One of the Best Place to Settle Down in Japan: Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Key Advantages of Living in Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Have you ever considered moving to Japan? In Japan, we’ve got variety of places to settle down but today, I will introduce you to one of the best places to live in in terms of its accessibility from Tokyo area, plenty of nature, and the warmth of people who lives in the city: Shimoda city, Shizuoka prefecture.

Shimoda City, located in Shizuoka Prefecture on the Izu Peninsula, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. There are some of significant advantages of living in Shimoda.

Stunning beaches

Beaches in Shimoda offer tropical-like escape without leaving  the country. The beaches got white, powdery sand, and crystal clear turquoise blue water. Some of the beaches are surrounded by cliffs or framed by lush green hills. These scenary feels really cinematic.

Relaxed, slower pace of life

Compare to big cities like Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka, Shimoda is surrounded by stunning nature and it offers a quieter and a peaceful lifestyle once you settle down. I believe that Shimoda is an ideal place for those who are tired of the stressful urban life.

Mild climate

When it comes to climate, the weather in Shimoda is relatively mild year-round. The temperature in winter time is not harsh, and during the summer time, temperature is moderate by ocean breezes. 

Easy access to Tokyo

In spite of its rural charm, the access from Tokyo to Shimoda is not quite bad. You can use the JP Odoriko or Saphir Odoriko  limited express trains, it only takes about 2~2 and half hour.

Fresh seafood and local produce

If you are a big fan of seafood, living in Shimoda will be the best choice! Being a coastal city, Shimoda has access to increasingly fresh seafood. You can even purchase some fresh seafood at the local markets with much cheaper prices compared to the Tokyo area.

Recommended Coastal Areas in Shimoda to Settle Down

As I was born and raised in Shimoda city, I will present 3 regions in Shimoda city where so many people come and visit to feel its beautiful nature every year and decide to settle down either as a whole family or individually.

Nabeta Beach Area

As some of you might already know, Shimoda City is widely known for its splendid scenery of nature, especially the beach. There are nine beaches in the city but here in this column, I picked three of them for those who want to live close to these beautiful beaches but still want to live in a place with good accessibility to the city centre.

First but not least,  “Nabeta Beach” is a charming and tranquil coastal spot loved by both many locals and foreign visitors. The emerald green water and picturesque surroundings are offering a perfect setting for relaxation and having a stroll along the shore.

Furthermore, as the closest beach to the city center, Nabeta beach area is quite popular for those who consider moving to Shimoda as a whole family. Nabeta beach area in Shimoda is increasingly appealing to people looking to move to the region, especially those seeking a tropical and peaceful coastal lifestyle with easy access to the city center.

Irita Beach Area

Iritahama Beach is located in the south part of Shimoda city, and is popular for its pristine white sands and crystal clear waters. It even got a tropical ambience. The coastline is surrounded by cycad trees which enhance the beach’s exotic vibe. Moreover, while other beaches in Shimoda offer excellent conditions for surfing, Iritahama Beach separates surfers from swimmers, just to ensure safety for all visitors.

Although you need a short taxi ride (about 8 min) or bus from Izukyu Shimoda station and the city center,  it’s still worth visiting and settling down since there is an amazing pizza place and bar to enjoy both the meal with drinks and its speechless scenery.

Kisami Ohama Beach Area 

Kisami Ohama Beach is located south of Shimoda city and it offers a 770m stretch of white sandy beach. It’s quite popular among people who engage in surfing since the beach provides great conditions for both swimming and surfing.

The beach is not just a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy summer activities, but also an attractive place to live nearby, especially for those who seek a laid-back lifestyle in a coastal community. 

Actually, The Kisami area has attracted artists, writers, surfers, and remote workers. Many of them run cozy and relaxing cafes, lodges, or guesthouses. In addition to that, there is an international community in the Kisami Ohama area and a lot of people from around the world have already settled down.

Around the beach you will find bohemian-style cafes, surf shops and guesthouses and not only that, property near Kisami tends to be more affordable compared to bigger coastal areas like Kamakura, Shonan or Atami.

Sharing Information about moving in Shimoda City 

If you are interested and curious to know more about living in Shimoda city and need personal assistance, “the Shimoda Life portal” offers some useful resources such as online consultations and customized relocation tours throughout the year. (HP: https://shimoda-life.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Engaging with this service will provide you with a great opportunity to facilitate your move for sure.

Embracing Your Life in Shimoda!

Let’s enjoy Shimoda’s beautiful nature, engaging with its rich cultural tapestry. You’ll be amazed once you become part of a community that provides you a relaxed coastal lifestyle!