TADAIMA SHIMODA 2024: Connecting with the Locals as “Tomodachi” in Japan
If you’re looking for local friends in Japan, this is the program for you. Shimoda City, located just three hours from Tokyo, offers an exciting opportunity to visit. Shimoda city will host TADAIMA SHIMODA, a month-long cultural exchange program that aims to foster deep connections between international digital nomads and local residents, with a special focus on making “Tomodachi (Friends)”.
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Taking place from November 3 to 30, 2024, this unique initiative brings together over 100 digital nomads from around the world to engage in meaningful exchanges, breaking down cultural and linguistic barriers in the process.
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for digital nomads to experience Japan’s rich culture while forging deep friendships with the people of Shimoda. Read on to discover what makes TADAIMA SHIMODA a must-attend event for digital nomads looking to connect with local communities.
What is TADAIMA SHIMODA?
TADAIMA SHIMODA aims to foster deep connections between domestic and international digital nomads and the local residents of Shimoda city, helping participants make friends in Shimoda. A program centered on “friendship-building” between locals and digital nomads is rare globally and this project is a pioneering initiative in Japan.
The program brings together over 100 digital nomads from all over the world to engage directly with Shimoda’s community, breaking through cultural and linguistic barriers. Through shared activities, workshops, and events, participants will connect as “Tomodachi (Friends)” , making Shimoda a place where nomads can feel truly at home.
- Duration: November 3th -30th, 2024
- 1-month Coliving: 3th – 30th, 2024
- 2-week Coliving: 3th – 18th, 2024
- Location: Shimoda, Shizuoka, Japan (3 hours from Tokyo)
For more details, check out Tadaima Shimoda website
What to Expect at TADAIMA SHIMODA
From November 3 to 30, 2024, participants will immerse themselves in the local culture while working remotely in this beautiful coastal city. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
Workshops and Cultural Exchanges
TADAIMA SHIMODA offers a range of interactive workshops, allowing participants to engage with the local community through hands-on experiences such as a sushi-making lesson by professional, traditional crafts, and tea ceremonies. Nomads will also have opportunities to collaborate with local businesses, offering their global insights while learning about the unique challenges and opportunities in Shimoda.
World Cultural Festival 2024 in Shimoda
One of the major highlights of the program is the World Cultural Festival, happening on November 16, 2024. This event brings together digital nomads, local high school students, and local businesses for a day of cultural exchange, featuring international food stalls, tea ceremonies by local high school students, talk sessions by local business owner × digital nomads, and a DJ-led kids’ disco. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bond with the locals and fellow nomads alike.
More Activities at Tadaima Shimoda
In addition to work and workshops, participants will enjoy a variety of fun and relaxing activities:
- Beaches: Shimoda is home to some of Japan’s most stunning beaches, including the famous Shirahama Beach. Perfect for swimming, water sports, or just unwinding after a productive day.
- Onsen (Hot Springs): Take a break from work with a visit to Shimoda’s natural hot springs, a traditional Japanese way to relax and rejuvenate.
- Shimoda geisha dinner: Shimoda has “Geisha” culture since Edo period (1600’s). You can enjoy the culture with Japanse traditional dinner
- Local Friends Meetup: Let’s make friends in Shimoda!
*Please note that the content may be subject to change without prior notice.
Program Fees
You can choose 2 terms to join TADAIMA SHIMODA coliving program.
- 1month coliving: ＄818 (Community fee: ＄350 / Accommodation fee: ￥75,000 ($468))
- 2 week coliving: ＄675 (Community fee: ＄300 / Accommodation fee: ￥60,000 ($375))
The community fee includes the following:
- all day: Coworking Space at Kazemachi (24 hours)
- 3rd: Welcome Party
- 4th: Meetup for TADAIMA
- 7th: Sushi-making lesson by professional
- 11th: Coworking Day near the beach
- 13th: Geisya experience (dinner)
- 16th: DJ party
- 17th: After night festival
- Memorial T-shirts
Why Shimoda?
Accessibility and Accommodation
Shimoda’s location makes it an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a convenient yet serene workation spot. Just a three-hour train ride from central Tokyo, Shimoda offers a range of accommodation options, from traditional ryokans to modern hotels, catering to all tastes and budgets.
Work-Friendly Environment
Shimoda combines a tranquil atmosphere with reliable internet connectivity and numerous cafes and public spaces that are conducive to remote work. Whether you need a quiet place to focus or want to work while enjoying t he ocean breeze, Shimoda provides the perfect environment for productivity.
Delicious Local Cuisine
The local culinary scene is not to be missed. Shimoda is renowned for its fresh seafood, and digital nomads will have the opportunity to indulge in authentic Japanese dishes at local restaurants, experiencing the flavors of Japan in their freshest form.
Rich History and Culture
Shimoda is steeped in history, being the landing site of Commodore Perry’s Black Ships in 1854, which marked the end of Japan’s isolation. The city celebrates this heritage with landmarks like Perry Road, which is lined with traditional buildings, tea houses, and shops, giving visitors a glimpse into the Edo period.
Vibrant Festivals
Shimoda’s annual Black Ship Festival in May* and other local celebrations are a fantastic way for digital nomads to engage with Japanese culture firsthand, creating lasting memories and connections.
*The largest festival in Shimoda, commemorating the arrival of the U.S. Navy’s “Black Ships” back in 1853. Celebrating the port-opening era, this festival offers a variety of cultural-diverse events to embody international goodwill.
More details about Shimoda: : https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/2036/
How to Get to Shimoda
Shimoda is accessible by rail and car, with the Tokaido Shinkansen or other JR trains the key to access from Tokyo.
Shimoda is directly connected to Tokyo by JR limited express Odoriko trains. You can also take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station and transfer to the limited express Odoriko or a local train on the Izukyu Railway. Get off at Izukyu-Shimoda Station, the terminal station of the Izukyu Railway.
Meet the People Behind TADAIMA SHIMODA
Comments from Host team: Elena Tsukada
I am one of the “related population” members who first visited Shimoda in 2020 through the city’s workation initiative, and it led me to establish my company here. Since 2019, I have traveled extensively as a digital nomad both in Japan and abroad, and Shimoda has always felt like a “home” where I wanted to say, “Tadaima” (I’m home). This sense of comfort and belonging led me to relocate here in 2023. Through my interactions with other digital nomads, I’ve heard firsthand about the lack of English information on Japan and how many nomads express a desire to experience living deeply integrated into a local community. In response to these needs, I developed the TADAIMA SHIMODA program.
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to plan and operate this program in a place I love so much. Together with my team, I’m committed to building a sustainable model for attracting digital nomads—the Shimoda Model—by showcasing not only the natural beauty, history, and culture of Shimoda but also its unique appeal as a place where people can truly become part of the local community.
Through this program, I hope that participants will gain confidence in overcoming language barriers and building friendships with “international friends,” taking this success as a step towards their next challenge.
