How do I get to Shimoda Water Port Ferry Terminal from Shimoda Station?

The terminal is located approximately 2.5 kilometers from Shimoda Station. You can take a local bus that runs regularly throughout the day, with the journey taking around 10 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi ride takes about 5 minutes and costs roughly ¥1,000 to ¥1,500. Some visitors also choose to walk along the scenic waterfront route, which takes approximately 30 minutes.

What types of ferry services are available at the terminal?

The terminal offers several ferry options including standard passenger ferries to nearby coastal destinations, sightseeing cruises along the Izu Peninsula's dramatic coastline, and glass-bottom boats for viewing marine life. Popular routes include coastal cruises that explore sea caves and rock formations, as well as services connecting to nearby islands. Ferry types and schedules vary seasonally, so checking availability in advance is recommended.

How much do ferry tickets cost?

Ferry ticket prices depend on the route and type of vessel you choose. Standard coastal sightseeing cruises typically cost between ¥1,000 and ¥2,500 per person. Longer excursions to outer islands or specialized glass-bottom boat tours may cost more. Children usually receive discounted rates, often at 50% of the adult fare. Group discounts may also be available for parties of 15 or more passengers.

Do I need to make reservations in advance?

While walk-up tickets are often available during off-peak periods, advance reservations are strongly recommended during high season, which includes Japanese national holidays, Golden Week (late April to early May), summer vacation (July and August), and autumn foliage season. Reservations can typically be made online, by phone, or through travel agencies. Popular cruises can sell out, especially on weekends and holidays.

Are there English-speaking services and information available?

The terminal provides English signage at ticketing counters and in waiting areas to assist international visitors. Basic information about ferry schedules and routes is available in English, though staff may have limited English proficiency. Some ferry operators offer audio guides or pamphlets in English for sightseeing cruises. Having your destination written in Japanese or using a translation app can be helpful for smoother communication.

Shizuoka

Shimoda Water Port Ferry Terminal

4.4 (22)Transit StationTransportation ServicePoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Mar 30, 2026

The Shimoda Water Port Ferry Terminal serves as the primary maritime gateway to Shimoda, a historic port city located on the southeastern coast of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. This terminal plays a vital role in connecting Shimoda with the surrounding islands and coastal areas, maintaining the city's centuries-old tradition as an important harbor. The facility operates modern ferry services that link the mainland with nearby destinations, offering both transportation and scenic cruising experiences across the waters of Sagami Bay.

Shimoda itself holds profound historical significance as one of Japan's first ports opened to foreign trade following Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in 1854. The terminal area reflects this maritime heritage, though the current facility is a modern structure designed to accommodate contemporary ferry operations. The waterfront location provides passengers with views of the surrounding Izu coastline, characterized by dramatic cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and the meeting point of warm and cool ocean currents that create rich marine ecosystems.

Visitors using the terminal can access various ferry routes that explore the coastal beauty of the Izu region. The most popular services include sightseeing cruises that navigate along the rugged shoreline, passing sea caves, rock formations, and secluded beaches. Some routes offer excursions to nearby islands or connect to other port towns along the peninsula. The ferries themselves range from standard passenger vessels to glass-bottom boats that allow observation of underwater marine life. The terminal building provides basic amenities including waiting areas, ticketing counters, and information services with English signage available for international travelers.

The terminal is located approximately 2.5 kilometers from Shimoda Station, accessible by local bus services that run regularly throughout the day or by taxi in about 5 minutes. From Tokyo, visitors can reach Shimoda via the Odoriko limited express train, which takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. Ferry ticket prices vary depending on the route and vessel type, with standard coastal cruises typically ranging from ¥1,000 to ¥2,500 per person. Advanced reservations are recommended during peak seasons, particularly during Japanese national holidays and summer months when coastal tourism reaches its highest volume.

Overview

Address

Japan

Traveler reviews

Due to my work, I often drive to Shimoda these days, and I've been stopping by Shimoda Port for rest breaks. The roadside station adjacent to the port has a spacious parking lot, and it's adjacent to the parking lot on the port side, so it's great that I can park comfortably either way. All I can see are fishermen casting their lines, as well as pleasure boats resembling the Black Ships and Japan Coast Guard vessels. Surrounded by the sound of the waves, I naturally savor the unique atmosphere of a port town. The parking lot on the port side in particular is filled with a sense of openness, and I always enjoy spending time there feeling the sea breeze. Shimoda Port is known as the site where Perry's fleet arrived in 1854 and where the Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States and Japan was signed. This port, which was the stage for the history of Japan's opening to the world, still has pleasure boats modeled after the Black Ships quietly moored there, quietly passing on the memories of the past.

TA S

Mar 14, 2026

Located near the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, Shimoda Port flourished as a port of call for ships bound for Edo (present-day Tokyo) since the Edo period, with 3,000 ships worth 1,000 koku entering the port every year. It was the first port in Japan to be opened to the public, and Perry's black ships also dropped anchor in Shimoda Bay.

為五郎

Dec 23, 2019

It's a calm, small port. It's quite moving to think that the Black Ships came here. It's just over a five-minute taxi ride from the station. There is a bus, but we took a shortcut since we had time to tour Shimoda Port. The Black Ship tour around Shimoda Port was also great. The locals were also incredibly kind. And my personal surprise was seeing a Japan Coast Guard ship up close. You can see JMSDF ships in Yokosuka, but this was my first time seeing a Japan Coast Guard ship. And it was in the middle of being cleaned. It may not be unusual for the locals, but it was a surprise for me personally.