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Shizuoka is a large prefecture located in the Chubu region of Japan. It is widely known for its proximity to Mt. Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, and for being home to the largest Japanese green tea production. Shizuoka is accessible from the main urban areas of Japan through public transportation. Thanks to its convenient location, sights, and mild climate, many tourists worldwide visit Shizuoka.
In this article, we will introduce some of the best things to do in Shizuoka!
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Izu Area
The Izu area refers to the eastern part of Shizuoka, including the Izu peninsula, which sticks out towards the Pacific Ocean. Many tourist attractions include a popular hot spring resort called Shuzenji, some of Japan’s most beautiful beaches, and scenic spots along the beautiful coast. It is also close to another tourist destination called Atami, with its own unique attractions and relaxing hot springs. The relatively peaceful area offers tourists a calm atmosphere with plenty of nature.
Kinomiya Shrine
Kinomiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Atami City. Its early history remains unclear, but it is said that its origin dates back to the Nara era. Since then, locals have loved it as a symbolic shrine in the city. It’s also the home to the Kogashi Matsuri, which is recognized as the biggest festival in the city and is held every July.
There is also a giant camphor tree that is believed to be around 2,000 years old. It is designated as a National Natural Monument, and the belief is that if you walk around the tree, you can live one year longer! The entire shrine is surrounded by abundant nature, offering visitors a spiritual and refreshing experience.
Website: Kinomiya Shrine
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Admission: Free
▼Recommended private tour in Atami
Shuzenji
Shuzenji is a hot spring resort in the central part of the Izu Peninsula. It is said to be the oldest hot spring resort in the Izu area, having 1,200 years of history. There are some traditional Japanese inns and historical sites around here, too. Tourists can experience a relaxing foot bath called Kawarayu for free while enjoying the peaceful scenery along the iconic river running through the area. The highlight of Shuzenji is the bamboo forest path, a narrow pathway completely surrounded by beautiful green bamboo. Visitors can directly feel the strength of the bamboo as they walk through the pleasant path.
Website: Shuzenji
Jogasaki Coast
Jogasaki Beach is a scenic spot on the east coast of the Izu Peninsula. It was initially formed by an eruption of Mt. Omuro about 4,000 years ago and has attracted an increasing number of tourists in recent years. The 10 km long steep cliff and rock formation on the coastline offer exciting scenery and a perfect picture spot. The most popular tourist attraction is a suspension bridge called Kadowakitsuri-bashi Bridge, completed in 1968. Visitors can walk across the bridge, hanging 23 meters high over the sea! It offers an exciting moment and a stunning view of the sea.
Izu Shaboten Zoo
Sitting at the base of Mt. Omuro, Izu Shaboten Zoo offers a fun way to see nature up close. The zoo is home to around 140 types of animals, including peacocks, kangaroos, flying squirrels, sloths, and more. It also boasts a cactus greenhouse with succulents from around the world. One of the most popular attractions here is the dedicated capybara onsen, where you can watch cuddly capybaras live out their days in paradise.
Get your tickets here!
Website: Izu Shaboten Zoo | Tickets
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5:00 PM (Mar. 1 – Oct. 31), 9 AM – 4:00 PM (Nov. 1 – Dec. 31)
Admission: 2,650 yen online or 2,700 – 2,800 yen (adults), 1,300 – 1,400 yen (elementary school students), 700 yen (children age 4 and over)
Where to Stay in the Izu Area
Ochiairo ― Traditional Japanese style accommodation, free pick-up service from Shuzen-ji temple, offering the traditional multi-course meal using local ingredients.
Oni no Sumika ― Elegant Japanese style ryokan accommodation, less than 1 km from Shuzen-ji temple, onsite garden, bar, and private open-air baths.
Gotemba/Numazu Area
Gotemba is located at the base of Mt. Fuji. Although not adjacent to the sea, the mountainous area offers several enjoyable spots. Numazu is another city about an hour’s trip from Gotemba. It boasts fresh seafood that is widely known for its quality and taste. Several tourist attractions make this area perfect for a family trip.
▼Book a tour to view Mt. Fuji, the mountain’s natural springs, and Gotemba Premium Outlets where you shop until you drop!
Fuji Safari Park
Fuji Safari Park is a zoo and wildlife park that opened in 1980. It is counted as one of the largest zoos in Japan and offers an exciting experience for the whole family through interaction with a variety of animals. The park can be divided into two areas: the Fureai Zone, where visitors can directly touch and hold adorable animals, and the Safari Zone, where visitors can observe bigger, more ferocious animals such as lions, bears, and tigers! This area is only accessible by car or a special vehicle provided by the park, and passengers cannot go outside. There are also souvenir shops where you can get memorable merchandise.
Website: Fuji Safari Park
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM (Mar. 11 – Oct. 31), 10 AM – 3:30 PM (Nov. 1 – Mar. 10)
Admission: 2,700 yen (adults/high school students), 1,500 yen (ages 4 to junior high school students), 2,000 yen (ages 65 and older)
Gotemba Outlet Mall
Gotemba Outlet Mall is a huge shopping mall in Gotemba City that opened in 2000. Thanks to the 200 shops selling clothes and other products at discounted prices, it’s a popular place to shop. Some world-famous brands also offer special deals for those who want to get their products while saving money. They recently opened new facilities, including a hotel, a playground for kids, and a relaxing hot spring, making it a good place to spend a whole day with your family. On sunny days, visitors can enjoy the amazing view of Mt. Fuji while shopping!
Website: Gotemba Outlet Mall
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM (Mar. – Nov.) 10 AM – 7 PM (Dec. – Feb.)
Where to Stay in the Gotemba Area
Mars Garden Wood Gotenba ― Spacious and clean rooms, 10 minutes’ drive from Gotemba Outlet Mall, they have a beautiful garden to walk around, and you can enjoy the view of Mt.Fuji.
Gotemba Kogen Tokinosumika ― Stylish hotel with large rooms, 20 minutes’ drive from Gotemba Outlet Mall, free hourly shuttle from JR Gotemba station to hotel (or approx. 3,500 yen by taxi), all you can eat and drink (even craft beer!) options at the onsite restaurant.
Fujinomiya Area
The Fujinomiya area is located on the east side of Shizuoka. As you might have guessed from the name, it’s known as the town of Mt. Fuji and provides many beautiful mountain viewpoints. Half of the area is in Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, so there are many natural spots such as Asagiri Kogen, Shiraito Falls, and Lake Tanuki, which we mention below.
Shiraito Falls
Shiraito Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. At 20 meters tall and 150 meters wide, it has hundreds of waterfalls flowing like shiraito, which means white threads in Japanese. Most of the falls are actually spring water from Mt. Fuji, too. There is a paved road toward the waterfall and an observation deck where you can see it from above. During autumn, you can see beautiful autumn foliage around the waterfall.
To make the most of your time, we suggest taking a 1-Day Family Fun at Fuji Private Tour to visit all the fun in the area, including Fuji Safari Park, Shiraito Falls, Gotemba Outlet Mall, and more. The English-speaking driver will take you around the family-friendly highlights.
Lake Tanuki
Hands down, Lake Tanuki is one of the best places to see Mt. Fuji. It is known for the Diamond Fuji phenomenon, which is when the sun looks like it is sitting on top of Mt. Fuji and appears to be a shining diamond. And around the lake, there are camping sites where you can enjoy outdoor activities with a view of Mt. Fuji. You can even book rental bicycles (500 yen/60 mins), paddle boats (1,000 yen/60 mins), and fishing spots (700 yen/day) to enjoy a full day around the lake.
Website: Lake Tanukiko Camp Ground
Where to Stay in Fujinomiya Area
Kuretake Inn Premium Fujinomiya ― Easy access to local transportation, spacious rooms, and a buffet-style breakfast available every morning.
Kyukamura Fuji ― Enjoy views of Mt. Fuji from every room, the onsite restaurant serves Japanese and European cuisine with a child and family-friendly buffet.
Yaizu/Omaezaki Area
The Yaizu and Omaezaki areas are located in the central part of Shizuoka Prefecture. Both have famous fishing ports and are visited by a number of tourists, not only from overseas but also from within Japan. You can find several interesting spots offering different experiences, including one of the most popular spots, Sumatakyo Gorge, as well as the iconic suspension bridge!
Yume no Tsuribashi
Yume no Tsuribashi is a suspension bridge constructed over the Sumatakyo Gorge. The bridge is about 90 meters long, offering a thrilling experience for visitors walking across 8 meters above the emerald green water. The bridge swings occasionally as someone starts to walk across it. If you make a brief stop in the middle of the bridge, you can take a great photo of the beautiful gorge! If you want to take a photo of the whole bridge, there is a pathway where you can also look down on the bridge.
Where to Stay in the Yaizu Area
Hotel Ambia Shofukaku ― A beautiful Japanese-style hotel located right on the water, gorgeous rooms with an open-air bath, and a great place for a family trip.
Hamamatsu/Hamanako Area
Hamamatsu is a big city in the western part of Shizuoka. It is known as home to several world-famous companies, such as Yamaha and Suzuki. Hamanako is the 10th largest lake in Japan and is directly connected to the Pacific Ocean; hence, it offers a variety of seafood and other benefits to local people. To help you understand the city better, we will focus on two tourist attractions in the area below!
Ryotanji
Ryotanji is a Buddhist temple built in 733. It belongs to the Rinzai school of Japanese Zen. It has a strong relationship with the Ii family and has served as a “Bodaiji (family temple)” for centuries. Visitors can enter the building and observe the inside and valuable exhibits closely. There is a traditional Japanese garden that is open to the public. The garden was nationally designated as a Scenic Spot in 1936.
Website: Ryotanji
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission 700 yen (adults/high school students), 300 yen (elementary/junior high school students)
Nukumori Forest
In Nukumori Forest, you will have a unique experience surrounded by Western and fairy tale-inspired buildings. The area was once used as a private residence and a show house by an architect. It was later renovated into a public area and now visitors can explore the romantic landscape created by lovely brick buildings. Small shops sell original merchandise, restaurants offer tasty dishes, and there’s even a cozy cafe in the small forest. Everything has been carefully made and placed to create the perfect landscape that seemingly can be found in picture books!
Website: Nukumori Forest
Opening Hours Weekdays 11 AM – 4 PM (last admission 3:30 PM), Weekends and Holidays 10 AM – 5 PM (last admission 4:30 PM) *Reservation is required for the restaurant
Admission 500 yen (junior high school students and older)
Where to Stay in the Hamamatsu Area
Okura Act City Hamamatsu ― Close to Hamamatsu Station, stores and restaurants, the view from the room over the city and the ocean is spectacular.
Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa ― All-inclusive hotel with beautiful lake views, a spa, wellness centre, sauna, and outdoor swimming pool.
Best Places to See Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka
Needless to say, Shizuoka is one of the best places to see Mt. Fuji in Japan. There are so many beautiful spots throughout the prefecture where you can see the glorious mountain from different points of view. Shizuoka has it all if you want to view the mountain from ground level, beside a lake, behind a shrine, or even while paragliding!
Check out our article below for the full list of the best views of Mt. Fuji.
Japan Wonder Travel Tours
If you need help organizing your trip to Shizuoka, you should check out our private tour, which includes an English guide. We’re glad to help you make your trip to Shizuoka a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memory!
- 1. Mt. Fuji Highlight Private Walking Tour (7 Hours)
- 2. Mt.Fuji Pilgrim Hiking
- 3. Exciting Mt. Fuji – One Day Tour from Tokyo
Shizuoka offers many different kinds of experiences for tourists and is easily accessible from Tokyo or Nagoya. Why don’t you consider spending a couple of days there to explore all the things to do?
Japan Wonder Travel Tours
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help!
▶Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.
▶Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo
Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.
▶Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
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Happy traveling!
