Ryosenji is the Zen temple in Shimoda where the Treaty of Shimoda was negotiated and signed in 1854, opening the port to American ships under Commodore Perry. The temple grounds hold a small treasure museum with artefacts from those negotiations, and the treaty room itself can still be viewed. Perry Road, the canal-side lane leading toward the temple, is lined with older wooden buildings and stone bridges that give a sense of the port town Shimoda was in the 1850s.
Ryosenji Temple in Shimoda holds a central place in Japan's modern history as the site where the 1854 Treaty of Shimoda was negotiated between Commodore Matthew Perry's delegation and Japanese officials, formally opening the port to American ships. The temple's small treasure museum displays original documents, gifts exchanged during the negotiations, and artifacts related to the opening of Japan, alongside more traditional Buddhist statuary. From the temple, Perry Road follows a willow-lined canal lined with restored Meiji-era wooden buildings now housing cafes, craft shops, and galleries, tracing the route Perry's men walked between the harbor and the negotiation site. Visitors typically spend 30 to 45 minutes at the temple and museum, then another 30 to 45 minutes strolling the roughly 400-meter length of Perry Road, for a combined visit of about 1 to 1.5 hours. The canal and willows along Perry Road photograph best in the softer light of late afternoon, and weekday mornings keep both the temple grounds and the street largely free of the tour groups that pass through midday.
| Admission | Adult JPY 500 treasure museum (approx $3.15) · Child Reduced rate, inquire on-site |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily approx 8:30AM-5:00PM |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours including a stroll along Perry Road |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; Perry Road's willow-lined canal is prettiest in late afternoon light |
| Getting there | 10-minute walk from Izukyu-Shimoda Station |
| Address | 3-12-12 Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0011, Japan |
Location
3-12-12 Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0011, Japan
34.6746, 138.9445 View on map
Highlights
- Treasure museum with original 1854 Treaty of Shimoda artifacts
- Traditional Buddhist temple buildings and statuary
- Perry Road's willow-lined canal and Meiji-era buildings
- Craft shops, galleries, and cafes along Perry Road
- Historic connection to the opening of Japan to the West
Tips for visiting
- Combine the temple museum ticket with a leisurely walk down Perry Road afterward
- Visit in late afternoon for the best light along the willow-lined canal
- Weekday mornings avoid the tour groups that arrive around midday
- Stop at one of Perry Road's cafes for a break partway through the walk
- Inquire on-site about the reduced child admission rate for the treasure museum
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest, and Perry Road's canal is prettiest in late afternoon light.
Accessibility
Perry Road's street-level path is flat and easy to walk, but the temple grounds include some steps and uneven stone paving that can be difficult for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Ryosenji Temple and Perry Road take?
The temple and museum take 30 to 45 minutes, and a full stroll down Perry Road adds another 30 to 45 minutes, for about 1 to 1.5 hours total.
Is it worth it for kids?
The historical detail may appeal more to older children and adults, but the shops and cafes along Perry Road give younger children something to enjoy too.
Is photography allowed inside the temple museum?
Photography is often restricted inside the treasure museum to protect the historic documents, though the temple grounds and Perry Road are freely photographable.