With its blue waters and sandy beaches, Shimoda is the place to be for a weekend beach vacation. Here’s some tips and tricks for making the most of your trip.

Make a pit stop at the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls.

If you’re driving from Tokyo to Shimoda, chances are you’ll drive right past Japan’s Kawazu Seven Waterfalls. Located 30 minutes from Shimoda, these impressive waterfalls are a sight to be seen. The whole trail is over 18 kilometers but the waterfalls are located at the beginning of the trail and in close proximity of one another making for a short hike if you’re only there to witness the waterfalls. There are however, many stairs to reach some of the waterfalls. The falls vary in size but the first and last, Oodaru and Kamadaru, are the most massive.

During your walk, don’t miss the chance to make a wish! Read the detailed instructions on the sign. Then, throw three rocks on a boulder standing in the middle of the river. If one of your rocks makes it onto the boulder, your wish will come true. For a unique experience, bring your bathing suits and visit Amagisou Hotel. The hotel offers an outside onsen, baths and heated pool right next to the Oodaru waterfall. Visit their website for more information.

Stay in a nice hotel.

It’s worth the pretty penny. Jared and I stayed at Tokyu Shimoda Hotel which offered beach access, a breakfast buffet, a pool and an onsen. We spent much of our time at the hotel eating fresh fruits and local Japanese delicacies, swimming in the pool and enjoying the nearby beach.

Visit Ryugu Park.

Waves crashed into the rocky side of Shimoda for millions of years and created Ryugu Canyon. Part of the roof eventually collapsed as well making a heart-shaped opening. Walk down the stairs to access the inside of the canyon and look up to see the big gaping hole. Climb up the steps to get an aerial view of the canyon and neighboring ocean.

Explore the rocky beaches.

Next door to Ryugu Canyon is a small beach area where kids can often be seen sledding down a steep, sandy hill on cardboard or sleds. It’s wildly entertaining to watch and pure fun for the children. We found entertainment climbing up on the rocks and admiring the beautiful ocean views. Just watch out for the waves…

Shop and dine at Perry Road.

Located within walking distance of the beach, Perry Road features an alleyway of boutiques and restaurants built along a picturesque river.

Snorkel at Hirizo Beach

Hirizo Beach is my absolute favorite place at Shimoda. The beach is great for snorkel enthusiasts due to its crystal clear water and diverse, colorful fish.

Bring your own snorkeling gear and take note that there are no teachers or guided tours available. The only way to get to Hirizo Beach is by boat which is only available during the months of July and August. It costs $15 but your ticket works all day so you can take the boat back and forth as many times as you’d like. Still, there are no facilities on the beach so it’s recommended that you bring food and use the restroom before getting on the boat. Tickets are limited so get there early. Jared and I got there at 8:30 a.m. and still weren’t early enough as the parking lot was full. We had to park somewhere else and walk 30 minutes to Nakagi Port. During your visit, make a quick stop to Yuzuge and walk up the hilly path for some beautiful, aerial views of the ocean.