From the foot of Fuji to the hot springs of Atami: A complete guide to the history and gourmet tourism of Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Prefecture’s Hidden Charms: My Footsteps and Best Experience Spots

What is Shizuoka Prefecture? Breathtaking scenery and culture beyond the deepening charm

Basic Information on Shizuoka Prefecture

I have traveled all over Japan, but Shizuoka has a special place in my heart. Shizuoka Prefecture is located about an hour away from Tokyo by bullet train, and is a beautiful prefecture that combines the charms of the sea and mountains.

A treasure trove of beautiful scenery at the foot of Mt. Fuji

As a representative tourist destination in Japan, Mt.Fuji attracts travelers from all over the world. I have visited this beautiful mountain many times, and each time it shows a different face. In particular, the beauty of Mt. Fuji seen early in the morning in winter is breathtaking.

Shizuoka gourmet is the best in Japan

Shizuoka Prefecture is blessed with fresh seafood and mountains, and has a variety of delicious ingredients. I especially recommend horse mackerel and sardines from Numazu Port, and tea from Shizuoka. In fact, Shizuoka Prefecture accounts for about 40% of the national average in terms of tea leaf production in Japan. Thus, Shizuoka tea represents Japan in terms of quality and quantity.

The intersection of art and history, the culture of Shizuoka

Shizuoka Prefecture has many museums and historical buildings. Among them, “Hamamatsu Castle” in Hamamatsu City is a must-see spot for history lovers. Shizuoka City is also dotted with places where you can feel art, such as the Shizuoka City Museum of Art and the Shizuoka University of Art and Culture.

Shizuoka’s hidden sights and my recommended spots

Refresh your mind and body in hot springs

There are many hot spring areas in Shizuoka Prefecture, but my recommendation is “Atami Onsen”. Easily accessible from Tokyo, Atami has many ryokans and hotels. In fact, the average number of overnight guests per year is more than 1 million, which indicates its popularity. No matter how many times I see the sunset from the open-air bath here, I never get tired of it.

Crafts of Shizuoka where you can feel the tradition of Japan

Shizuoka Prefecture is extremely rich in traditional crafts. In particular, “Shizuoka group planting” is a beautiful plant art that makes use of traditional Japanese garden techniques. Also, at the “Kiyomizu-yaki” workshop that I actually visited, I was able to see the handiwork of skilled craftsmen right in front of me. These crafts are wonderful items that allow you to feel the traditions of Japan and the culture of Shizuoka.

Activities surrounded by the sea and greenery

Shizuoka Prefecture is surrounded by mountains and the sea, so you can enjoy a variety of activities. Surfing is especially popular, and surfing schools and rental shops are scattered along the coast of Izu. Also, at Shimizu Port in Shizuoka City, fishing boat tours where you can catch fresh fish are popular. I have also participated in the past and felt the charm.

Shizuoka Prefecture has many charms. Nature, gourmet food, history, art, activities… All of them capture the hearts of people who visit this place. In the next part, we will tell you what to keep in mind when visiting Shizuoka and information on how to enjoy it even more.

Tips for visiting Shizuoka and information for deeper enjoyment

How to choose transportation

Shizuoka Prefecture is vast and has a wide variety of sightseeing spots. In order to travel efficiently, it is essential to plan your transportation in advance. My recommendation is to combine the Shinkansen with local buses and trains. For example, JR East’s Platto Kodama is very convenient for traveling within Shizuoka Prefecture.

How to enjoy each season

Shizuoka Prefecture has seasonal pleasures. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, the sea in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and the snowy landscape of Mt. Fuji in winter. In particular, the winter sunrise seen from the 5th station of Mt. Fuji is spectacular. However, it is essential to protect yourself against the cold, as the temperature drops when sightseeing in winter.

Value interaction with locals

You can learn more about the charm of Shizuoka through interaction with the locals. At the Shizuoka Exchange Cafe in the city, you can enjoy exchanging information and meeting new people with the locals. When I also visited, I was told about recommended local spots and hidden information.

Tips for choosing souvenirs

Shizuoka Prefecture has a wide variety of souvenirs, including tea, Japanese sweets, and handicrafts. In particular, “Japanese Tea Specialty Store Okada” handles high-quality tea leaves from Shizuoka and is very popular as a souvenir. You can also purchase seasonal Japanese sweets at Wagashiya Sakuramochi in Shizuoka City.

Shizuoka Prefecture has a variety of attractions, including natural beauty, culture, and gourmet food. However, in order to enjoy its charm to the fullest, advance preparation and interaction with the locals are essential. Based on my experience, I hope that you can fully feel the charm of Shizuoka Prefecture.

How to choose accommodation in Shizuoka and my best 3 spots

Tips for choosing accommodation

Shizuoka Prefecture has a wide variety of lodging facilities, from business hotels in urban areas to hot spring inns surrounded by nature. The important thing is to choose the one that best suits your area and purpose. For example, if you want to focus on sightseeing, choose a hotel with convenient transportation in the city, and if you want to relax, choose a ryokan in the mountains.

My best 3 accommodation spots

Atami’s seaside ryokan “Umi no Mieru Yado Shinju”  

Located in Atami City, this ryokan is popular for its ocean view rooms. When I stayed, the sound of the night and the light of the morning were very pleasant and refreshing.

Hotel with a view of Mt.Fuji “Fuji no Scenic Hotel”  

This hotel, where you can see the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji from the window, is especially popular with foreign tourists. Eating breakfast while looking at Mt. Fuji was a special experience.

Shizuoka city business hotel “Toshin Stay Shizuoka”  

This hotel is perfect if you mainly want to explore the city. It has good transport links and easy access to the city’s major tourist attractions.

Points to note when staying in Shizuoka

Shizuoka Prefecture is a popular tourist destination, so accommodations can fill up quickly during the tourist season and consecutive holidays. Therefore, early reservations are recommended. Also, since Shizuoka Prefecture is large, it is a good idea to take travel time into account when choosing a place to stay.

summary

Shizuoka prefecture is one of the most memorable places in my trip. We hope that this article will help you feel the charm of Shizuoka. Finally, I sincerely hope that you have a wonderful experience in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Historical building chosen by Kasumi

Shizuoka prefecture has many historical buildings as well as natural beauty. Among them, I would like to introduce 5 buildings that I, Kasumi, found particularly appealing. We will also add “Kasumi points” to each and tell you the charm.

Kenhonji Temple (Hamamatsu City) 

   Kasumi Point: Located in Hamamatsu City, this temple is known as the head temple of the Nichiren sect. Its historic architecture and beautiful gardens enchant visitors.

Sunpu Castle Park (Shizuoka City) 

   Kasumi Point: A park developed around the ruins of the former Sunpu Castle. The scenery of stone walls and moats makes you feel the depth of history.

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine (Shizuoka City) 

   Kasumi Point: As a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, it is crowded with many tourists. It is a place where you can feel the history of Tokugawa Ieyasu along with the gorgeous decorations.

Pit-style stone chambers (Kamo-gun) 

   Kasumi Point: This historic site in Kamo County is a place where you can see how people lived in ancient times. Many relics have been excavated in the stone chamber, making it a must-see spot for historical exploration.

Shimizu Port Tomibansho Ruins (Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City) 

   Kasumi Point: This Tomibansho site facing Shimizu Port reminds us of the bustle and history of the former port town. It is loved by many tourists as a historical place that contributed to the development of Shimizu Port.

In addition to these buildings, Shizuoka Prefecture is dotted with many other historical sites. By visiting these spots, you will be able to learn more about Shizuoka’s history and culture.