Shizuoka Travel Guide
One of my Favourite Prefectures Easily Accessible from Tokyo
Shizuoka Prefecture is one of my favourite places to explore for a weekend away or a mini staycation at a onsen ryokan. Many of the onsen ryokans I’ve stayed at, are in this prefecture. One side of the prefecture is mainly known for its glorious beautiful nature, picturesque shrines and temples, stunning waterfalls, delicious local food and views of Fuji. This little post is just to whet your appetite of all the beauty Shizuoka has to offer, I plan to write more detailed posts when I have some spare time. There is so much to see and do here, I hope that you readers will one day take the time to visit, especially the Izu Peninsula.
There is such rich history in Shizuoka, as it lies on the Old Tokaido Road (for which the Tokaido shinkansen is named for). The old Tokaido road linked the imperial capital of Kyoto to it’s modern capital of Edo (now Tokyo), allowing commerce and trade to flourish. The 53 stations of the Old Tokaido Road (go read my travel article if you feel like a bit of history) have been immortalized in the beautiful ukiyo-e works of Hiroshige Utagawa, and are famed throughout Japan.
Shizuoka Prefecture also has many sinise businesses (Japanese family-run businesses that are over 100years old, and with descendants still living today) often in local agriculture like green tea, wasabi and sake.
PS. If you are a tourist here and you hold the JR PASS, the stations along the Tokaido Road are eligible for JR PASS use. Shizuoka Prefecture has the most shinkansen train stations in any of the prefectures of Japan - 6! So it’s a perfect place to have a base to explore this wide countryside.
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Meet Geisha & Sip on Delicious Matcha
Did you know that besides Kyoto and Kanazawa, the only geisha school was in Izu Nagaoka Onsen area? This is because Izu, Shizuoka was roughly a midway point between the old ancient capital of Kyoto to the newer capital of Edo (modern day Tokyo) along the ancient Tokaido trade route. In its heyday, Izu Nagaoka once was host to over 400 active geisha after the expansion of the Shinkansen in 1964.
Izu Nagaoka Onsen is technically comprised of two areas, “Kona” and “Nagaoka” where there were once two separate geisha houses. These two were then combined to create “Izu Nagaoka Kenban”, a training school for geisha. However over the years, as geisha numbers declined, the school shuttered its doors in 1987. Today it now operates as a “Performing Arts Business Cooperative” with 10 active geisha still teaching and helping to share their traditions. There are various activities and performances visitors can take partake in and/or see like Dance Performances, Kimono Dressing etc. One can also make a private reservation to have a Geisha perform at an onsen ryokan/restaurant etc.
One of my first work trips to Shizuoka, I was very lucky to meet one of the Geisha of Izu Nagaoka, have tea served by her and chat to her about her life. This would be the first time in Japan I’d meet with a geisha.
Pick some Green Tea, Eat Fresh Wasabi & Delicious Seafood
For travellers who are foodies especially seafood lovers - Shizuoka should be on your list. The area is famed for its lush green tea, flavourful wasabi and fresh delicious seafood. The rich flavours and exceptional taste is due to Shizuoka’s unique geographical circumstances. Snow melting from Mt Fuji and the Southern Alps filters through the volcanic rock, resulting in mineral-rich spring water, merging with the rich volcanic soil which is conducive to farming, agriculture and fishing. The mild coastal weather and the deepness of Suruga Bay (the deepest in all of Japan) comes together to create a veritable haven for marine life. Shizuoka is particularly famous for its kinmedai (red snapper) and sweet sakura shrimp.
Slowly Sip Local Sake & Savour Some Whisky
The pristine melting snow waters trickling down from Mt Fuji and the Southern Alps also create the perfect environment for brewing sake, as some of the key ingredients are of course their own high grade Yamada Nishiki rice and water. Another key ingredient is that Shizuoka prefecture created their own yeast “Shizuoka yeast” which resulted in the clean, light, fruity flavour profile that surfaces in Shizuoka sake. One of the oldest sake breweries in Shizuoka Prefecture is Hatsukame Sake Brewery (Hatsukame Jozo), which was founded in 1636 during the early Edo period. It is also one of the oldest in Japan.
The same melting waters is why many whisky distilleries have also found their home in Shizuoka, like Kirin’s Gotemba Distillery. So if you’re not a fan of sake but would like a cheeky tipple, try some whisky instead.
Discover a More Peaceful Side of Mt Fuji
When visitors think of where to travel in Japan to see Mt Fuji in all her glory- many head to the more popular Hakone (Kanagawa side) or Yamanashi Prefecture. Many don’t realise Mt Fuji also falls on the Shizuoka side. The Shizuoka side is much quieter and peaceful and is one of my favourite places to see Mt Fuji, rather than the other two.
Spend the Summer at Shizuoka’s Beaches
Being Aussie, I’m afraid I’m rather snobby about beaches and I remember going to my first beach in Tokyo; Enoshima and I have to admit I wasn’t the biggest fan. So I was so happy to discover the beaches of Shizuoka, think clean pristine waters, white or golden sand. For a lot of people one of the most popular beaches is in Shimoda - Shirahama Beach (White Beach). However around the coastline you can often find pretty little beach coves/sections. Otherwise Imaihama beach in Kawazu is also lovely and not as busy as Shirahama in summer.
Explore Historical Shimoda - a Quaint Port Town
The town of Shimoda in Shizuoka plays an important part in Japan’s history. It’s in this little port town that Commodore Perry sailed up the ocean waters with his fleet of nine black warships to demand that Japan open its trade borders to the world. In 1854, the Shimoda Treaty was signed, opening up Shimoda and Hakodate Port and the rest of Japan to American ships. Today, the town of Shimoda has immortalised this history across the town itself, with a monument and other various attractions. One of the prettiest places to meander is down Perry Road - a willow lined canal path with charming boutiques and eateries on either side. The road connects Shimoda Park to Ryosenji Temple.
ACCESS
TRAVELLING FROM TOKYO STATION (to popular Shizuoka Prefecture stations)
ATAMI STATION (Tokaido Shinkansen ~ 45mins Direct | Local Tokaido Line ~ 1hr 45mins)
SHIZUOKA STATION (Tokaido Shinkansen ~55mins)
ITO STATION (Odoriko Express Train ~ 1hr 45mins Direct)
IZU NAGAOKA STATION (Odoriko Express Train ~ 2hrs Direct)
SHUZENJI ONSEN STATION (Odoriko Express Train ~ 2hrs 10mins Direct)
FUJINOMIYA STATION
Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station ~ 45mins
Local Tokaido Line: Atami Station to Fuji Station ~ 40mins
Local Minobu Line: Fuji Station to Fujinomiya Station ~ 19mins)
SHIZUOKA DETAILS
DISCOVER MORE OF SHIZUOKA
Kawazu Zakura - catch the early blooming deep pink Sakura in February
Minami Izu - a quieter alternative to Kawazu to see early blooming sakura
Shuzenji Onsen
Ito Onsen
Hokkawa Onsen
Nanadaru Onsen
