Shizuoka

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Its mild climate and easy accessibility make it a popular destination for travelers year-round.

From the hot springs of the Izu Peninsula to the historic streets of Shizuoka City, the prefecture is full of unique attractions. Visitors can explore the scenic Fuji Five Lakes area, enjoy fresh seafood, or relax in a seaside onsen. Shizuoka’s blend of tradition and nature ensures an unforgettable experience for all.

Top Areas to Explore in Shizuoka

1. Mount Fuji and Fujinomiya

• Why Visit: Iconic views of Mount Fuji and access to its climbing routes.
• Highlights:
  • Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha: A historic shrine dedicated to Mount Fuji worship.
  • Shiraito Falls: A breathtaking waterfall with pristine waters flowing from Mount Fuji.
  • Fujisan World Heritage Center: Learn about the cultural and natural significance of Mount Fuji.

2. Izu Peninsula

• Why Visit: A coastal region renowned for its hot springs, beaches, and scenic views.
• Highlights:
  • Atami Onsen: A seaside hot spring town with luxurious ryokan and ocean views.
  • Jogasaki Coast: Walk along dramatic cliffs and suspension bridges overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
  • Izu Shaboten Zoo: A unique zoo and botanical park famous for its capybara hot spring baths.

3. Shizuoka City

• Why Visit: A historic city known for its green tea culture and samurai heritage.
• Highlights:
  • Sumpu Castle Park: Explore the ruins of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s castle and tranquil gardens.
  • Green Tea Tours: Visit tea plantations and enjoy freshly brewed Shizuoka green tea.
  • Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: A beautifully ornate shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

4. Hamamatsu

• Why Visit: A vibrant city known for its musical heritage, sand dunes, and local delicacies.
• Highlights:
  • Hamamatsu Castle: Discover the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu in this reconstructed castle.
  • Nakatajima Sand Dunes: Explore Japan’s largest coastal sand dunes, perfect for a scenic stroll.
  • Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments: A fascinating collection of instruments from around the world.

5. Fuji City

• Why Visit: A city offering some of the most picturesque views of Mount Fuji.
• Highlights:
  • Fuji Five Lakes: A serene area perfect for hiking, cycling, and photography.
  • Miho no Matsubara: A scenic pine grove with stunning views of Mount Fuji and the ocean.
  • Yoshida Trail: A popular route for climbing Mount Fuji during the summer season.

Experience Shizuoka Cuisine

Shizuoka is a culinary paradise, offering fresh seafood and regional specialties. Try shizuoka oden, a unique take on Japan’s hot pot dish, served with miso sauce. Enjoy freshly caught sakuradai (cherry sea bream) and shirasu (whitebait) in coastal towns like Izu and Shimizu.

Don’t miss the chance to taste Shizuoka green tea, considered some of the finest in Japan, or enjoy locally brewed sake made from pure mountain water.

Shizuoka: Basic Information

Location

Shizuoka is located in central Japan, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and home to the iconic Mount Fuji.

Neighboring Areas

Yamanashi, Nagano, Aichi, Kanagawa

Best Seasons to Visit

• Spring (March to May): Cherry blossoms at Sumpu Castle and tea fields in full bloom.
• Summer (June to August): Enjoy coastal activities on the Izu Peninsula and Mount Fuji climbing season.
• Autumn (September to November): Vibrant foliage at Shiraito Falls and Jogasaki Coast.
• Winter (December to February): Clear views of Mount Fuji and relaxing hot springs in Atami.

How to Get to Shizuoka

By Train

The Tokaido Shinkansen connects Shizuoka to Tokyo in about an hour and to Osaka in approximately two hours.

By Bus

Highway buses operate between Shizuoka and major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, offering budget-friendly travel options.

Transportation in Shizuoka

Getting around Shizuoka is convenient with these transportation options:

• Trains: JR lines and local railways connect major cities and attractions, including Shizuoka City, Izu, and Hamamatsu.
• Buses: Local and sightseeing buses serve key destinations like Shiraito Falls and Miho no Matsubara.

+ Explore Other Areas

Tokyo,  Osaka,  Kyoto,  Hokkaido,  Fukuoka,  Okinawa,  Nara,  Kanagawa,　Aichi,  Hiroshima,  Yamanashi,  Nagano,  Oita,  Gifu,  Ishikawa,  Shizuoka, Hyogo,  Kumamoto,  Miyagi,  Wakayama,  Nagasaki,  Tochigi,  Kagawa,　Niigata,  Kagoshima,  Okayama,  Chiba,  Iwate,  Aomori,  Shiga,  Gunma, Fukushima,  Toyama,  Ehime,  Mie,  Ibaraki,  Saitama,  Yamagata,  Saga, Kochi,  Tokushima,  Miyazaki,  Yamaguchi,  Akita,  Tottori,  Fukui,  Shimane