Shizuoka: Mt. Fuji Views, Green Tea Culture & Relaxed Port-City Vibes
Shizuoka is a calm coastal city located between Tokyo and Nagoya, best known for its clear Mount Fuji views, scenic Suruga Bay, and deep-rooted green tea culture. Unlike crowded Tokyo or ultra-urban Osaka, Shizuoka feels open, quiet, and spacious. Highlights include Nihondaira and Miho no Matsubara, historic sites linked to Tokugawa Ieyasu, Shimizu’s seafood-rich port, and a strong local tea and food culture. From castle ruins and pine forests to matcha cafés and the nostalgic Oigawa Railway, Shizuoka offers a perfect balance of nature, history, food, and relaxed travel—ideal for a 1–2 day visit.
Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Shizuoka
1. Nihondaira & Nihondaira Yume Terrace — Classic Mt. Fuji & Suruga Bay View
Nihondaira is a scenic plateau overlooking Shizuoka City, famous for its sweeping views of Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, and Shimizu Port. At the summit sits Nihondaira Yume Terrace, a modern wooden observation facility with a wide open deck offering 360° panoramic views, along with a café and souvenir shop. On clear days, this is one of the best viewpoints in all of Shizuoka Prefecture. At night, the city lights and port below create a beautiful contrast. Approx Cost: Free entry (only transport or parking fee applies) Access: • About 40 minutes by bus from JR Shizuoka Station (North Exit, Bus Stop 11 – Nihondaira Line) • Around 30 minutes by taxi from Shizuoka Station (¥4,000+) Nearby Spot: Ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine (directly connected) Best Time: Clear mornings for sharp Fuji views; late afternoon for golden light Recommended Visit Time: 1–1.5 hours (longer if visiting Toshogu via ropeway)
2. Kunozan Toshogu Shrine — Colorful Shrine on the Mountainside
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine is a richly decorated Shinto shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, located on Mt. Kuno facing Suruga Bay. It is one of Japan’s most important Toshogu shrines and also contains Ieyasu’s original burial site. Visitors can reach it by the Nihondaira Ropeway or by climbing a long stone staircase of 1,159 steps from the coast. The shrine’s buildings feature bright colors, gold details, and fine carvings—similar in style to Nikko Toshogu, but in a quieter setting. Approx Cost: Ropeway + shrine combined ticket: ¥1,700–¥1,800 (round-trip & entry) Access: • 5-minute ropeway ride from Nihondaira summit • Or climb from the coastal side Recommended Time: 1.5–2 hours (including ropeway and shrine grounds) Best For: History lovers, shrine enthusiasts, and travelers wanting a Fuji + sea + shrine combination
3. Miho no Matsubara — Pine Forest & Fuji Over the Sea
Miho no Matsubara is a scenic coastal stretch with over 30,000 pine trees lining a 7 km shoreline. It became part of Mount Fuji’s World Heritage listing in 2013. On clear days, Mount Fuji rises behind the ocean and pine forest—a scene often seen in classical Japanese art. The beach is ideal for walking and photography rather than swimming due to its pebbly surface and waves. Approx Cost: Free Access: From JR Shimizu Station by local bus or taxi (20–30 minutes) Nearby Spot: Miho Shrine, former Miho Station park Best Time: Clear mornings or late afternoons; sunset on good-weather days Recommended Time: 1.5–2 hours
4. Sumpu Castle Park — Castle Ruins, Turrets & City Green Space
Sumpu Castle Park is built on the former retirement residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. While the main castle keep no longer exists, visitors can explore wide moats, stone walls, reconstructed gates, turrets, and green lawns filled with seasonal flowers. A low-cost ticket allows entry into buildings such as Higashi Gomon Gate, turrets, and Momijiyama Garden. Park Entrance: Free Facilities Ticket: Around ¥360 Access: 20–25 minutes on foot from JR Shizuoka Station; also reachable by local buses Recommended Time: 1–1.5 hours Best Time: • Spring for cherry blossoms • Autumn for Momijiyama Garden foliage
5. Shizuoka Sengen Shrine — Historic Shrine Complex in the City
Shizuoka Sengen Shrine is a large Shinto complex at the base of Mt. Shizuhata, consisting of three main shrines and several smaller ones. Closely tied to the Tokugawa family, the site contains 26 buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties. Despite its central location, the shrine grounds feel forest-like and peaceful. Approx Cost: Free (small museum areas may charge) Access: Short bus ride or 20–25 minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station Nearby Spot: Sengen-dori shopping street Best Time: Morning for a quiet atmosphere; early April during the shrine festival
6. Shimizu Port & S-Pulse Dream Plaza — Seafood, Ferris Wheel & Bay Views
Shimizu Port represents Shizuoka’s seaside charm and is famous for fresh seafood. S-Pulse Dream Plaza is a waterfront complex featuring shopping, restaurants, museums, Chibi Maruko-chan Land, cinema, and a Ferris wheel with bay and Mount Fuji views on clear days. Shimizu Sushi Yokocho on the first floor specializes in local tuna, sakura ebi, and shirasu. Approx Cost: Free entry; separate charges for food and attractions Access: JR Shizuoka → JR Shimizu (11 min) + free shuttle bus Or Shizuoka Railway to Shin-Shimizu Recommended Time: 2–3 hours Best Time: Afternoon to evening; sunset Ferris wheel rides are ideal
7. Shizuoka City Museum of Art & Gofukucho Shopping Street
Located beside the North Exit of JR Shizuoka Station, the Shizuoka City Museum of Art features rotating exhibitions in a calm, modern space. From here, Gofukucho Shopping Street stretches through the city center with fashion shops, cafés, and many specialty tea stores such as Maruzen Tea Roastery. Museum Ticket: ¥500–¥1,200 (varies by exhibition) Tea & Snacks: ¥500–¥1,200 Shopping: Flexible Access: 3-minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station via underground passage Recommended Time: 2–3 hours
8. Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art — Rodin Sculptures & Forest Setting
Located on a green hillside near Nihondaira, this museum is renowned for its Rodin Wing and diverse Japanese and Western art collections. The museum sits within a quiet park surrounded by trees and walking paths. Entrance Fee: ¥400–¥600 (higher for special exhibits) Access: Bus from JR Shizuoka or Higashi-Shizuoka Station Recommended Time: 1.5–2 hours Best For: Art lovers and visitors heading toward Nihondaira
9. Oigawa Railway Steam Train — Day Trip Into the Mountains
Starting from Shin-Kanaya Station, the Oigawa Railway offers vintage steam train rides along the Oi River through valleys and gorges to Senzu and beyond. It is one of the most scenic railway experiences near Shizuoka. Approx Cost: JR Shizuoka → Kanaya: ~30 minutes Oigawa steam train: several thousand yen round trip Recommended Time: Full-day trip Best Time: Autumn foliage, spring greenery, or clear winter days
10. Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art & Yui-shuku
Japan’s first museum dedicated to ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige, this museum is located in the historic Yui-shuku post town. The surrounding area retains an old-town atmosphere and is famous for sakura ebi. Museum Ticket: About ¥510 Access: From JR Yui Station, about 30-minute walk or short taxi ride Recommended Time: 2–3 hours
How to Travel Around Shizuoka Efficiently
Shizuoka is easy to access and navigate, especially within the city center and Shimizu area.
Getting to Shizuoka
From Tokyo:
Tokaido Shinkansen (50–90 minutes)
Direct to JR Shizuoka Station
From Osaka / Kyoto:
Shinkansen to Shizuoka: 1.5–2.5 hours
Fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Getting Around Inside Shizuoka
• JR Tokaido Line: Shizuoka ↔ Shimizu (11 minutes)
• Shizuoka Railway (Shizutetsu): 15 stations, 22 minutes end-to-end
• Shizutetsu Justline Buses: Citywide coverage
• 1-Day Rail & Bus Pass: About ¥1,600
• IC Cards accepted (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA)
Essential Travel Tips
• Base Near Shizuoka Station: Easy access to museum, Gofukucho, Sumpu Castle, Sengen Shrine (by bus), and Nihondaira buses.
• Use Shizuoka Railway for Shimizu: Fast and frequent; combine with free shuttle to S-Pulse Dream Plaza.
• 1-Day Pass is Worth It if you plan: Shizuoka Station → Sumpu → Sengen Shrine → Gofukucho → Shimizu → Miho, all in one day.
Food & Restaurant Suggestions in Osaka
Shizuoka’s food is all about green tea, seaside seafood, and local comfort dishes. The prefecture is known for top-level green tea, wasabi, bonito, tuna, sakura ebi, sardines, melons and more.
Must-Try Shizuoka Specialties
Shizuoka Oden:
A regional style of oden with dark soy-miso broth, beef tendon, fish cakes (often made from sardines), and skewered ingredients. Often topped with aonori and dried fish powder. You’ll find oden shops and stands, especially around Shizuoka city.
Sakura Ebi (Cherry Shrimp):
Tiny, translucent pink shrimp, only landed in certain ports like Yui. Delicious raw, dried, or fried as kakiage tempura.
Shirasu (Whitebait):
Fresh whitebait served as donburi (shirasu-don) or topping in Shimizu and nearby areas.
Green Tea:
High-quality sencha and matcha, often available in many forms—hot tea, iced tea, sweets, gelato, and more. Gofukucho’s Maruzen Tea Roastery is a modern tea café example.
Seafood Sushi & Kaisendon:
Shimizu Port area and S-Pulse Dream Plaza’s Sushi Alley focus on local tuna, sakura ebi, and shirasu.
Budget-Friendly Restaurants (¥500–¥1,500 per meal)
• Oden Stalls & Casual Shops:
Try simple Shizuoka oden plates with rice and soup—great value and very local.
• Ramen, Udon, and Soba Shops:
Many around Shizuoka Station, Gofukucho, and Shimizu.
• Gyudon & Chain Restaurants:
Sukiya, Yoshinoya, Matsuya, Coco Ichibanya, family restaurants (Gusto, Saizeriya) with sets in this price range.
• Conbini & Station Bentos:
Great if you’re heading out on a train or just want a cheap quick meal.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Shizuoka is not a “vegetarian capital,” but you can manage:
• Italian & Western Cafés: Pasta, pizza, salads in central Shizuoka and around the station.
• Tea Cafés & Dessert Shops: Many tea shops serve vegetarian-friendly sweets and drinks.
• Convenience Stores & Supermarkets: Onigiri (e.g., ume or kombu), salads, breads, fruits.
If you are strict vegetarian/vegan, bring a Japanese explanation card to show “no meat, fish, broth, egg, dairy” to staff.
Approximate Budget for a Day in Shizuoka
These estimates focus on one full day inside Shizuoka City & Shimizu, not counting long-distance Shinkansen from Tokyo/Osaka (add that separately).
Daily Budget Breakdown
Food & Dining: ¥1,500–¥5,500
• Breakfast: ¥400–¥1,000 (hotel, café, or conbini)
• Lunch: ¥800–¥2,000 (ramen, oden, set meal, or light sushi)
• Dinner: ¥1,200–¥3,000 (izakaya, seafood, Shizuoka oden shop)
• Snacks & Drinks: ¥300–¥800 (tea, gelato, vending machines)
Transportation (Local): ¥0–¥1,600+
• Walk-only city day: ¥0
• Few single rides (JR + bus or Shizutetsu): ~¥500–¥1,000
• Shizuoka Railway + Shizutetsu 1-day pass: about ¥1,600.
Attractions & Activities: ¥0–¥3,000+
• Sumpu Castle facilities: ~¥360
• Sumpu Castle Park itself: free.
• Tokaido Hiroshige Museum: ~¥510 adults.
• Shizuoka City Museum of Art / Prefectural Museum of Art: typically ¥400–¥1,000 depending on exhibition.
• Nihondaira Yume Terrace itself: free; just transport cost.
Shopping & Souvenirs: ¥500–¥8,000+
• Tea, snacks, small goods: ¥1,000–¥3,000
• Clothing / big gifts: ¥3,000–¥8,000+
Money-Saving Tips
• Use the 1-Day Rail+Bus Pass: if you’ll be jumping between Shizuoka Station, Shimizu, Miho, and Sumpu/Sengen in one day.
• Combine Spots Logically:
- Nihondaira + Kunozan Toshogu in one block.
- Shimizu Port + S-Pulse Dream Plaza + Miho no Matsubara same area.
- Sumpu Castle + Sengen Shrine + Gofukucho for a compact city walking route.
• Eat Lunch Sets: Restaurants often have cheaper lunch menus than dinner.
• Tea as Souvenir: Local tea is light, easy to carry, and relatively cheap compared to other gifts.
• Check Weather for Mt. Fuji: For Nihondaira and Miho, good weather makes a huge difference. If it’s cloudy, you can focus more on city areas and museums.
Shizuoka works perfectly as a calm break between big cities: you get Fuji views, ports, tea, and history without rushing. If you want, next I can create matching full-sized content for cities like Nagoya, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, or Kanazawa so your “Journey Japan” site keeps the same style for every destination.