Perry Road & Ryosenji Temple, Shimoda
ペリーロード・了仙寺
The stone-paved old town of Shimoda, where the Black Ships arrived, linking willow-lined streets, black-and-white “sea cucumber” wall houses, and Ryosenji Temple, where the treaty was signed.
Shimoda was one of the first ports opened after the Japan–US Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1854. Perry Road is the route Commodore Perry's party took from the harbor to Ryosenji Temple. Today it is paved with stone slabs along the Hirakawa River. Willows line both sides, and cafés and galleries occupy former black-and-white checkered “sea cucumber” wall houses. The street is especially atmospheric after the lanterns are lit in the evening. At the end of the road stands Ryosenji Temple, where the Shimoda Treaty was signed. It houses a Black Ship Museum, and in May and June American jasmine blooms throughout the temple grounds. The old town is free to visit. Admission to the Ryosenji Temple museum is charged, and it is open roughly 8:30 to 17:00. It is about a 15-minute walk from Izu-Kyukyo-Shimoda Station.
Opening hours
Open all day; Ryōsen-ji about 08:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Mount Nesugata & Shimoda Ropeway
- Shirahama Ohama Beach
- Kawazu Cherry Blossom Avenue
- Kawazu Seven Waterfalls
- Old Amagi Tunnel
- Joren Falls
- Dogashima & Tensodo Cave
- Mount Omuro