Shimoda Hot Spring, Shizuoka Prefecture Complete Guide | Spring Quality, Day Trips, Accommodation Information 2026 Edition
Shimoda Hot Spring, located at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a hot spring resort boasting a beautiful coastline and abundant hot spring water. Did you know that “Shimoda Hot Spring” is not a single hot spring, but rather a general term for multiple hot springs scattered throughout Shimoda City? This article comprehensively introduces everything you need to know before visiting, from the full picture of Shimoda Hot Spring to the characteristics of each hot spring area, day-trip bathing facilities, and recommended hot spring inns.
Shimoda Hot Spring | A Collective Term for 5 Hot Springs
Shimoda Hot Spring is a collective term for five hot springs that well up in Shimoda City: Rentaiji Hot Spring, Kawachi Hot Spring, Shirahama Hot Spring, Kannon Hot Spring, and Aidama Hot Spring. Each possesses different spring qualities and characteristics, with a long history of hot springs being woven into the daily lives of local residents.
Shimoda is a historic port town where Commodore Perry’s Black Ships arrived in the late Edo period, and has developed as a tourist destination where you can enjoy both hot springs and historical culture. Currently featuring numerous beautiful beaches including Shirahama Ohama Beach, which boasts the popularity as Izu’s top attraction, the area has become a resort destination with a tropical atmosphere, with modern resort hotels lined along the coast.
History and Development of Shimoda Hot Spring
The history of Shimoda’s hot springs is ancient, with Rentaiji Hot Spring in particular being known as a thermal cure resort since the Edo period. After the Meiji Restoration, as the area became a tourist destination due to the Black Ships’ arrival, development as a hot spring resort also progressed. During the Showa period, resort development centered on the Shirahama area advanced, resulting in its current form.
Throughout the city, foot baths and hand baths have been established, allowing both tourists and local residents to easily experience hot springs. The area is blessed with abundant hot spring water, with many accommodations possessing their own private springs, making it a region rich in hot spring resources.
Characteristics of the 5 Hot Springs Comprising Shimoda Hot Spring
Rentaiji Hot Spring | Historic Thermal Cure Resort
Located approximately 3 km northeast of Shimoda City Center, Rentaiji Hot Spring is the oldest hot spring area in Shimoda Hot Spring.
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring (Alkaline simple hot spring)
Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, contusions, sprains, chronic digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, post-illness recovery period, fatigue recovery, health promotion
Rentaiji Hot Spring is positioned in a quiet mountainous area where you can enjoy hot springs in a serene atmosphere. The spring quality is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for long-term stays for thermal cure purposes. Historic Rentaiji Temple is also within walking distance, offering enjoyable walking tours.
Kawachi Hot Spring | Secret Hot Spring in Lush Mountains
Located northwest of Shimoda City Center, Kawachi Hot Spring is a quiet hot spring area nestled in verdant mountains.
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue recovery
Kawachi Hot Spring is a relatively small-scale hot spring area with a secret-spring atmosphere. Surrounded by nature, it is recommended for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend time leisurely.
Shirahama Hot Spring | Resort Hot Spring Overlooking the Sea
Spreading along the Shirahama Beach coast at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, Shirahama Hot Spring is the most glamorous resort area in Shimoda Hot Spring.
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring, Sodium chloride spring
Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, cold sensitivity, fatigue recovery, cuts, burns, chronic skin diseases
The greatest appeal of Shirahama Hot Spring is undoubtedly the wonderful views. Resort hotels built on elevated areas or along the coast offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, and the sight of the horizon and sunset from outdoor baths is exceptional. Shirahama Ohama Beach boasts high transparency and attracts many swimmers in summer.
Kannon Hot Spring | Excellent Hot Spring with Strong Alkalinity
Located in Yokogawa, Shimoda City, Kannon Hot Spring is characterized by its strongly alkaline spring quality with a pH exceeding 9.5.
Spring Quality: Strongly alkaline simple hot spring
Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, contusions, sprains, chronic digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, post-illness recovery period, fatigue recovery, health promotion, chronic skin diseases, chronic gynecological diseases, cuts, diabetes
Kannon Hot Spring permits drinking of the spring water and is known as “beautiful skin hot spring.” The strongly alkaline quality leaves skin smooth and supple, making it particularly popular with women. The secret-spring atmosphere with privately sourced hot spring water flowing directly is also appealing.
Aidama Hot Spring | Small Hot Spring by the Sea
Located in Susaki, Shimoda City, Aidama Hot Spring is a small-scale hot spring area close to the sea.
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue recovery
Aidama Hot Spring, while relatively unknown, is beloved by local residents. Positioned near the sea, it allows visitors to experience the ambiance of a fishing port.
Spring Quality and Benefits of Shimoda Hot Spring | Understanding Hot Spring Characteristics
The five hot springs comprising Shimoda Hot Spring each possess different spring qualities, but can be broadly classified into simple hot springs and strongly alkaline simple hot springs.
Characteristics of Simple Hot Springs
Rentaiji, Kawachi, Shirahama, and Aidama hot springs are primarily simple hot springs. Simple hot springs contain relatively few minerals and cause minimal irritation to skin, making them safe for elderly people, children, and those with sensitive skin to bathe in.
Main Benefits:
- Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain
- Cold sensitivity
- Fatigue recovery
- Health promotion
Colorless and transparent with no particular odor, they are suitable for prolonged bathing. They are also well-suited for thermal cure purposes, and through slowly warming the body, blood circulation is promoted, allowing for improvement in various conditions.
Characteristics of Strongly Alkaline Simple Hot Springs
Strongly alkaline simple hot springs, represented by Kannon Hot Spring, have high pH values and can soften old dead skin cells on the skin. Therefore, they are often called “beautiful skin hot springs” or “beauty hot springs,” and after bathing, skin feels smooth and supple.
Main Benefits:
- In addition to simple hot spring benefits
- Chronic skin diseases
- Chronic gynecological diseases
- Diabetes
Drinking of the spring water is sometimes possible, allowing the benefits of the hot spring to be taken in from within. However, as the effect on skin is strong, those with sensitive skin should adjust bathing time and take precautions.
Day-Trip Hot Spring Facilities in Shimoda Hot Spring | Convenient Hot Spring Spots to Enjoy Casually
The Shimoda Hot Spring area has abundant day-trip bathing facilities where you can enjoy hot springs without staying overnight. We introduce facilities you can casually visit between sightseeing or after swimming.
1. Hamabe-no-Yu Shimoda-so
A day-trip hot spring facility with a location close to Shirahama Beach, allowing you to bathe while viewing the sea. The view from the outdoor bath is spectacular, with bathing at sunset particularly recommended.
Operating Hours: 13:00～20:00 (Last reception 19:30)
Fee: Around 1,500 yen for adults
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
2. Shimoda Shurakuhotel
A hotel conveniently located near Shimoda City Center that also welcomes day-trip bathers. With a spacious public bath and outdoor bath, you can enjoy hot springs at your leisure.
Operating Hours: 14:00～18:00
Fee: 1,000～1,500 yen for adults
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
3. Izumi-so
An established ryokan in Rentaiji Hot Spring where day-trip bathing is possible. In a historic building with a serene atmosphere, you can enjoy hot springs leisurely.
Operating Hours: Inquire
Fee: Around 1,000 yen for adults
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
4. Senin-buro Kanaya Ryokan
A ryokan known for the “Thousand-Person Bath,” a famous landmark of Rentaiji Hot Spring. The large public bath constructed entirely of Japanese cypress is impressive and can be used for day trips.
Operating Hours: 11:00～14:00
Fee: 1,500 yen for adults
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
5. Showa-yu
A public bathhouse in Shimoda City Center beloved by local residents. Enjoy hot springs casually at reasonable rates.
Operating Hours: 15:00～22:00
Fee: Around 500 yen for adults
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
6. Kurofu-ne Hotel
A hotel positioned on a high plateau overlooking Shimoda Port, featuring hot springs with excellent views. Day-trip bathing plans are also available.
Operating Hours: 14:00～18:00
Fee: 1,200 yen and up for adults
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
7. Shimoda Yamato-kan
Located in Shimoda City Center, it is characterized by a picturesque bathhouse using Izu stone. Day-trip bathing is accepted and the location is convenient for visitors to drop in between sightseeing.
Operating Hours: Inquire
Fee: 1,000 yen and up for adults
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
8. Shimoda Bay Kurosio
A resort hotel built on a high plateau overlooking Shimoda Bay, with exceptional views from the observation public bath. Day-trip bathing plans include meal sets.
Operating Hours: 14:00～17:00
Fee: 1,500 yen and up for adults
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
9. Quahouse Ishibashi Ryokan
Located in Rentaiji Hot Spring, it is a health promotion facility utilizing hot springs. With various types of baths, even day trips offer a fulfilling hot spring experience.
Operating Hours: Inquire
Fee: 1,000 yen and up for adults
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
Recommended Accommodation in Shimoda Hot Spring | Enjoying Hot Springs by Staying Overnight
The Shimoda Hot Spring area offers a variety of hot spring accommodations. From ocean-view resort hotels to historic hot spring inns, you can choose according to your purpose and budget.
Shimoda Tokyu Hotel
A full-fledged resort hotel located on a high plateau of Shirahama Beach. All rooms offer ocean views, allowing you to take in sweeping Pacific Ocean vistas.
Features:
- Outdoor bath overlooking the sea
- Beautiful gardens spreading across vast grounds
- Comprehensive restaurant facilities
- Resort facilities including tennis courts and pools
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Izukyu Shimoda Station; shuttle bus available
Within walking distance of Shirahama Ohama Beach, it is particularly popular during the summer swimming season. Recommended for those wishing to fully enjoy a resort atmosphere.
Shimoda View Hotel
A hotel built on a high plateau overlooking Tata Beach, featuring spectacular views as its main appeal.
Features:
- All guest rooms offer sea views
- Magnificent panorama from the observation outdoor bath
- Within walking distance of surfing spots
- Casual resort hotel atmosphere
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from Izukyu Shimoda Station
Popular among surfers, it suits those wishing to spend time actively.
Shimoda Shurakuhotel
A hotel with convenient location near Shimoda City Center, ideal as a sightseeing base.
Features:
- Excellent location within walking distance of Shimoda Station
- Spacious public bath and outdoor bath
- Abundant in-hotel facilities
- Reasonable pricing
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Izukyu Shimoda Station; shuttle available
With good access to Shimoda’s sightseeing spots, recommended for those prioritizing sightseeing.
Shimoda Bay Kurosio
A hotel built on a high plateau overlooking Shimoda Bay, where you can also enjoy the nightscape of Shimoda City Center.
Features:
- Observation public bath with panoramic views of Shimoda Bay
- Beautiful nightscape
- Convenient for sightseeing, located near Shimoda Port
- Highly-rated meals
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
Access: Approximately 5 minutes by car from Izukyu Shimoda Station; shuttle available
Particularly recommended for those prioritizing views and cuisine.
Hotel Yamada-ya
An established ryokan in Rentaiji Hot Spring where you can feel history and tradition.
Features:
- Historic ryokan founded in the Meiji period
- Serene atmosphere of pure Japanese style
- Privately sourced hot spring water flowing directly
- Attentive hospitality
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Izukyu Rentaiji Station
Recommended for those wishing to experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn and those who prefer to spend time peacefully.
Kannon Hot Spring (Accommodations)
A one-inn facility with its own private hot spring source, where you can fully savor strongly alkaline hot spring water.
Features:
- Strongly alkaline hot spring with pH exceeding 9.5
- Drinking of spring water possible
- Quiet environment surrounded by nature
- Hot spring with high beauty-enhancing effects
Spring Quality: Strongly alkaline simple hot spring
Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Izukyu Shimoda Station; shuttle available
Particularly recommended for those prioritizing hot spring quality and those seeking beauty-enhancing effects.
Shimoda Kaihama Hotel
A hotel in the Izuuen Hotels group offering hot springs and resort atmosphere at reasonable rates.
Features:
- All-you-can-drink and all-you-can-eat plans are popular
- High cost performance
- Location near the sea
- Casual atmosphere
Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Izukyu Shimoda Station; shuttle available
Recommended for those wishing to enjoy a hot spring vacation within budget and for group travels.
Access Methods to Shimoda Hot Spring
Shimoda Hot Spring is accessible by various methods including train, car, and bus.
Access by Train
From Tokyo:
- JR Tokyo Station → (Tokaido Shinkansen) → Atami Station → (Ito Line / Izukyu Line) → Izukyu Shimoda Station
- Travel time: Approximately 3 hours
- Direct from Tokyo Station using the Limited Express “Odoriko” in approximately 2 hours 40 minutes
From Nagoya:
- JR Nagoya Station → (Tokaido Shinkansen) → Atami Station → (Ito Line / Izukyu Line) → Izukyu Shimoda Station
- Travel time: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
From Izukyu Shimoda Station, travel to each hot spring area by bus or taxi. Many accommodations offer shuttle service from the station.
Access by Car
From Tokyo:
- Tomei Expressway → Numazu IC → Route 414 → Shimoda
- Travel time: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours
From Nagoya:
- Tomei Expressway → Numazu IC → Route 414 → Shimoda
- Travel time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
With the opening of the Izu Longitudinal Expressway, access has become more convenient than before. However, traffic congestion is likely during summer and holidays, so we recommend planning with time to spare.
Access by Bus
High-speed buses operate from Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, Yokohama Station, and other locations to Shimoda.
From Tokyo Station:
- Travel time: Approximately 4 hours
- Fare: Around 3,000～4,000 yen one-way
Since there is no need to change, it is convenient when you have much luggage or prefer to travel comfortably.
Sightseeing Spots Around Shimoda Hot Spring
When visiting Shimoda Hot Spring, enjoy the surrounding sightseeing spots as well.
Perry Road
A stone-paved path continuing from Shimoda Port to Ryousenji Temple, the route Commodore Perry himself walked in the late Edo period. The willow-lined path and stone pavement create an atmospheric landscape with cafes and souvenir shops along the way. Recommended for leisurely strolls.
Shirahama Ohama Beach
One of Izu’s largest beaches, characterized by beautifully transparent seawater. In summer, it attracts many swimmers. Easily accessible on foot from Shirahama Hot Spring accommodations.
Shimoda Aquarium
An aquarium floating in Shimoda Bay, popular for dolphin and sea lion shows. The exhibition method unique to a floating facility is distinctive, making it recommended for families.
Neyasugata-yama Natural Park
A mountain accessible by ropeway, offering views of Shimoda City Center and Shimoda Bay from the summit. The views are particularly spectacular at dusk, making it popular with couples.
Tsume-no-Kizaki
A peninsula at the tip of the Izu Peninsula where 3 million narcissus blossoms bloom from late December to early February. The landscape of the lighthouse, narcissus, and sea is spectacular.
Points for Enjoying Shimoda Hot Spring
Best Season
Shimoda Hot Spring can be enjoyed throughout the year, though the best season varies by purpose.
Summer (July～August): Peak season when you can enjoy both swimming and hot springs. However, it becomes crowded.
Winter (December～February): Narcissus blooming season when Tsume-no-Kizaki is beautiful. You can enjoy hot springs leisurely.
Spring and Autumn: Mild weather optimal for sightseeing. Relatively uncrowded.
Booking Tips
Popular accommodations require early reservations. Especially in summer, holidays, and year-end/new year periods, reservations fill months in advance. Day-trip hot spring facilities also become congested on weekends and holidays, so weekday use is recommended.
What to Bring
- Towel (rental or purchase available at day-trip facilities)
- Swimsuit (when enjoying swimming)
- Sunscreen (in summer)
- Comfortable walking shoes (for sightseeing walks)
Local Cuisine
Shimoda is abundant in seafood. Particularly, simmered kinmedai (golden eye snapper) is a specialty dish of Shimoda. Fresh seafood rice bowls and spiny lobster are also available. At hot spring inn dinners, savor dishes prepared with local ingredients.
Conclusion | Refreshing Body and Mind at Shimoda Hot Spring
Shimoda Hot Spring in Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a captivating hot spring resort composed of 5 different hot spring areas. With diverse spring qualities from simple hot springs to strongly alkaline hot springs, you can enjoy each spring’s distinct benefits.
Shirahama Hot Spring where you can simultaneously enjoy beautiful coastlines and hot springs, historic Rentaiji Hot Spring, and Kannon Hot Spring with excellent skin-beautifying effects offer abundant choices to match your purpose. Day-trip bathing facilities are also well-established, allowing you to casually enjoy hot springs between sightseeing activities.
Accommodations with distinctive features such as Shimoda Tokyu Hotel, Shimoda View Hotel, Shimoda Shurakuhotel, Shimoda Bay Kurosio, and Hotel Yamada-ya are all available, allowing you to choose according to budget and purpose.
With good access of about 3 hours from Tokyo, it is ideal for weekend getaways. Why not plan a trip to Shimoda Hot Spring to refresh body and mind, enjoying not only hot springs but also sightseeing spots such as Perry Road and Shirahama Beach, as well as fresh seafood?
