Kaitenzushi is a sushi shop where nigirizushi rolls up to you on a conveyer belt and you get to take your pick of Japan's most celebrated culinary tradition. Sakanadonya is on the 2nd floor of Shimoda's Michi-no-eki (road station), right next to the ocean. It doesn't get any fresher than this!

The cuts of fish are huge but if you are on a budget, don't just look at the tasty bites of seafood, make sure to check out the plates.  The dishes are priced according to the color and design of the plates the sushi is layed out on. Check the wall for a plate to yen conversion chart.

Michi-no-eki is located near the port just a little north of the station on the 136, and is also a great place to buy omiyage (souvenirs). You can find it our map here.

Open: 11:00 - 20:00

Price: Dishes from ¥130 to ¥530

Summer is over..... NOT! Actually, the fun has just begun! Today was the last day of work for the lifeguards (aka fun police), parking is now free everywhere (was 1500 yen during the "official" summer season), the crowds are gone, the traffic has unjammed, the best restaurants have seating available, and all the locals are expending a huge exhale before swigging down a cold one...... Yes, anyone who spends much time here will tell you that September is undoubtedly the best time to enjoy Shimoda!

The sea is warm, but contrary to popular belief, there are no jellyfish. Yes, we know Kanagawa (Shonan) jellyfish are taking away all the fun of having a refreshing dip in the ocean, but here in Shimoda I have never *knock on wood* seen or felt a jellyfish, or even heard of anyone else getting stung. Now, back to the beach I go....

Late last night I went for a stroll along Ohama beach and with every wave that crashed on the beach, glowing lights shimmered at my feet. I have never seen so many yakochu (bioluminescent plankton)!

If you are quick, you can catch these mysterious glowing lights. When one lights up, scoop it up along with a bit of sand, keep shaking your hands slightly or the light will go out. The plankton only lights up when disturbed.

I think most foreigners living in Japan would agree that there are not enough breakfast places around.So I am happy to have discovered a great new spot with fluffy omelettes, toast, Italian coffee and freshly squeezed OJ. They even have an outdoor deck. And on top of it all, it is less than 15 minutes away on a bike and cost less than ¥1500. Everything was fresh and tasty! What a great way to start the day!

Fontaine Cafe and Cake shop is just a little south of Kisami on the 136. You can take a bike from tabi-tabi or find it on our recommendation map here.

Open: 10:00 - 19:30

Last order: 18:00

Back in March this field of himawari (sunflowers) was a field of nanohana (rapeseed flowers). You can find it in Minami Izu, just south of Shimoda and on our recommendation map here.

This is what this field looked like in March:

Another great way to experience Izu's natural beauty is to get on a bike and ride. Aloha Bike Trip Cycling Tours can take you on road trips, mountain bike tours, night cruises, half day rides, over-night adventures, and can show the kids around as well. They have tours for all levels,  provide instruction for beginner moutain bikers, and have bikes for rent. They also have experienced English-speaking guides and a great English website. Check it out here

Last night we filled the van with guests and drove to the west coast to see the sunset. It was kinda cloudy so besides some stunning views of Izu's rocky west coast, there wasn't much to see. After that we headed to the southern most tip of the peninsula for fireworks in Yumi-ga-hama. Fireworks exploded above and were shot from the ocean, explosions and flashes of color reverberating through the starless sky. Looking forward to the next fire and light spectacle celebrating the Bon Festival on August 13th. Check out our calendar here for a listing of upcoming events in southern Izu.

Guesthouse tabi-tabi has a world map where we encourage our guests to make their mark, and show us where they're from. We are thrilled to be able to bring together so many people from all around the world. Thanks for joining us everyone!

Click "continue reading" below to check out the rest of our world map

On August 6th, 7th, and 8th, Shimoda held its second annual Candle Cafe. Which is not actually a cafe but a small festival with 1000s of candles lighting up the already beautiful Perry Road. Draft beer, cocktails and snack food was sold on the street. A good sound system oozed out smooth Jazz like Sade's "Your Love is King". There were plenty of places to sit and enjoy the ambience with a drink in hand. If you have yet to enjoy this classy festival of lights, don't miss it next year!

A big thank you to all who have stayed with us so far.

We have had many guests join us from all over the world over the past year. We are pleased to have had the chance to meet so many travelers, explorers, adventurers, sun worshippers, sandcastle builders, cyclists, nature enthusiasts, surfers, shell collectors, beach bums, skinny dippers, seafood buffs, kayakers, and Shimoda lovers. And we are looking forward to meeting many more!

Here are our reviews from our Hostelworld Guests over the past year. I will add some more hand written notes from other guests soon.