Shizuoka is a beautiful city located in central Japan, facing the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by mountains. The city offers a perfect mixture of nature, history, and delicious local food. It is also a great place to enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Compared to large tourist cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, Shizuoka has a more relaxed atmosphere, which makes it a wonderful place to explore at a slower pace.
Shizuoka city is the capital of Shizuoka prefecture.
Must visit places in Shizuoka City
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
One of the most important historical sites in the city is Kunōzan Tōshōgū. This shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogun that ruled Japan for over 260 years.
The shrine is located on top of a mountain. Visitors can reach it by climbing more than 1,100 stone steps or by taking the ropeway from Nihondaira. The colorful decorations and detailed carvings of the shrine are very impressive.
From the shrine area, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.
Visit the official web site for beautiful Kunouzan Toshogu here
Miho no Matsubara
Miho no Matsubara is one of the most famous scenic spots in Japan. This coastline is lined with around 30,000 pine trees and stretches for about 7 kilometers.
The combination of the pine trees, the sea, and Mount Fuji creates a breathtaking landscape that has inspired artists and poets for centuries. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.
Many visitors enjoy walking along the beach and taking photos of the beautiful scenery.
Visit Miho no Matsubara`s official web site here.
Sunpu Castle Park
Sunpu Castle Park is another important historical site in Shizuoka City. This was once the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu after he retired from politics.
Today, the castle has been turned into a large park. Visitors can walk around the castle ruins, see reconstructed gates and towers, and relax in the green open spaces. In spring, the park is also a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms.
Every spring, Sunpu Castle Park hosts the Shizuoka Festival, one of the largest events in the city. Visitors can enjoy parades inspired by the time of Tokugawa Ieyasu, traditional performances, and beautiful cherry blossoms around the castle.
Check out more about the Shizuoka festival here!
Try Fresh Seafood from Suruga Bay
Shizuoka City faces Suruga Bay, which is the deepest bay in Japan. Because of its unique environment, the bay is home to a wide variety of seafood.
Local specialties include fresh tuna, sakura ebi (tiny pink shrimp), and shirasu (tiny white fish). Many restaurants around the city serve delicious seafood bowls and sushi made with fish caught the same day.
Recommended restaurants in Shizuoka city↓↓↓
- Kurasawaya (Japanese only)- Can enjoy the view of Mt. fuji, Suruga bay and Izu penninsula
- Sakura ebi cha ya (Japanese only)- Sister restaurant to Kurasawaya, and you can enjoy famous soba with Sakura ebi
- Gohan-ya Sakura (Japanese only, this is not a official web site)-Can enjoy fresh local food.
Japan’s Largest Green Tea Producing Region
Shizuoka Prefecture produces the largest amount of green tea in Japan. When you travel around the area, you can see beautiful tea fields covering the hills.
Visitors can enjoy high-quality Japanese Green tea, matcha desserts, and even tea-flavored ice cream.
Japanese Tea Kimikura Saryo
Kimikura Saryo (Japanese only) is a Japanese tea café where visitors can enjoy high-quality Shizuoka tea. Popular menu items include matcha parfaits, matcha lattes, and traditional Japanese sweets that pair perfectly with freshly brewed green tea. (Inside Asty mall)
Nanaya Shizuoka Store
Nanaya is famous for its matcha gelato, which comes in seven levels of intensity. The strongest level is known as one of the richest matcha ice creams in the world, making it a must-visit spot for matcha lovers.
CHATO MATCHA & BAKERY
CHATO Matcha & Bakery is a stylish matcha café that uses organic tea grown in Shizuoka. Their drinks and desserts highlight the natural flavor of matcha and focus on healthy ingredients.
T’s Green Omachi
T’s Green Omachi (Japanese only) is a cozy café known for its matcha desserts such as matcha parfaits, cakes, and matcha drinks. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the taste of Japanese green tea.
A Perfect Stop Along the Shinkansen
Shizuoka is located along the Tokaido Shinkansen line, making it easy to visit while traveling between Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kyoto. Around Shizuoka station there are many places to stop by hang out, have a drink or two and enjoy the delicious Shizuoka`s local food! Check to see the types of Shinkansen stopping in Shizuoka.
See more information about Shizuoka city here!
With its beautiful nature, rich history, and delicious local food, Shizuoka City is a wonderful destination that many international travelers have not yet discovered.
Today’s Japanese word is Itadakimasu! (Phrase said before eating. Expresses appreciation for the food and the people who prepared it)
