Shizuoka Prefecture will be featured in upcoming episodes of Everyday Gourmet on Network Ten. The 8 episodes will showcase an array of food inspired by popular dishes or produce from several areas in the prefecture.
Shizuoka is perhaps most well-known for Mt Fuji and green tea but it has so much more to offer all types of travellers. Read on to discover what exciting adventures await in various areas, and in the meantime tune in to the episodes below and try your hand at these Shizuoka-inspired dishes.
The list of episodes are:
- 22 Jul – Part 1: Hamamatsu Gyoza (Pan-Fried Dumplings with Bean Sprouts) | Part 2: Asari no Sakamushi (Sake Steamed Clams)
- 30 Jul – Yakisoba (Japanese Fried Noodles) – Fujinomiya
- 18 Aug – Kiwi Roru Keki (Golden Kiwi Swiss roll) – Kakegawa
- 26 Aug – Korokke (Croquettes) – Kannami
- 7 Sep – Maguro Tataki (Tuna Tataki) – Yaizu
- 20 Sep – Tonkatsu (Breaded Pork Cutlet) – Gotemba
- 30 Sep – Ochazuke (Green Tea Rice with Yuzu & Salmon) – Shimada & Kawane-hon
- 19 Oct – Daigaku Imo (Candied Sweet Potatoes) – Omaezaki
Please note that although it is unlikely dates may be subject to change.
Hamamatsu
Hamamatsu City has a long and storied history of craftsmanship, entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and tradition that makes it a fascinating place to visit. It is known for its gyoza (pan-fried dumplings) as well as its seafood.
Lake Hamana in west Shizuoka is one of Japan’s largest brackish lakes. The water is a combination of saltwater from the Pacific Ocean and freshwater from the Southern Alps, making it an ideal place to produce some of Japan’s finest seafood including oysters, clams, unagi (eel) and seaweed.
• Explore Shizuoka | Hamamatsu City 
• Explore Shizuoka | Lake Hamama
Fujinomiya
Fujinomiya City is an ideal place to experience life at the foothills of the iconic Mt Fuji, and is the main starting point for climbers using the Fujinomiya Trail.
Fujinomiya is also home to four yakisoba noodle factories. The noodles produced there are slightly firmer than typical yakisoba noodles, something unique to this area.
Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) has many variations but typically includes vegetables, meat (most commonly pork) and is usually garnished with red pickled ginger and sprinkled with aonori flakes (dried seaweed). Fujinomiya Yakisoba is cooked with lard and topped with bonito flakes. You can try it at small food stalls near Fujinomiya Sengen Shrine or at yakisoba restaurants scattered throughout the city.
• Explore Shizuoka | Fujinomiya
• Official website | Travel Fujinomiya
Kakegawa
Kakegawa is a charming castle town easily accessed by the Tokaido Shinkansen. It was once an important post station on the Tokaido Highway (an ancient road linking Tokyo to Kyoto) due to its strategic positioning, well-established castle and importance as a trading post for salt, a valuable commodity at the time.
These days, green tea is a more important commodity for the town. 40% of Japan’s green tea is grown in Shizuoka, and many of the tea plantations are close to Kakegawa City. It is also home to one of Japan’s largest kiwifruit farms.
• Explore Shizuoka | Kakegawa
Yaizu
Yaizu is well known for its delicious seafood, especially tuna and bonito, and is home to one of the most famous commercial fishing ports in Japan. Visit the Yaizu Fish Market to watch the lively fish auction in the morning and enjoy some freshly caught seafood.
There is also plenty of nature, culture and history to enjoy such as outdoor onsen with views of Mt Fuji, Hanazawa Hisotrical Village and kofun, ancient keyhole shaped tombs or tumuli (mounds of earth).
• Explore Shizuoka | Shizuoka Port Towns
• Official website | Travel Yaizu
Kannami
The Kannami area stretches from the plains of the Izunokuni area up into the highlands of the Hakone mountain range, and is an ideal setting for a range outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and golf. It is perhaps most famous for the expansive views of Mt Fuji, Hakone and the Izu Peninsula from Jukkoku Pass.
It is also home to Oratche, an organic farm located in a secluded valley that produces fresh milk, craft beer and vegetables for the local market.
• Explore Izu | Kannami
Gotemba
Gotemba is well-known for spectacular views of Mt Fuji and the popular Gotemba Premium Outlet shopping mall. It is also home to the Gotemba Trail, the longer but less busy of the four trails up Mt Fuji.
Along with a wide range of outdoor activities such as cycling and golf, there are many attractions and activities to suit all interests, including the award-winning Kirin Fuji Gotemba Whisky Distillery, hot springs and luxury glamping at Fujino Kirameki.
At the end of 19th century, a resort called American Village was established here and was home to many foreigners. Around this time people in Gotemba started breeding pork and producing ham and sausages.
• Explore Shizuoka | Gotemba
Shimada and Kawane-hon
Shimada and Kawane-hon are major tea producing areas of Shizuoka green tea with Kawane-hon also known for growing yuzu (a type of Japanese citrus). The mighty Oi River winds through these areas, carrying rainfall and snow melt from Japan’s Southern Alps, with the water used to irrigate the abundant tea fields.
A steam locomotive train, relaxing natural onsen, picturesque bridge set in stunning surrounds, local farm stays and more await visitors to this beautiful part of the prefecture.
• Explore Shizuoka | Kawane area
Omaezaki
Omaezaki is located on the southern tip of Shizuoka Prefecture and offers a relaxing coastal escape from the larger cities. A great time to visit is in late February to early March when the Kawazu Cherry Blossoms are in bloom.
The warm climate and long daylight hours create an ideal environment for growing a wide range of produce and sweet potatoes in particular have a long history in Omaezaki, with cultivation believed to date back to the Edo Period.
• Explore Shizuoka | Omaezaki and Mikonohara
More information
- Catch up on past episodes on YouTube
- See the recipes on the official website
