Audio Guide of Perry Road

Perry Road is a public street, so access is free 24 hours a day, although shops and cafés usually open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is a pleasant 10- to 15-minute walk from Izukyu-Shimoda Station, following the canal.

No, access is completely free since it is a public open-air street. You would only need to pay if you decide to enjoy its charming cafés, visit specific museums, or buy souvenirs in the local boutiques.

A relaxed stroll to enjoy the architecture and the canal usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes. If you plan to stop for a drink or visit Ryosen-ji Temple at the end of the road, we recommend setting aside at least one to one and a half hours.

This street marks the route Commodore Matthew Perry took to the place where the treaty was signed that ended Japan’s isolation in the 19th century. It is a key site for understanding the country’s cultural opening, preserving a unique atmosphere from the Meiji and Taisho eras.

June is spectacular because of the hydrangea festival (Ajisai), but any afternoon is magical. We recommend going shortly before sunset to see the shops open and stay to watch the nostalgic gas lamps light up along the canal.

The main walkway is flat and paved with stone, which allows wheelchair access, although the surface may be uneven in some sections. Keep in mind that, since the buildings are preserved historic structures, some shops and cafés may have steps at the entrance.

At the end of the street you will find the historic Ryosen-ji Temple and its museum. You are also just a few minutes’ walk from Shimoda Park, which offers stunning panoramic views of the bay and harbor.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestones and make sure your camera battery is charged, as the combination of willows, the canal, and the namako walls is very photogenic. If you are looking for peace and quiet, avoid holiday weekends when visitor numbers are usually higher.