A Complete Guide to Shizuoka

Welcome to Shizuoka – Where Mountains Meet the Sea

Shizuoka Prefecture, located in central Japan along the Pacific coast, offers a harmonious blend of majestic nature, rich culinary culture, and historical depth. Home to Mount Fuji’s southern slopes, fertile tea plantations, and a long coastline, Shizuoka provides a relaxed yet diverse travel experience, balancing outdoor adventure with refined local traditions. This comprehensive guide explores Shizuoka’s key attractions, seasonal highlights, and essential travel information.

Shizuoka Overview

Geography and Size

Shizuoka Prefecture covers approximately 7,780 square kilometers, stretching from the foothills of Mount Fuji to the Pacific Ocean. Its geography is remarkably diverse, featuring volcanic mountains, rivers, tea-growing highlands, and scenic coastal areas. The prefecture’s location between Tokyo and Nagoya makes it both accessible and culturally significant.

Population and Major Cities

Shizuoka has a population of approximately 3.6 million (as of 2023). While urban centers are well developed, much of the prefecture maintains a calm, spacious atmosphere surrounded by nature. Major cities include:

• Shizuoka City – the prefectural capital and administrative center

• Hamamatsu – an industrial and cultural hub, famous for music instruments and eel cuisine

• Fuji City and Numazu – gateway cities offering views of Mount Fuji and access to coastal areas

Shizuoka’s GDP is approximately 17 trillion yen (2023), supported by manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.

How to Get to Shizuoka

By Train

Shizuoka is easily accessible via the Tokaido Shinkansen, which connects Tokyo and Osaka.

• Tokyo → Shizuoka Station: approx. 1 hour

• Nagoya → Shizuoka Station: approx. 1 hour

Local JR lines and private railways provide convenient access to coastal towns, hot spring resorts, and mountainous regions.

By Air

Shizuoka Airport (Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport) offers limited domestic and international flights, mainly serving regional travelers. Most international visitors arrive via Tokyo airports and continue by train.

By Car

Driving is an excellent option for exploring tea plantations, coastal roads, and rural areas. The Tomei and Shin-Tomei Expressways run through the prefecture, offering efficient long-distance travel.

Accommodation in Shizuoka

Ryokan (Traditional Inns)

Shizuoka is home to numerous ryokan, particularly in hot spring areas such as Izu Peninsula, Shuzenji, and Atami. Guests can enjoy seasonal kaiseki cuisine, ocean or mountain views, and relaxing onsen experiences.

Hotels and Resorts

From business hotels in city centers to luxury resorts along the Izu coastline, Shizuoka offers a wide range of accommodations. Coastal resorts, boutique inns, and increasingly popular glamping facilities provide stylish stays surrounded by nature.

Best Seasons to Visit Shizuoka

Shizuoka can be enjoyed year-round, but the following seasons are especially recommended:

Spring (March–May)

• Cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji backdrops

• Mild temperatures and clear skies

• Fresh seafood and early green tea harvests

Autumn (October–November)

• Autumn foliage in mountainous regions

• Pleasant weather for sightseeing and hiking

• Seasonal delicacies such as mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and local fish

Shizuoka’s climate is generally milder than northern Japan, making it comfortable even outside peak seasons.

Travel Tips for Shizuoka

Transportation

Public transportation is efficient in urban areas, but renting a car is recommended for exploring the Izu Peninsula, tea fields, and rural attractions. Roads are well maintained, and driving conditions are generally safe year-round.

Clothing Recommendations

Shizuoka has a temperate climate. Light layers are suitable for most of the year, though warmer clothing is recommended for higher elevations near Mount Fuji, especially in autumn and winter.

Local Products & Souvenirs to Enjoy in Shizuoka

Shizuoka is not only a destination for scenic beauty but also a prefecture deeply rooted in craftsmanship, agriculture, and local culture. Exploring Shizuoka’s regional products offers travelers a meaningful way to connect with everyday life and long-standing traditions.

Shizuoka Tea Culture

Shizuoka is Japan’s leading green tea–producing region, accounting for around 40% of the nation’s tea production. Rolling tea fields stretch across the hillsides, particularly in areas such as Makinohara and Kawane. Visitors can enjoy tea tastings, visit tea farms, and even experience hands-on tea-picking during the harvest season. High-quality sencha, matcha, and hojicha make excellent souvenirs.

Seafood from Suruga Bay

Suruga Bay, one of the deepest bays in Japan, provides Shizuoka with an abundance of fresh seafood. Local specialties include sakura shrimp, whitebait (shirasu), and deep-sea fish unique to the region. Many coastal towns offer morning fish markets, seaside restaurants, and seasonal seafood festivals where visitors can enjoy the flavors of the ocean at their freshest.

Traditional Crafts and Local Artisans

Shizuoka has a long history of craftsmanship, including Suruga bamboo crafts, wooden products, and ceramics influenced by both mountain and coastal cultures. Handmade items reflect simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty, making them thoughtful and authentic souvenirs.

Local Food Specialties

From unagi (eel) dishes in Hamamatsu to wasabi grown in clear mountain streams, Shizuoka’s cuisine highlights the prefecture’s rich natural environment. Sweets made with green tea, locally sourced fruits, and traditional techniques are widely available in cafés and specialty shops.

A Relaxed Shopping Experience

Unlike larger metropolitan areas, shopping in Shizuoka is unhurried and personal. Small local shops, roadside stations (michi-no-eki), and regional markets allow visitors to interact directly with producers and artisans, creating memorable travel experiences beyond typical sightseeing.