Word: shimoda
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 2000-2009
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...Trade friction? Racial tension on Okinawa? In Shimoda, the irritants in the modern U.S.-Japan relationship seem far away?Xand that's the idea. "Sometimes the relations between the U.S. and Japan are influenced by emotional feelings and economics," said Ryosenji priest Daiei Matsui. "Shimoda should maintain the human relationship based on cultural understanding." Heady stuff for countries whose common history includes a pair of atomic bombs. But as the bartender testifies, Shimoda represents an altogether different kind of ground zero...
...Peninsula and you'll likely hit an onsen, or hot spring. These naturally occurring geothermic sources are the primary reason Japanese tourists flock to the Izu, and rightly so: the baths, often attached to hotels, make for a stress-killing date with relaxation. Shimoda and its environs boast a number of splendid onsen inns, or ryokan, like the Kannon, 15 kilometers out of town. A room for one including two meals goes for $120 a night. Call (81-55) 828 1234 for reservations. But if you just want to take a dip, hop on the train ride Rendaiji station...
...WORLD Shimoda's floating aquarium would be just another run-of-the-mill m?lange of fish tanks and lazy sea otters were it not for one feature: heavy petting. Of dolphins, that is. The aquarium offers a variety of "dolphin contact" activities like the one I witnessed at the outdoor pool. Five rubber-suited visitors waded hip-deep into the water to touch, rub and coo over a handful of trained dolphins, including one that resembled a small whale. The idea of touching animals with big teeth freaks me out, so I retreated to the relative calm...
...WILD SIDE Had it with history? Go play outside. The Izu west coast offers a variety of outdoor fun. From Shimoda station, take the hour-long bus ride to Dogashima then wind your way down the peninsula toward Irozaki, Izu's southernmost point...
...TRAILBLAZER Why follow someone else's footsteps when you can leave your own? Check out Outdoor Japan's guide to Shimoda for information on nearby beauty spots Mt. Nesugata, Shimoda Park and Shimogamo hot springs...