Shimoda Park 下田公園

On a hillside near Shimoda city center, Shimoda Park is home to more than three million beautiful hydrangea bushes.

Take the bus from Izukyu-Shimoda Station and get off at the Shimoda Aquarium. The park is directly behind the aquarium.

The park looks out over Shimoda Bay at the southern end of the Izu Peninsula and is famous for its hydrangeas, or ajisai, which burst into color every June. The huge number of hydrangeas in bloom draws visitors from all over the country, and the park comes alive with food stalls and entertainment.

Shimoda was the location of the first American consulate in Japan after a treaty established diplomatic relations in 1854. A memorial to the treaty was erected in 1957 and still stands in the park today.

With its unmatched views of the coastline and a historical monument to the establishment of Japan-U.S. relations, Shimoda Park is a beautiful place for a wander when you're in Izu.