Shizuoka
· JP

Shizuoka

Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan

Nestled Between Mountain and Sea: Discover the Charms of Shizuoka, Japan Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the heart of Japan, where majestic Mount Fuji meets the sparkling Pacific Ocean. This is Shizuoka, a pr…

#scenic views#tea plantations#Mount Fuji#historical sites#green tea
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Shizuoka.

Top Hotels in Shizuoka

Top Flights to Shizuoka

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Shizuoka.

Tours

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine

Discover the rich history and traditional architecture of this ancient Shinto shrine.

Fujieda Historical Street

Walk along the quaint historical street lined with traditional Japanese houses and shops.

Nihondaira Plateau

Visit Nihondaira for panoramic views of Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji, accessible by ropeway.

Shizuoka City Museum of Art

Explore the fascinating exhibitions of local and international art pieces.

Miho no Matsubara

Explore the scenic pine grove offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sunpu Castle Park

Visit the historic site where a magnificent castle once stood, now a well-maintained park.

Shopping

Shimizu Fish Market

Explore the bustling market and taste fresh seafood caught locally.

Outdoor

Mt. Fuji Adventure

Experience breathtaking views and outdoor adventures at the iconic Mt. Fuji.

Mishima Skywalk

Experience Japan's longest pedestrian suspension bridge with stunning views.

Green Tea Picking Experience

Enjoy an authentic tea-picking experience in Japan's renowned Shizuoka tea fields.

Location videos

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

From travelers
Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Shizuoka.

Currency
¥ | JPY | Japanese Yen
Population
The approximate estimated total population of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan, is 0.7 million.
Languages
Japanese, Japanese
Average weather
Shizuoka
Jan
cloud
10°2°
Feb
cloud
11°3°
Mar
cloud
14°5°
Apr
sun
19°10°
May
sun
23°14°
Jun
rain
25°18°
Jul
rain
29°22°
Aug
hot
31°24°
Sep
rain
28°21°
Oct
cloud
23°15°
Nov
clear
18°9°
Dec
cloud
13°4°

Local guide

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

What people love

Shizuoka, located in Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan, offers a variety of attractions and experiences for travelers. Some of the pros of traveling to Shizuoka include:

  1. Scenic Views: Shizuoka is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including views of Mount Fuji, beautiful coastlines, and lush green tea fields.

  2. Hot Springs: The region is home to numerous onsen (hot spring) resorts where visitors can relax and unwind in mineral-rich thermal waters.

  3. Cultural Sites: Shizuoka has a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites such as Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Sumpu Castle, and numerous temples and shrines to explore.

  4. Culinary Delights: Shizuoka is famous for its seafood, particularly eel (unagi) and sakura shrimp. The region is also known for its green tea production, with tea plantations offering tours and tastings.

  5. Outdoor Activities: Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the many opportunities for hiking, cycling, and water sports in Shizuoka, with options ranging from coastal trails to mountain treks.

  6. Accessible Location: Shizuoka is conveniently located between Tokyo and Osaka, making it an easy stop for travelers exploring central Japan.

Overall, Shizuoka offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and culinary delights that make it a compelling destination for travelers.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Shizuoka, Japan, could include:

  1. Limited English language proficiency: Shizuoka may not be as English-friendly as larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka. This could potentially pose challenges for travelers who do not speak or understand Japanese.

  2. Limited public transportation options: While Shizuoka does have some public transportation options such as buses and trains, the coverage may not be as extensive as in larger cities. This could make getting around the city and its surrounding areas more challenging for tourists.

  3. Weather concerns: Shizuoka's climate is characterized by hot and humid summers, which may not be comfortable for everyone. Additionally, the region is prone to typhoons and heavy rainfall during certain times of the year, which could disrupt travel plans.

  4. Limited tourist infrastructure: Shizuoka is not as popular with tourists as other cities in Japan, so the tourist infrastructure may not be as developed. This could mean fewer accommodation options, restaurants catering to international tastes, and English-speaking staff at tourist sites.

  5. Distance from major attractions: While Shizuoka has its own attractions such as Mt. Fuji and hot springs, it may be farther away from other popular tourist destinations in Japan. Traveling to and from Shizuoka could require longer travel times and additional transportation costs.

It's important to note that these are potential cons and experiences may vary for each traveler. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to mitigate any challenges during your trip to Shizuoka.

Shizuoka, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The area was originally inhabited by the native Austronesian people before being gradually influenced by Japanese culture. Here are some significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks associated with Shizuoka:

  1. Founding of Shizuoka: Shizuoka was officially established as a town in 1539 during the Sengoku period. It served as a strategic location for various feudal lords who sought control over the region.

  2. Tokugawa Ieyasu: One of the most prominent historical figures associated with Shizuoka is Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Ieyasu chose Shizuoka as his retirement residence and constructed a castle known as Sunpu Castle, which became a symbol of his power and influence in the region.

  3. Shizuoka Tea: Shizuoka is renowned for its tea production, particularly green tea. The region's mild climate and fertile soil make it ideal for cultivating high-quality tea leaves. Shizuoka tea is highly regarded both domestically and internationally.

  4. Mount Fuji: While not located within Shizuoka city itself, Mount Fuji is a prominent landmark visible from many parts of the region. The iconic mountain holds cultural and spiritual significance for the Japanese people and has inspired countless artists and poets over the centuries.

  5. Sumpu Park: Formerly the site of Sunpu Castle, Sumpu Park is a historic area in Shizuoka that offers a glimpse into the city's feudal past. Visitors can explore the reconstructed castle tower and gardens while learning about Shizuoka's role in Japanese history.

  6. Shizuoka Sengen Shrine: This ancient Shinto shrine, dedicated to the goddess of Mount Fuji, is a significant cultural and religious site in Shizuoka. The shrine's architecture and rituals reflect the deep connection between the local community and the natural environment.

  7. Shizuoka City Hall: The modern administrative center of Shizuoka, City Hall serves as a hub for governance and public services in the region. It stands as a symbol of Shizuoka's contemporary development and commitment to serving its residents.

Overall, Shizuoka's history is characterized by a blend of traditional Japanese culture, feudal heritage, and modern development. The city's strategic location, natural beauty, and cultural attractions continue to attract visitors from around the world, making it a significant destination in Japan.