About
Panoramic view from Mount Nesugata summit observation deck, overlooking Shimoda Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mount Nesugata (寝姿山, Nesugatayama - meaning "sleeping woman mountain") is a 200-meter summit in Shimoda accessible via the Shimoda Ropeway, offering panoramic views of Shimoda Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the Izu Seven Islands. The mountain earned its poetic name from the ridgeline silhouette that resembles a woman lying on her back. 🔗
The summit combines natural beauty with profound historical significance - from this strategic vantage point, lookouts monitored Commodore Matthew Perry's "Black Ships" in 1854, a pivotal moment that ended Japan's 220-year period of isolation and opened the nation to Western trade. Today, the summit features seasonal flower gardens, the Aizen-Do Buddhist pavilion (a renowned "power spot" for love and fertility), and replica cannons from Perry's fleet positioned at the restored Black Ship Lookout Post. 🔗
Cultural & Religious Significance
Historical Significance: The summit's military history manifests in the strategically placed replica cannons - artillery matching those aboard Commodore Perry's Black Ships - positioned at the restored lookout post originally established by the Tokugawa shogunate in 1849 following the appearance of a British survey ship. 🔗 These cannons remain aimed toward the bay where Perry's fleet anchored in 1854, forcing the signing of the Japan-US Treaty of Peace and Amity at nearby Ryosen-ji Temple on March 31, which opened the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American ships. 🔗
Aizen-Do Buddhist Pavilion: At the center of the summit promenade stands the Aizen-Do, a vibrant octagonal Buddhist hall that is a 2/3-scale replica of the famous Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) at Horyu-ji Temple in Nara. 🔗 This pavilion is dedicated to Aizen Myoo (Ragaraja), the Buddhist deity of love and desire, and houses a statue attributed to the renowned Kamakura-period sculptor Unkei. 🔗 The hall was relocated to Shimoda after the Meiji government's 19th-century policy mandating separation of Buddhism and Shintoism at Kamakura Hachimangu shrine.
This pavilion serves as one of Shimoda's most popular "power spots" (spiritual energy sites) for romance, fertility, and marital harmony.
"Three Great Views of Izu": The summit observation deck is celebrated as one of the "Three Great Views of Izu," showcasing 360-degree panoramas encompassing Shimoda Port (where Perry's Black Ships anchored), the entire downtown area, Cape Suzaki extending into the Pacific Ocean, the Izu Seven Islands on the horizon, and Mount Amagi in the interior. 🔗
Visiting Information
Getting There:
From Izukyu-Shimoda Station:
- Walking: 3-minute walk (approximately 1 minute from the station exit) 🔗
- The ropeway base station is located directly across from the train station, making it one of the most accessible attractions in Shimoda
By Train from Tokyo:
- Izu Kyuko Line: Approximately 2.5 hours from Tokyo 🔗
- The Izukyu-Shimoda Station is the terminal station of the Izu Kyuko Line
By Car:
- Route: Tomei Expressway → Numazu → Shuzenji → Kawazu (Route 414)
- Travel time: Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo 🔗
- Free parking: 35 spaces available in front of the ropeway platform (parking restricted to ropeway users only; may require leaving car keys; lot closes after business hours) 🔗
Ropeway Details:
- Cable length: 540 meters (1,772 feet)
- Vertical rise: 156 meters (512 feet)
- Travel time: 3 minutes 30 seconds 🔗
- Capacity: 41 passengers per gondola
- Frequency: Departures every 15 minutes 🔗
- Operating speed: 3.6 m/s
Operating Hours:
- Daily: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last uphill departure at 4:30 PM) 🔗
- Note: Service suspension scheduled for maintenance on January 15, 2025 (backup date: January 22, 2025)
Admission Fees (Round Trip):
- Adults (junior high school students and above): ¥1,500 🔗
- Children (elementary school students): ¥750 🔗
- Payment methods: Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments accepted
- Discount options: JAF membership discounts and combination tickets with other Shimoda attractions available 🔗
Best Time to Visit:
- Time of day: Morning visits offer the best visibility for panoramic views 🔗
- Season: Clear, sunny days provide optimal viewing conditions; avoid weekends and public holidays for fewer crowds 🔗
- November conditions: Pleasant weather (36°F-70°F), lower humidity, quieter than summer peak season 🔗
Typical Visit Duration:
- Summit stay: 1 hour recommended (including strolling the gardens, observation decks, and Aizen-Do pavilion) 🔗
- Total visit: 1.5-2 hours including ropeway rides
The Experience
Summit Observation Decks: The observation platforms provide breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views encompassing Shimoda Port (where Perry's Black Ships anchored), the entire downtown area, Cape Suzaki extending into the Pacific Ocean, the Izu Seven Islands on the horizon, and Mount Amagi in the interior. 🔗 On exceptionally clear days, Mount Fuji becomes visible in the distance. Multiple viewing spots around the summit offer variations of the same spectacular vantage points. 🔗
Aizen-Do Buddhist Pavilion (Love Power Spot): This vibrant octagonal hall serves as one of Shimoda's most popular "power spots" (spiritual energy sites) for romance, fertility, and marital harmony. 🔗
Visitor Experience:
- Purchase heart-shaped wooden ema (prayer plaques) at the directly managed shop "shopSaku" 🔗
- Write wishes for love, marriage, or children on the ema (in any language)
- Hang the ema at the dedication area (ema-gake) within the pavilion precincts 🔗
- Optional ritual: Throw small unglazed clay discs (nagomidama) through a hoop for good fortune and to achieve "wa" (peace and harmony)
- General temple etiquette applies: bow before entering, purify hands and mouth at the water basin if available, offer a coin, and pray quietly 🔗
Historical Military Features: Black Ship Lookout Post: The restored observation post originally established by the Tokugawa shogunate in 1849 marks the site where guards monitored foreign vessels approaching Shimoda's strategic harbor. 🔗
Replica Cannons: Artillery matching the specifications of cannons aboard Commodore Perry's Black Ships remain positioned and aimed toward the bay, serving as powerful tangible reminders of the military pressure that forced Japan's opening to Western trade in 1854. 🔗 Interpretive historical information boards provide context about this transformative period in Japanese history.
Flower Park and Gardens: The summit's beautifully manicured nature park showcases seasonal flowers year-round, though the most vibrant displays appear in spring and early summer. 🔗
November Blooms:
- Late-blooming chrysanthemums (kiku)
- Cosmos flowers (akizakura)
- Early camellias (tsubaki)
- Narcissuses and wild peonies
The gardens provide peaceful walking paths with benches positioned to maximize the coastal views.
Summit Facilities:
- Royal House Restaurant & Cafe: Meals, coffee, and light refreshments with panoramic views (rated 4.1/5 on Tripadvisor, ranked #38 of 162 Shimoda restaurants) 🔗
- shopSaku: Gift shop selling Aizen-Do amulets, ema prayer plaques, and local souvenirs 🔗
- Restroom facilities: Available at the summit 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
November Seasonal Considerations:
Weather Conditions:
- November temperatures in Shimoda range from 36°F to 70°F (2°C to 21°C) with 66% average humidity 🔗
- Precipitation averages 86.73mm - pack a light rain jacket
- Weather described as "perfect for sightseeing around the city" 🔗
- Clear November days provide exceptional visibility across the bay and to the Izu Islands
Crowd Levels:
- November falls outside Shimoda's peak season (summer) and major holidays (New Year's, Golden Week, Obon) 🔗
- Expect "quiet atmosphere" typical of Shimoda's off-peak periods 🔗
- Weekday visits (November 8-9) will be less crowded than weekends
Photography & Viewing Spots:
Best Photo Locations:
- Main observation deck (east-facing): Captures Shimoda Port, Perry's anchorage site, and Izu Seven Islands
- Western viewing platform: Mount Amagi and inland Izu Peninsula views
- Near historical cannons: Combines military history with harbor backdrop
- Aizen-Do pavilion: Architectural details with Pacific Ocean background
Pro Tips:
- Bring a telephoto lens or binoculars for distant island and Mount Fuji views
- Morning haze typically clears by 10:00 AM for maximum visibility
- Video the ropeway ascent for dynamic perspectives of Shimoda town below
Crowd Avoidance Strategies:
- Arrive at 9:00 AM opening for nearly private viewing experience
- November weekdays significantly quieter than summer weekends 🔗
- Avoid Japanese national holidays if any overlap with visit dates
- The 15-minute ropeway frequency prevents long wait times even during busier periods
Money-Saving Options:
- JAF membership: Presents discounts on ropeway tickets 🔗
- Combination tickets: Check for passes including Renjo Memorial Photography Museum (adult combo: ¥1,200, child: ¥600) 🔗
- Izu Mankitsu Free Pass: 2025 pass includes Shimoda Ropeway half-price benefit 🔗
- Discount coupons: Available through Asoview! (10% discount) and other online platforms 🔗
Local Etiquette & Cultural Preparation:
Aizen-Do Pavilion Etiquette:
- Standard temple protocols: Bow before entering, maintain quiet demeanor
- Ema writing: No specific format required; any language acceptable; personal details optional 🔗
- Respectful behavior around prayer areas and shrine objects
- Offerings (coins) customary but not mandatory
General Considerations:
- Remove hats and maintain respectful distance from worshippers at Aizen-Do
- Keep voices low in contemplative garden areas
- Follow directional signs and designated walking paths
- Dispose of trash in provided receptacles or carry out
Weather & Seasonal Preparation:
- Layered clothing (morning coolness, midday warmth)
- Light windbreaker or jacket (summit exposed to ocean breezes)
- Comfortable walking shoes (paved paths but some inclines in gardens)
- Rain protection (light jacket or umbrella) - November precipitation averages 86.73mm 🔗
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses) for clear days on exposed observation decks
Nearby Attractions
Perry Road (10-minute walk): Historic cobblestone street along a canal connecting the ropeway area to Ryosen-ji Temple, lined with willows, cafes, boutiques, and Perry-themed shops. The walk takes less than 10 minutes end-to-end. 🔗
Ryosen-ji Temple (Gyokusen-ji): Founded in 1590, this Zen temple served as America's first consulate in Japan (established 1856) and home to Consul General Townsend Harris. Site where the Japan-US Treaty of Peace and Amity (Shimoda Treaty) was signed on March 31, 1854. 15-minute walk from ropeway station. 🔗
Shimoda Park (Shimoda Koen): Massive hillside park overlooking the bay with wooded trails and famous for its Hydrangea Festival (Ajisai Festival) in summer. Accessible by walking east from Perry Road and climbing steps into the hillside. 🔗
Cape Tsumekizaki (Tsumekizaki): Scenic cape extending into the Pacific Ocean, visible from Mount Nesugata summit, offering coastal walking trails and dramatic ocean views. 🔗
Important Notes
Operational Status:
- Maintenance closure: January 15, 2025 (backup date: January 22, 2025) - does not affect November 8-9 visit dates
- Verify current operating hours before visit, as seasonal adjustments may occur
- Weather-dependent operations: Ropeway may suspend service during high winds or severe weather
Accessibility:
- Specific wheelchair accessibility information not confirmed in available sources
- Recommend contacting Shimoda Ropeway directly (TEL: 0558-22-1211) for detailed accessibility inquiries 🔗
- Summit facilities (restaurant, restrooms, shops) located at ropeway station level
Parking Restrictions:
- Free 35-space lot restricted to ropeway users only
- May require leaving car keys with staff
- Lot closes after business hours - retrieve vehicle before 5:00 PM closing 🔗
Photography:
- Drone usage prohibited during business hours 🔗
- Standard photography permitted throughout summit areas with standard temple etiquette at Aizen-Do
Historical Context: The viewing experience from Mount Nesugata cannot be separated from its profound historical significance. Standing at the same lookout post where Tokugawa shogunate guards first observed Perry's ominous Black Ships in 1854 provides visceral connection to a transformative moment in Japanese history - the end of 220 years of isolation and the beginning of Japan's rapid modernization into a global power.
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/izu-peninsula/mount-nesugata.md