By Aoi Travel Video
This video showcases a solo journey to Shimoda during the Hydrangea Festival, one of the seasonal highlights in the Izu area of Shizuoka Prefecture. The trip centers around Shimoda Park, home to an impressive 150,000 hydrangea bushes in full bloom, transforming the park into a sea of color. These vibrant blue, pink, and purple flowers, known as ‘ajisai’ in Japanese, are at their peak during early summer, attracting visitors seeking both natural beauty and tranquility.
The walk continues through the streets of Shimoda, providing a look at the charming townscape against a backdrop of floral displays. The video captures serene views stretching across the city and nearby ocean, offering a calming experience for viewers. Shimoda itself is a historic port town renowned as the site where Commodore Perry and the Black Ships arrived in the 19th century, opening Japan to international relations.
A stroll down Perry Road is also featured, a stone-paved historic street lined with preserved buildings, cafes, and stores, making it a popular sightseeing spot in Shimoda. Notably, the journey includes stops at Kinmeya, a local eatery, and Mt. Nesugata (‘Nesugata-yama’), which offers panoramic views over Shimoda and the coastline. This walking tour video is perfect for anyone interested in Japanese seasonal flowers, tranquil landscapes, and culturally rich small towns in Shizuoka Prefecture.