Shizuoka (prefecture) Travel Guide

Discover everything you need to know about Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan, including places to visit, food and drink recommendations, and tips for getting around.


Introduction to Shizuoka (Prefecture)

Shizuoka Prefecture is located in the Chubu region of Japan, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exquisite cuisine. The prefecture is home to Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic landmark, as well as numerous World Heritage Sites.

Aside from its breathtaking scenery, Shizuoka Prefecture offers a wide range of activities for travelers, such as hiking, biking, and hot spring hopping. With its convenient location between Tokyo and Kyoto, Shizuoka Prefecture is an excellent destination for those looking to explore Japan beyond its bustling cities.

List of Places to Visit in Shizuoka (Prefecture)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Shizuoka Prefecture has a rich cultural heritage, and there are several museums and historical sites that are worth visiting, such as:

  • Shizuoka City Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art: This museum features the works of Utagawa Hiroshige, one of the most famous ukiyo-e artists of the Edo period.

  • Sunpu Castle: Built-in 1586, Sunpu Castle was the residence of the powerful Tokugawa clan, who ruled Japan during the Edo period.

  • Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: This shrine is one of the three most important Toshogu shrines in Japan and is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.

  • Miho Museum: This museum houses a collection of ancient art from around the world, including artifacts from Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Natural Attractions of Shizuoka (Prefecture): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Shizuoka Prefecture is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, boasting stunning views of Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, and the Pacific Ocean. Here are some of the best outdoor activities and natural attractions:

  • Mount Fuji: This majestic mountain is Japan’s highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can hike to the summit or take in the stunning views from one of the many observation points.

  • Izu Peninsula: Located south of Shizuoka City, the Izu Peninsula is a popular destination for hot spring hopping, hiking, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean.

  • Shiraito Falls: This beautiful waterfall is located at the foot of Mount Fuji and is known for its ethereal beauty. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Lake Hamana: Located in the western part of the prefecture, Lake Hamana is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and bird-watching. The lake is also home to numerous hot springs and seafood restaurants.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shizuoka (Prefecture)

Shizuoka Prefecture is an excellent destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts, with numerous trails and routes that showcase the region’s natural beauty. Some of the best routes include:

  • Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: This park is home to Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula, offering stunning views of the region’s natural beauty. Visitors can hike, bike, or take scenic drives through the park.

  • Izu Skyline: This scenic road is a popular destination for cyclists, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains.

  • Nishi-Izu Skyline: This winding road runs through the southern part of the prefecture and is known for its sweeping views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in Shizuoka (Prefecture): Activities and Tours

Aside from its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Shizuoka Prefecture offers a wide range of activities for travelers. Here are some of the best things to do in the region:

  • Hot spring hopping: Shizuoka Prefecture is home to numerous hot springs that offer relaxation and rejuvenation for travelers. Some of the best hot springs include Atami, Mishima, and Shuzenji.

  • Tea tours: Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan’s largest tea-producing region, and visitors can take guided tours of tea farms to learn about the tea-making process and sample different varieties of tea.

  • Wasabi farms: Shizuoka Prefecture is also renowned for its high-quality wasabi, and visitors can take tours of wasabi farms to see how this pungent plant is grown and harvested.

  • Strawberry picking: In the spring, visitors can pick fresh strawberries at strawberry farms around the prefecture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Shizuoka (Prefecture)

Here is a sample week-long itinerary for travelers to Shizuoka Prefecture:

  • Day 1: Explore Shizuoka City and visit Sunpu Castle and the Shizuoka City Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art.

  • Day 2: Visit Mount Fuji and take in the stunning views from the Fuji Five Lakes area.

  • Day 3: Explore the Izu Peninsula and visit the hot springs, beaches, and scenic spots.

  • Day 4: Take a tea tour of Shizuoka Prefecture and sample some of Japan’s best tea.

  • Day 5: Visit the historical sites of Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and Sumpu Castle.

  • Day 6: Go hiking or biking in one of the many trails in Shizuoka Prefecture, such as the Izu Skyline or the Nishi-Izu Skyline.

  • Day 7: Visit a wasabi farm and try some of the region’s famous wasabi dishes, such as wasabi ice cream or wasabi soba.

Food and Drink Scene of Shizuoka (Prefecture)

Shizuoka Prefecture is known for its exquisite cuisine, with a wide range of dishes that highlight the region’s fresh seafood, tea, and wasabi. Here are some of the must-try dishes in Shizuoka:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kaisen-don: A bowl of fresh sashimi served over rice and topped with ikura (salmon eggs). Shizuoka Prefecture is known for its fresh seafood, and kaisen-don is a popular dish among locals and travelers.

  • Unagi: Grilled eel is another popular dish in Shizuoka, with many restaurants specializing in this delicacy. Unagi is usually served over rice and is seasoned with a sweet soy sauce.

  • Wasabi dishes: Shizuoka Prefecture is known for its high-quality wasabi, and visitors can try a wide range of dishes that use this pungent plant. Some popular dishes include wasabi soba, wasabi ice cream, and wasabi steak.

Local Beverages

  • Tea: Shizuoka Prefecture produces some of Japan’s best tea, including sencha, gyokuro, and matcha. Visitors can take tea tours of the region and sample different varieties of tea.

  • Sake: Shizuoka Prefecture is home to numerous sake breweries, and visitors can take tours to see how this traditional Japanese beverage is made.

Where to Stay in Shizuoka (Prefecture): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Shizuoka Prefecture offers a wide range of accommodation options for travelers, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the best places to stay in the region:

  • Hotel Century Shizuoka: This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Shizuoka City and offers stunning views of Mount Fuji.

  • Hoshino Resorts KAI Enshu: This hot springs resort is located in the western part of the prefecture and offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for travelers.

  • Guesthouse Itoh: This cozy guesthouse is located in the heart of Atami and offers affordable accommodation for budget-conscious travelers.

What to Buy in Shizuoka (Prefecture): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Shizuoka Prefecture is known for its tea, wasabi, and other local products that make excellent souvenirs. Here are some of the best things to buy in Shizuoka:

  • Tea: Shizuoka produces some of Japan’s best tea, and visitors can buy various varieties of green tea, black tea, and other types of tea.

  • Wasabi products: Visitors can buy products made with Shizuoka’s famous wasabi, such as wasabi sauce, wasabi-flavored snacks, and wasabi powder.

  • Suruga bamboo products: Shizuoka Prefecture is also known for its high-quality bamboo products, such as chopsticks, baskets, and boxes.

Local Culture and Customs of Shizuoka (Prefecture)

Shizuoka Prefecture has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should be aware of local customs and traditions. Some important things to keep in mind include:

  • Respect for culture: Shizuoka’s historical sites and cultural attractions should be treated with respect and reverence.

  • Bowing: In Japan, bowing is a common way to show respect or to say thank you. Visitors should practice bowing when necessary.

  • Shoes: In Japan, shoes are usually taken off when entering someone’s home or a temple. Visitors should follow this custom and remove their shoes.

Best Time to Visit Shizuoka (Prefecture)

The best time to visit Shizuoka Prefecture is during the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when the weather is mild, and the scenery is stunning. Spring is also the best time to see cherry blossoms around the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shizuoka (Prefecture)

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions

  • Try the seafood, tea, and wasabi dishes

  • Take scenic drives or hikes to enjoy the natural beauty of the region

Don’t:

  • Be loud or disruptive in public spaces

  • Wear shoes inside someone’s home or a temple

  • Touch or damage historical sites or artifacts

Safety and Health

Safety in Shizuoka (Prefecture)

Shizuoka Prefecture is generally considered safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a friendly local population. However, travelers should always exercise common sense and take precautions to stay safe, such as:

  • Keeping belongings secure

  • Being aware of surroundings

  • Avoiding unlit or secluded areas at night

Health in Shizuoka (Prefecture)

Shizuoka Prefecture has a good healthcare system, with hospitals and clinics that offer high-quality care. Travelers should make sure to have health insurance that covers medical treatment in Japan.

Getting to Shizuoka (Prefecture): Transportation Options and Logistics

Shizuoka Prefecture is easily accessible via various modes of transportation. Here are some of the best options:

Airports Near Shizuoka (Prefecture)

  • Shizuoka Airport: Located in the western part of the prefecture, Shizuoka Airport offers domestic flights to cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

  • Narita International Airport: Located outside of Tokyo, Narita Airport is the main gateway for international flights to Japan.

Bus Stations Near Shizuoka (Prefecture)

  • Shizuoka Station: This station is the main transportation hub in Shizuoka City and offers bus connections to various cities in the prefecture.

  • Mishima Station: This station is located in the eastern part of the prefecture and offers bus connections to the Izu Peninsula and other destinations.

Other Options

  • Shinkansen: Shizuoka is located on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which runs between Tokyo and Osaka. Travelers can take the Shinkansen to Shizuoka Station or Mishima Station.

  • Car rental: Renting a car is an excellent way to explore the region at your own pace. There are several car rental companies located throughout Shizuoka Prefecture.

How to Get Around in Shizuoka (Prefecture)

Shizuoka Prefecture has an extensive transportation system that includes buses, trains, and taxis. Here are some of the best ways to get around:

  • Trains: The Tokaido Main Line and the Shinkansen provide easy access to various destinations within the prefecture.

  • Buses: Local buses operate throughout Shizuoka Prefecture and are an affordable and convenient way to get around.

  • Taxis: Taxis are available throughout the prefecture, but fares can be expensive, especially for long distances.

Where to Go Next from Shizuoka (Prefecture): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Shizuoka Prefecture is located in central Japan, making it an excellent jumping-off point for exploring other destinations in the region. Here are some nearby destinations that are worth visiting:

  • Yokohama: Located one hour north of Shizuoka by train, Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city and is known for its vibrant Chinatown and seaside attractions.

  • Kyoto: Located two and a half hours east of Shizuoka by train, Kyoto is one of Japan’s most historic and cultural cities, with numerous temples and shrines.

  • Nagoya: Located two hours west of Shizuoka by train, Nagoya is a modern and bustling city that is known for its food and shopping.

Conclusion

Shizuoka Prefecture is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience Japan’s natural beauty, rich culture, and exquisite cuisine. With its convenient location between Tokyo and Kyoto, Shizuoka Prefecture offers a perfect blend of urban and rural experiences that are sure to delight and inspire visitors.

Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace, the prefecture's newest World Heritage Site Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace, the prefecture's newest World Heritage Site Kakegawa Castle, Kakegawa Kakegawa Castle, Kakegawa Green tea fields Green tea fields


    Fuji
    Fujinomiya
    Fukuroi
    Hamamatsu
    Iwata
    Izu Peninsula
    Kikugawa
    Kosai
    Mori
    Shizuoka