Playas de Shimoda

**Beach selection guide:** Shirahama (白浜) is largest and most developed — white sand, gentle waves, beach houses, marine sports rentals, crowded in summer. Nabetada (鍋田浜) is family favorite — shallow, calm, less crowded, small parking lot limits visitors. Kisami Ohama (吉佐美大浜) is most scenic — long white-sand crescent, moderate waves, popular with surfers and couples, photogenic. Iritahama (入田浜) is hidden gem — tiny cove accessed by narrow road, crystal-clear water, rocky bottom (bring water shoes), almost private. **Snorkeling spots:** Shimoda's clear water and rocky coastline support excellent snorkeling. Best sites: Nabetada Beach right side (rocks shelter tropical fish — wrasse, parrotfish, damselfish), Hirizo Beach (ヒリゾ浜, accessible only by boat from Nakagi Port, ¥2,000 round-trip, July–Sept only, 15m+ visibility with coral-like marine life). Rent gear at beach houses or bring your own; avoid weekday mornings (10:00–12:00) for clearest water before sediment from beach activity clouds visibility. **Off-season value:** Shimoda is summer-focused but worthwhile year-round. Sept–Oct: warm water (24–26°C), few crowds, hotels 40% cheaper than August, pleasant beach walking. Feb–March: Kawazu Sakura cherry blossoms (河津桜, early-blooming variety, pink flowers along river, a train from Shimoda). Nov–Jan: quiet season, focus on onsen (many hotels have ocean-view rotenburo), fresh kinme-dai (金目鯛, alfonsino fish, Shimoda specialty, simmered or sashimi ¥2,500–4,000).