Shimoda Ropeway

Shimoda Ropeway

VIEWPOINT

Japan was closed off to the rest of the world for many years. In 1854, Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed to Shimoda with his nine “black ships” to force Japan to open Japanese ports to US ships. Numerous monuments are dotted around Shimoda commemorating this event, despite it being humiliating for the Japanese at the time.

The nearby mountain, Mt. Nesugata, is named as such as it resembles a woman sleeping on her back. From the top of the ropeway you are able to see the whole surrounding area, a beautiful sight to behold.

Upon disembarking from the ropeway, you will be greeted by numerous stairs up the slope. These will take you to Aizendo (a hall which houses a god for matchmaking), numerous observation points across the ocean and inland areas, the “black ships” lookout hut (complete with canons), a photo memorial hall and also a “nagomidama” (you pay to throw four disks through hoops in order to get great luck in matchmaking).

The ropeway has a fairly large car park for any visitors, open until 4pm.

Review

Anyone visiting Shimoda has to come to the ropeway and see what it has to offer. The ride up takes only 15 minutes and you get an amazing view on the way up. There are numerous steps when you arrive at the top but the view is definitely worth the short climb.

The first viewpoint you get to overlooks the whole of Shimoda port and the ocean. From here it is possible to see where the “black ships” arrived when Perry demanded that Japan open its port. There are also a few monuments at this area too to take photos at.

At the top sits Aizendo, a small Buddhist hall which is used to pray for luck in matchmaking. Here you can find the “nagomidama”, small disks that you throw through hoops in order to get good luck for your matchmaking. These cost money so if you wish to purchase them then pick up the bundle of four and drop the money in the collection box. Head over to the hoops and throw them. You’re supposed to get it through the loop to make it hit the rock on the other side. At the back there are also some cute frog statues.

Head to your left and you’ll come across a monument with a view overlooking Shimoda. Stop to take some pictures before heading to the photo memorial hall. This was closed due to the pandemic when I visited so I’m not able to write a review for the hall itself. Beside it are canons overlooking the port. Take the route back to the ropeway and make your way down.

There is a small gift shop at the bottom. I rarely buy souvenirs, however the mikan cider (orange soda) is exceptionally good! I definitely recommend buying it if you’re here.

Discounts are available for people with disabilities, however as there are a number of steps which make it difficult to physically get around (for the physical disabilities) I did not include this in the price.

ADDRESS

Shimoda Ropeway,
1 Chome-3-2 Higashihongo,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0035

+81558221211 (Japanese only)
http://www.ropeway.co.jp/english%20language/english.html (simple English website available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Shimoda Ropeway provides a free car park for you to use if driving by car. To use public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Shimoda Station. You can walk to the ropeway from the station.