Shizuoka Prefecture is a scenic region located in the central part of Japan’s Honshu Island, facing the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Japan Alps to the north. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, hot springs, and historical landmarks.
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Getting to Shizuoka from Tokyo
To get to Shizuoka Prefecture from Tokyo, there are several transportation options available, including train, bus, and car. The fastest and most convenient way is by train, specifically the shinkansen or bullet train, which takes about 45 minutes to reach Shizuoka City, the capital of the prefecture. From there, visitors can take local trains or buses to reach other destinations within the prefecture. By car, it takes about two and a half hours to reach Shizuoka City from Tokyo, depending on traffic conditions.
The best season to visit Shizuoka
The best season to visit Shizuoka Prefecture is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Spring is the time when cherry blossoms bloom across the region, while autumn is when the leaves change color, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape.
Must-see places in Shizuoka
Mount Fuji
Located on the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the mountain from various observation points, including the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine and the Fujikyu Highland amusement park.
Izu Peninsula
A scenic coastal region located south of Shizuoka City, the Izu Peninsula is known for its hot springs, beaches, and scenic views. Highlights include the Atami Onsen hot spring resort town, the Jogasaki Coast with its dramatic cliffs and rock formations, and the Shimoda Onsen beach town with its white sand beaches and clear waters.
Shiraito Falls
Located in the Fujinomiya area at the base of Mount Fuji, Shiraito Falls is a stunning waterfall that cascades down a cliff face, surrounded by lush greenery. The falls are particularly beautiful during the autumn months when the leaves change color.
Miho no Matsubara
A scenic pine tree grove located on the eastern coast of Shizuoka City, Miho no Matsubara offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the Pacific Ocean. The area is also known for its black sand beach and a shrine dedicated to the goddess of the sea.
Hamamatsu Castle
A reconstructed castle located in the city of Hamamatsu, Hamamatsu Castle dates back to the 16th century and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and learn about its history at the museum located within the castle.
Sunpu Castle Park
Located in the heart of Shizuoka City, Sunpu Castle Park is home to the ruins of Sunpu Castle, which was the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns during the Edo period. The park also features a museum and a traditional Japanese garden.
Numazu Port
A bustling fishing port located on the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula, Numazu Port is famous for its fresh seafood and the Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium, which houses a variety of marine creatures, including sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Fujinomiya Sengen Shrine
Located in the Fujinomiya area at the base of Mount Fuji, Fujinomiya Sengen Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in the region, dedicated to the goddess of Mount Fuji. The shrine is known for its elaborate architecture and stunning views of the mountain.
Nihondaira
A scenic plateau located on the outskirts of Shizuoka City, Nihondaira offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a cable car up to the plateau and enjoy hiking trails, a botanical garden, and a tea plantation.
Higashiyama Park
A beautiful park located in the city of Nagaizumi, Higashiyama Park features a traditional Japanese garden, a waterfall, and a tea house. The park is particularly famous for its cherry blossom trees, which bloom in the spring and create a picturesque scene.
Cuisines you can enjoy in Shizuoka
Hamamatsu dumplings
Hamamatsu dumplings are a type of dumplings that originated in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. They are made of minced pork and cabbage wrapped in thin dough and steamed. They are served with a sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. Hamamatsu dumplings are popular as a snack or a meal.
Sakura shrimp
Sakura shrimp are a type of small shrimp that are caught in Suruga Bay, Shizuoka Prefecture. They are named after their pink color that resembles cherry blossoms. Sakura shrimp are dried and eaten as a topping for rice or noodles, or as a snack. They have a crunchy texture and a savory flavor.
Wasabi
Wasabi is a type of plant that belongs to the horseradish family. It is cultivated in clear water streams in Shizuoka Prefecture, which accounts for 80% of Japan’s wasabi production. Wasabi has a pungent and spicy taste that stimulates the nose. It is used as a condiment for sushi, sashimi, soba, and other dishes.
Unagi
Unagi is the Japanese word for freshwater eel. Shizuoka Prefecture is famous for its unagi dishes, especially kabayaki, which is grilled unagi with a sweet soy sauce glaze. Unagi is rich in protein, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. It is believed to have stamina-boosting and anti-aging effects.
Shirasu
Shirasu are baby sardines that are caught in the coastal waters of Shizuoka Prefecture. They are boiled and eaten as they are, or dried and salted. Shirasu can be eaten with rice, eggs, tofu, or vegetables. They have a mild and delicate flavor and are high in calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Oden
Oden is a type of stew that consists of various ingredients simmered in a dashi broth. The ingredients vary by region, but some common ones are fish cakes, boiled eggs, konnyaku, daikon radish, and tofu. Oden is a popular winter dish that warms the body and soul. In Shizuoka Prefecture, oden is flavored with soy sauce and dark miso paste.
Fujinomiya yakisoba
Fujinomiya yakisoba is a type of fried noodles that originated in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It is made of thick and chewy noodles stir-fried with pork, cabbage, bean sprouts, and other vegetables. It is seasoned with a sauce that contains bonito flakes and dried sardines. Fujinomiya yakisoba is topped with pickled ginger and dried seaweed.
Tororo soup
In Shizuoka Prefecture, tororo soup is made by grating yam and dissolving it in water. Tororo soup is seasoned with soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. Tororo soup can be poured over rice, udon, soba, or other dishes. There are tororo soup specialty shops in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Chazuke
Shizuoka Prefecture is one of Japan’s leading tea-producing regions. Chazuke is a simple dish of rice with tea poured over it. In Shizuoka Prefecture, various toppings are added to chazuke. The toppings include shirasu, pickled plum, salmon, bonito flakes, and more. Chazuke uses green tea or roasted tea from Shizuoka Prefecture.
Mikan
Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan’s largest producer of mikan, or mandarin oranges. Mikan can be eaten as they are, or processed into juice, jam, cake, and more. Mikan are rich in vitamin C and have effects on preventing colds and enhancing beauty. There are farms in Shizuoka Prefecture where you can pick mikan.
Recommended Accommodations in Shizuoka
Atami City “WA-tei Kazekomichi”
A detached inn with an open-air bath in every room, overlooking the sea of Atami. The collaboration cuisine of Japanese and French is their specialty.
Ito City “Ito Midoriyuki”
A guest room with an ocean view where you can enjoy the seafood of Izu. There is also a large public bath and a private open-air bath.
Ito City “Hanare Goshuku Yumenoya”
A luxurious detached inn with a living room and an open-air bath with natural hot spring water in every room. You can enjoy creative Japanese cuisine using local ingredients.
Higashi-Izu Town “Nara Shinno-sato Gyokusui”
A modern Japanese detached inn with a private garden and an open-air bath with natural hot spring water in every room. The kaiseki cuisine using seasonal ingredients of Izu is delicious.
Shimoda City “Seiryuso”
A detached inn with a private deck and an open-air bath with natural hot spring water in every room. The cuisine using fresh seafood delivered from Shimoda Port is their pride.
Minami-Izu Town “Kiichiyu”
A detached inn with a private terrace and an open-air bath with natural hot spring water in every room. The dinner is served in the room, and you can enjoy creative cuisine using local vegetables and fish.
Izu City “Asebino”
A detached inn with a private garden and an open-air bath with natural hot spring water in every room. The dinner is served in the room, and the kaiseki cuisine that changes with each season is delicious.
Izu City “Yukairo Kikuya”
A detached inn with a private terrace and an open-air bath with natural hot spring water in every room. The dinner is served in the room, and the cuisine using Izu beef and Izu sea bream is their specialty.
Atami City “Fufu”
A modern detached inn with a private terrace and an open-air bath with natural hot spring water in every room. The dinner is served in the room, and you can enjoy the cuisine using fresh fish and local vegetables delivered from Atami Port.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shizuoka Prefecture is a remarkable destination that offers a wealth of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and historical landmarks. From the iconic Mount Fuji to the stunning Izu Peninsula, visitors can explore a diverse range of landscapes and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Japan. Whether you’re interested in hiking, hot springs, or traditional tea ceremonies, Shizuoka Prefecture has something for everyone. With convenient transportation options from Tokyo and mild weather in the spring and autumn, it’s a perfect destination for travelers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and discover a more serene side of Japan. I highly recommend a visit to Shizuoka Prefecture and guarantee that it will leave a lasting impression on you.
ピンバック: Chubu – You have a friend in Japan