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Shimada

Shimada, Shizuoka, Japan

Step Back in Time in Shimada, Japan Nestled along the Oi River in Shizuoka Prefecture, Shimada offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and traditional charm. This picturesque city, once a bustling post tow…

#Shimada#Shizuoka#Japan#scenic views#traditional culture

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Shimada.

Top Hotels in Shimada

Top Flights to Shimada

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Shimada.

Tours

Oigawa Railway

Enjoy a scenic journey aboard a steam locomotive along the Oigawa River, offering breathtaking views of the countryside.

Shimada City Rose Garden

Explore a beautiful garden with over 360 varieties of roses, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Horai Bridge

Walk across one of the world's longest wooden pedestrian bridges, offering picturesque river views.

Shimada Tea Plantation Tour

Visit a local tea plantation and learn about tea production with an opportunity to sample fresh tea.

Shimada City Museum

Discover the history and culture of Shimada through artifacts and exhibits.

Shopping

Plaza Loco Market

A local market offering a variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local crafts.

Outdoor

Kawane Hot Springs

Relax and unwind in the natural hot springs of Kawane, surrounded by lush greenery.

Mt. Takakusa Hiking

Hike through beautiful forest trails leading to the summit with panoramic views of Shimada.

Kawane Camping

Camp under the stars by the river and enjoy outdoor activities in the Kawane area.

Oi River Fishing

Enjoy fishing in the clear waters of the Oi River, perfect for both enthusiasts and beginners.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Shimada.

Currency

¥ | JPY | Japanese Yen

Population

Not Available

Languages

Japanese, Japanese

Average weather

Shimada

Jan

10°2°

Feb

11°3°

Mar

14°5°

Apr

19°10°

May

23°14°

Jun

25°18°

Jul

29°22°

Aug

31°23°

Sep

27°20°

Oct

22°15°

Nov

17°9°

Dec

12°4°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Shimada.

What people love

Shimada, located in Shizuoka, Japan, offers several attractions and activities for travelers to enjoy. Here are some pros of traveling to Shimada:

Tea Culture: Shimada is famous for its tea production, particularly for its green tea. Travelers can visit tea plantations, participate in tea ceremonies, and learn about the rich tea culture in the region.
Scenic Beauty: Shimada is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including lush green tea fields, picturesque mountains, and tranquil rivers. Travelers can enjoy peaceful walks, hikes, and scenic drives in the area.
Historical Sites: Shimada has a number of historical sites and cultural landmarks to explore, such as temples, shrines, and traditional Japanese architecture. Travelers can immerse themselves in the region's history and heritage.
Local Cuisine: Shimada offers a variety of delicious local dishes, including fresh seafood, traditional Japanese cuisine, and tea-infused dishes. Travelers can indulge in culinary delights unique to the region.
Relaxing Hot Springs: Shimada is home to several hot springs (onsen) where travelers can relax and rejuvenate in natural mineral-rich waters. This is a great way to unwind and experience traditional Japanese bathing culture.

Overall, traveling to Shimada in Shizuoka, Japan, provides a unique opportunity to explore tea culture, natural beauty, history, cuisine, and relaxation in a serene and picturesque setting.

Enjoy your trip to Shimada!

What to know

Information not available.

Shimada, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, boasts a rich history intertwined with the broader historical developments of the region. Here are some key aspects of its history and notable features:

Historical Background:
- Shimada has been an important location since ancient times due to its position along the Ōi River, a major river in Shizuoka Prefecture. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Shimada was a critical post town on the Tōkaidō, the main road connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. The river was a significant barrier, as there were no bridges to cross it in the Edo period; instead, travelers had to be ferried across, which made Shimada a bustling hub of activity.
Significant Events:
- The Shimada-juku was one of the 53 stations of the Tōkaidō, and it thrived as a staging point for travelers crossing the river. This led to economic prosperity in the area.
- In the Meiji era, the construction of bridges and the development of railways diminished the importance of the traditional Tōkaidō route, impacting Shimada's role as a transport hub.
Historical Figures:
- While specific historical figures from Shimada might not be widely known on a global scale, the town's role in the Tōkaidō means it was frequented by numerous samurai, merchants, and travelers of historical significance during the Edo period.
Cultural and Natural Landmarks:
- Shimada-juku: As a former post town on the Tōkaidō, Shimada-juku is a place of historical interest that retains elements of its past.
- Horai Bridge (Horai-bashi): Built in 1879, it is one of the longest wooden pedestrian bridges in the world and remains a symbol of Shimada.
- Ōigawa Railway: A heritage railway line that offers scenic rides through the area, drawing visitors interested in both history and nature.
- Shimada Mage: This traditional hairstyle is unique to Shimada and is celebrated through local festivals and cultural events.
Current Status:
- Today, Shimada is part of the greater Shizuoka Prefecture and remains known for its role in tea production, as Shizuoka is one of Japan's most famous tea-growing regions.

Shimada's history as a transport hub and its cultural contributions, such as the Shimada Mage, highlight its role in the broader historical tapestry of Japan.