Hello! I wanted to introduce Japan’s beauty in smaller cities, and towns. Of course the big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto are very popular, and lots of remarkable things to do there. But looking inside Japan (smaller cities and towns) there are many beautiful places, people, and food too! First, let me introduce Shizuoka-ken(prefecture).
Shizuoka is located almost right in between Tokyo, and Osaka. It’s famous for Japan’s number one green-tea region. Also there are many good tasting strawberry fields too! Nature in Shizuoka is very beautiful, like Mt. Fuji, and lots Shrines, temples, and Onsen (Hot springs).
The 3 big cities in Shizuoka
- Shizuoka-shi (city) (capital of Shizuoka-ken)
- Hamamatsu-shi
- Mishima-shi
Shizuoka is famous for
- Miho no Matsubara-A scenic spot where you can see Mount Fuji, pine trees, and the sea all at once. It is part of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
- The mountains of the south Alps and the Suruga bay are nearby, so you can enjoy both the sea and the mountains in one place. Suruga bay is the deepest bay in Japan. You can enjoy local seafood such as whitebait and sakura shrimp, which are specialties of this area.
- The tea fields around Nihondaira are especially beautiful, and the view of the tea plantations with Mount Fuji in the background is very famous.
Hamamatsu is famous for
- Music City-Hamamatsu is home to major musical instrument makers such as Yamaha and Kawai. It is famous as a “City of Music,” with many concerts and music events held throughout the year.
- Hamamatsu castle-This is the castle where Tokugawa Ieyasu spent his early years. It is also known as the “Castle of Success” because many of its former lords went on to achieve great success.
- Hamamatsu is the founding place of Suzuki. The motorcycle and automobile industries are highly developed here.
- Lake Hamana-Famous for eel and beautiful scenery. The coast along the Enshu-nada Sea is also popular for surfing. Eel and Hamamatsu Gyoza is specialty in Hamamatsu.
Mishima is famous for
- Crystal Clear Spring Water-Mishima is famous for its clean water from Mount Fuji.
The melted snow from Mt. Fuji flows underground and appears as beautiful springs throughout the city. You can see this clear water at places like Rakujuen Park. - Historic Shrine-One of the most famous places in the city is Mishima Taisha.
This historic shrine has been an important spiritual site for more than 1,000 years.
Many visitors come here to pray for good luck. - Delicious Local Food-Mishima is also known for its local food, especially Mishima Croquettes. These crispy croquettes are made with local potatoes and are very popular with visitors.
- Easy Access to Nature-From Mishima, you can easily visit Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, and nearby hot spring towns like Atami.
See more information about Mishima, Shizuoka Japan ↓
As you can see, there are very famous and attractive spots in Shizuoka. You must be wondering why I’m recommending Shizuoka… It’s because I live here in Shizuoka, and want people to know more about this place!
Thank you for reading
Matane! (Later!)
