Audio Guide of Monte Nesugata

The most spectacular and fastest way is to take the Shimoda Ropeway from Izukyu-Shimoda Station. The cable car generally operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with departures every 15 minutes, offering a 3-minute ride with incredible views.

Access to the mountain itself is free, but the round-trip cable car ticket costs approximately JPY 1,250 for adults and JPY 620 for children. It is well worth it for the panoramic bay views and access to the summit gardens.

We recommend setting aside between 45 minutes and one hour to enjoy the full experience. That gives you enough time to stroll through the gardens, visit Rendeiji Temple, and take spectacular photos of Shimoda Harbor without rushing.

Besides resembling a sleeping woman—hence its name—this site was a crucial lookout post when Commodore Perry's 'Black Ships' arrived in the 19th century. From here, guards monitored the approach of foreign ships, marking the end of Japan's isolation.

For crisp photos of the 'Shimoda Blue,' clear mornings are ideal. If you are looking for floral beauty, visit in autumn (October to December) to see the blooming 'Little Angel' tibouchina flowers that tint the park purple.

The cable car is accessible, but keep in mind that the summit trails have stairs and natural uneven ground that limit wheelchair movement. It is recommended to enjoy the views from the upper station, but access to the entire park may be difficult.

Once you come down, you are very close to historic Perry Road, a charming canal-side walk with cafés and boutiques. You can also visit Ryosen-ji Temple, where the treaty that opened the Port of Shimoda was signed.

Do not miss the Aizen-do hall at the summit, famous for granting luck in love; try the tradition of throwing a small clay disc (kawarake) through a ring to make a wish come true. And of course, enhance your visit with an audio guide to understand the context of what you are seeing.