Shizuoka Prefecture is located in the central part of Honshu, Japan's main island, and offers visitors a diverse range of experiences. Its geography is diverse, with both mountainous and coastal areas. The towering Mt. Fuji, Japan's tallest peak, is located just north of Shizuoka and is visible throughout the prefecture. If you've ever wondered, "Is Shizuoka worth seeing?" our answer is yes!
The Izu Peninsula, located on the eastern coast of the prefecture, is a popular destination for its picturesque beaches, hot springs, and scenic drives. Shizuoka's culture is steeped in tradition and history, and there are several historical landmarks throughout the prefecture, including Sunpu Castle, a reconstructed castle from the Edo Period (1603–1868), and the Tokaido Road, an ancient road that connected Tokyo and Kyoto. Shizuoka is famous for its green tea, considered some of the best in Japan. Seafood is also a highlight of Shizuoka's cuisine, with eel and sakura shrimp being the most sought-after catch of the day. Of course, we have an entire blog post dedicated to other must-try foods in Shizuoka.
Based on a local's recommendations, we gathered the top twenty things to do in Shizuoka.
Top 17 things to do in Shizuoka
- Enjoy a traditional ryokan and hot spring in Atami
- Drive along the Izu Peninsula
- Visit the Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art
- Stroll along the Tokaido Road
- Picnic under the cherry blossoms in Kawazu
- Visit Miho no Matsubara
- Try seasonal seafood from Suruga Bay
- Learn about Tokugawa Ieyasu at Sunpu Castle
- Join the Hatsukae Festival at Shizuoka Sengen Shrine
- Try everything matcha
- Shop til you drop in Gotemba
- Enjoy outdoor activities at Lake Tanuki
- Climb Mt. Fuji
- Marvel at the Dream Suspension Bridge
- Ride an old steam train
- Check out Kakegawa’s Bird Park
- Try night fishing at Lake Hamana
1. Enjoy a traditional ryokan and hot spring in Atami
Atami is a popular hot spring resort town in the west of Shizuoka and an easy train ride from Tokyo. The town is situated along the coast, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Atami has a long history as a resort town, dating back to the Edo Period. The hot springs in Atami are said to have therapeutic properties and are popular among locals and tourists who come to soak in the mineral-rich waters. Some hot springs also offer outdoor baths with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Atami offers lots to see and do, making it perfect for a Shizuoka day trip from Tokyo or a weekend stay.
Keen to visit Atami? See our tips on booking a ryokan (traditional inn) in Japan.
2. Drive along the Izu Peninsula
Driving along the Izu Peninsula is a must-do activity when in Shizuoka. The scenic drive offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline, charming seaside towns, and hot spring resorts. It is recommended to take at least a full day to explore the area. Many people head to the Jogasaki Coast, known for its dramatic cliffs from a volcanic eruption 4,000 years ago. Along the way, Mt. Fuji remains ever-present, making every stop feel spectacular. At the end of your drive, stop for a wasabi kaiseki meal and one night stay at a traditional onsen. Treat yourself, you deserve it.
3. Visit the Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art
This museum is dedicated to the works of the famous ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige. He is known for his depictions of landscapes and cityscapes during the Edo period. Located on the Tokaido Road, the museum displays images of the 53 stops for travelers during that time. The museum features a collection of over 1,000 prints, as well as exhibits about his life and techniques. Visitors can also take part in hands-on workshops to learn about woodblock printing. More information.
4. Stroll along the Tokaido Road
The Tokaido Road is a historic and cultural travel route that played a significant role in Japan's history, connecting the political capital of Kyoto with the commercial center of Edo (now Tokyo). Today, walking along the Tokaido Road is a unique way to experience Japan's rich history and culture. The road has historic landmarks, traditional buildings, and stunning natural scenery. Today, visitors can walk along a section of the road in Shizuoka and see some of the traditional structures and landscapes preserved over the years.
5. Picnic under the cherry blossoms in Kawazu
Go for the cherry blossoms. Stay for the stars. Kawazu is a small town located on the Izu Peninsula. During February and March each year, visitors can see the early-blooming Kawazu cherry trees, which feature bright pink blossoms. Kawazu Sakura blooms much earlier and longer than usual, allowing visitors to enjoy this iconic Japanese experience fully. When darkness falls, seven stars shine brightly in the night sky, forming a hexagon shape known as Winter’s Diamond.
6. Visit Miho no Matsubara
Miho no Matsubara is a beautiful and iconic pine grove. It has been designated a national scenic spot and source of artistic inspiration. The panoramic views of Mt. Fuji from this location are unparalleled. It’s also popular for picnics and enjoying the sunset. We recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is best, and the crowds are fewer. Don’t visit at midday, as there is no shade available on the shore unless you bring your own.
7. Try seasonal seafood from Suruga Bay
Shizuoka City’s fresh and delicious seafood is caught daily in the nearby Suruga Bay. Sakura shrimp are a seasonal delicacy and are only available for a short period in the spring, typically from March to June. Suruga Bay is the deepest bay in Japan, so the seafood caught here might be strange-looking but oh-so delicious!
We recommend this nigiri sushi-making class for a hands-on experience like no other.
8. Learn about Tokugawa Ieyasu at Sunpu Castle
Sunpu Castle is a reconstructed castle from the Edo Period. For 17 years, it was the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, including the main keep and surrounding gardens. The castle also has a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits from the Edo period. There are many hands-on activities, like a virtual reality experience and a wearable replica of Tokugawa’s armor. You can pretend that you have time-traveled back to the Edo Period. More information.
9. Join the Hatsukae Festival at Shizuoka Sengen Shrine
This ancient shrine, dedicated to Mt. Fuji, dates back to the 6th century. It is within walking distance of Sunpu Castle and is the site of the Hatsukae Festival, which features the ancient Chigomai dance. The Chigomai dance was performed by children for Tokugawa Ieyasu. Since then, the dance has been passed down through the ages and is an integral part of the festival, which runs from April 1 to 5 annually.
10. Tour one of Shizuoka's many, many Japanese tea farms
Matcha is a uniquely Japanese flavor and can be found across the country in various forms. In Shizuoka, they have taken this to the ultimate level, taking pride in offering matcha in unheard-of combinations, dishes, and snacks like Oreos, potato chips, and pretzel sticks. First, we recommend you get a comprehensive idea of what matcha is and how it is processed in this ultimate Shizuoka tea farm tour. Then, strike out on your own to try the very best matcha products in Shizuoka. Our personal recommendation is Nanaya Gelato, which offers seven levels of matcha intensity in its ice cream.
Looking for more tea farm tours? Check this list of farm tours and farm stays around Japan.
11. Shop 'til you drop in Gotemba
Gotemba Premium Outlets is a large outlet shopping mall located in the city of Gotemba, at the base of Mt. Fuji. It is one of the largest outlet malls in Japan, with over 200 stores offering discounted prices on a wide range of international and domestic brands. The mall's location at the base of Mt. Fuji provides visitors with stunning views of the iconic mountain. You can shop til you drop. Alternatively, try Gotemba's zen experience and explore its hidden gems with this curated tour. Try them both, we won't judge.
12. Enjoy outdoor activities at Lake Tanuki
Just a short drive from Fujinomiya City, Lake Tanuki is a beautiful lake offering a range of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at the lake, including camping, fishing, boating, and hiking along the surrounding trails. The Diamond Fuji experience is particularly stunning when viewed from Lake Tanuki. Diamond Fuji is a phenomenon that occurs when the sun rises or sets directly above the peak of Mt. Fuji, creating a diamond-like sparkle on the summit.
Try this glamping eco-tour option if you want a more upscale experience.
13. Climb Mt. Fuji
Let's address the elephant in the room. By elephant, I mean the towering volcano. Mt. Fuji is Japan's tallest peak and is one of Japan's three sacred mountains. It's also an active volcano, so while climbing Mt. Fuji is a popular activity, it's important to remember that it is physically demanding and potentially dangerous. The official climbing season is from early July to mid-September, when the weather is relatively stable, and the mountain huts are open. The climb to the summit takes around 5-7 hours, and most climbers start in the early morning hours to reach the summit in time for sunrise.
14. Stroll across the Dream Suspension Bridge
Yume no Tsuribashi, which means "Dream Suspension Bridge," is a pedestrian suspension bridge in Yaizu. The unbelievably turquoise-colored waters, caused by mineral deposits in the surrounding mountains, make it seem like a fairytale. It sways slightly as people walk across it, adding to the thrill of the experience. Although not as easily accessible as other places on this list, it’s well worth the effort.
15. Ride an old steam engine train
Riding an old steam train is a unique and charming experience in Shizuoka. The Oigawa Railway offers a scenic train ride that takes you through the beautiful countryside, with stunning views of mountains and valleys. The train also offers a range of themed rides, such as the "Thomas the Tank Engine" and "Moomin" trains, which are especially popular with children.
16. Check out Kakegawa’s Bird Park
Kakegawa's Bird Park is a popular attraction in Kakegawa, Shizuoka. The park is home to over 1,200 birds, including the emu, the secretary bird, and the shoebill stork. Visitors can enjoy various activities, including feeding and interacting with some of the birds, watching bird shows, and taking photos with the park's resident parrots. One of the park's highlights is the bird tunnel, a walkway that allows visitors to get up close and personal with dozens of birds flying freely overhead. This is probably my favorite place in Shizuoka.
17. Try night fishing in Hamanako
Takiya-Ryo is a unique fishing experience offered in Hamamatsu City. This traditional fishing method has been locally practiced for over a century, and visitors can join in from mid-May to late September. The boat sails after sunset, and participants try to fish using spears (they are more like giant forks). They are welcome to take home their catch or enjoy them on a nearby raft, where the staff will cook and serve them as tempura, miso soup, and more. This exceptional seafood experience on the lake is not to be missed!
How many days do you need in Shizuoka?
The time you need to experience Shizuoka fully depends on your interests and the specific activities you want to do. If you want to climb Mt. Fuji, for example, you may need several days to prepare and complete the hike. If you want to explore the city of Shizuoka and nearby attractions, you can see most of the main sights in a few days. Overall, a trip of around 3-5 days is a good amount of time for any major city in Shizuoka.
A Shizuoka trip is worth it, especially if you're interested in experiencing a more rural and traditional side of Japan. You have twenty possible answers if you're ever asked, "What is cool about Shizuoka?"
