in the bay in 1854, the harbor opened for the first time to foreign vessels. Shortly after, the first American consulate in Japan was established here.
Every May the Black Ships Festival brings model warships into the bay while theater performances recall the opening of the harbor to foreign trade. Celebrations draw visitors from across the country who watch traditional dances and sample regional dishes.
Most points of interest can be reached on foot or by local bus from Shimoda Station. The best time to visit runs from spring through autumn, when the weather is mild and beaches are accessible.
The lighthouse on Mikomotoshima has stood on a small offshore island since 1870 and remains the oldest operational lighthouse in the country. It holds the title of national historic monument.
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