Muramatsu Haruo Monument

STATUE

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 monument is found within Shimoda Park, a park famous for its azaleas in spring, hydrangeas in early summer and camellias in winter. It is one of the many monuments celebrating Japan’s opening to the world.

There are two car parks you can use. Either use the Shimoda Park car park or the Perry Road car park.

Review

The statue marks an important part of Japanese history. Whether or not you know the story behind Perry, make sure to visit and read about him on the many signs dotted about the important tourist attractions. They usually have English so feel free to take your time and explore everything!

There isn’t much to do at the monument other than read and take some pictures so make sure to pack more into your itinerary. There are plenty of things to do nearby related to Perry, or just things to do if you’re not bothered about doing a “Perry tour”. Make sure you walk around Shimoda Park as there are plenty of things to do here and it’s a really nice walk!

ADDRESS

Muramatsu Haruo Monument,
18 Sanchome,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0023

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

There is no set car park for the monument, however you are able to use the car park for Shimoda Park. To use public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Shimoda Station. You can walk here from the station.

Monument of Japan’s Opening to the World

STATUE

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 monument is found within Shimoda Park, a park famous for its azaleas in spring, hydrangeas in early summer and camellias in winter. It is one of the many monuments celebrating Japan’s opening to the world. It was erected in May 1958 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Shimoda Port.

There are two car parks you can use. Either use the Shimoda Park car park or the Perry Road car park.

Review

The monument marks an important part of Japanese history. Whether or not you know the story behind Perry, make sure to visit and read about him on the many signs dotted about the important tourist attractions. They usually have English so feel free to take your time and explore everything!

There isn’t much to do at the monument other than read and take some pictures so make sure to pack more into your itinerary. There are plenty of things to do nearby related to Perry, or just things to do if you’re not bothered about doing a “Perry tour”. Make sure you walk around Shimoda Park as there are plenty of things to do here and it’s a really nice walk!

ADDRESS

Monument of Japan’s Opening to The World,
17-11 Sanchome,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0023

+81558223913 (Japanese only)
https://www.city.shimoda.shizuoka.jp/category/100100midokoro/110769.html (English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

There is no set car park for the monument, however you are able to use the car park for Shimoda Park. To use public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Shimoda Station. You can walk here from the station.

Admiral Perry’s Arrival Memorial Stone

STATUE

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.

This memorial stone is a bust of Perry and an anchor donated by the US Navy.

There are two car parks you can use. Either use the Shimoda Park car park or the Perry Road car park.

Review

The statue marks an important part of Japanese history. Whether or not you know the story behind Perry, make sure to visit and read about him on the many signs dotted about the important tourist attractions. They usually have English so feel free to take your time and explore everything!

There isn’t much to do at the statue other than read and take some pictures so make sure to pack more into your itinerary. There are plenty of things to do nearby related to Perry, or just things to do if you’re not bothered about doing a “Perry tour”.

ADDRESS

Admiral Perry’s Arrival Memorial Stone,
6-6 Sanchome,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0023

Phone number unavailable
https://www.city.shimoda.shizuoka.jp/category/100100midokoro/110767.html (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

There is no set car park for the statue, however you are able to use the ones for the other amenities. To use public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Shimoda Station. You can walk here from the station.

Yawatano Kannon

STATUE

Driving along the 135 you may notice a tall white figure facing the ocean. Built in 1982, standing at 12 metres tall and weighing 60 tons, it stands overlooking the ocean almost as if it’s protecting the area. If you have never seen a Buddha statue then I recommend dropping by here if you’re in the area. There is even a soba restaurant next door so you can refuel under the towering statue.

There is a free car park available.

Review

This was an unexpected surprise while driving along the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula. I don’t recommend going out of your way to visit this as there really isn’t that much to see, however it’s a good place to stop by for a few minutes to admire the towering statue tucked between the ocean and the mountains. I’m unsure of why it was made and its importance but it is definitely awe-inspiring to stand below the statue.

ADDRESS

Yawatano Kannon,
Yawatano,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0232

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Yawatano Kannon is easiest to get to by car although if you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Atami to Izu-Kougen on the JR Ito Line. You will need to walk from here to the statue.