Japan itinerary second guessing… Advice needed

Hi all,

I’m currently in Japan about midway through a long trip. Did the golden route and some other stops. I’m concerned about 3 nights I have booked in Shimoda along the Izu Peninsula at the end of October. It’s starting to feel like a long time in the off-season of a sleepy (tsunami-prone?) town. I’m solo-travelling and won’t have a car.

Basically wondering if anyone has other suggestions for places vaguely between Kyoto and Tokyo during that time, or if you have a strong case to make for Shimoda? Debating Takayama instead.

A bit about me - I like to explore cities and towns, relaxing nature/scenery, museums, good food, generally nice vacation things that aren’t bustling tourist hubs. 30F.

TIA!