Shizuoka Prefecture, a neighbour to 4 other prefectures in Japan, is a common corridor that people travel through to get to locations such as Kyoto and Osaka. However, did you know that Shizuoka boasts a huge amount of scenery, experiences, and culture that will make you want to plan a trip to the area for your next Japan adventure!
Shizuoka’s Pacific Ocean coastal neighbours are Aichi and Kanagawa prefectures. Ranked 10th in population at slightly over 3.5 million residences, Shizuoka is also the 13th largest prefecture of Japan. Formerly three distinct provinces, Shizuoka has a strong history and industry in relation to both motorsports and music, being home to the Fuji International Speedway and the headquarters of Suzuki, but also the location of both the Yamaha and Roland headquarters.
Transportation
Shizuoka is easily accessible from large cities such as Tokyo. You can hop on the Tokaido Shinkansen, or even take more leisurely local trains. Whether you are interested in heading all the way toward the capital city of Shizuoka or the most populous city of Hamamatsu, trains are a convenient way to get there. Highway buses also operate in the area, and you can also fly into the local airport as well.
Things to do
One of the most popular activities that you can do in Shizuoka is find places to see Mt. Fuji! Sharing a border with Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka can lay claim to having part of Mt. Fuji within its borders. Some of the best viewpoints of the mountain can be found in the streets of Fujiyoshida, where the mountain seems to be towering over the power lines and other buildings.
Don’t forget to pay respects at Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, the head shrine of all the Asama shrines in Japan. Asama shrines focus on kami (deities) that are connected with volcanoes, especially Mt. Fuji. The shrine hosts a multitude of festivals every year, meaning that no matter when you visit, there may be something happening!
The Izu Peninsula, an arrow shaped peninsula bordering Suruga Bay, is a top stop to experience some of the best onsens and relaxation spots in the prefecture. Try some of the onsens in Atami, and then make your way further into the peninsula to see more of the nature and stunning beaches. From the Izu Peninsula, you’ll also be afforded awe inspiring views of Mt. Fuji, framed by the beaches and water of the Pacific Ocean.
There is Atami Onsen, which has been patronised by many different high ranking officials throughout history, and Shuzenji Onsen, said to have been visited by Kobo Daishi, who established the nearby Shuzenji Temple. Imagine visiting in autumn or wintertime, taking in the views while relaxing in the rejuvenating water!
Within Shizuoka Prefecture, there are 3 waterfalls that are part of the list of the top 100 waterfalls of Japan. They are Shiraito Falls, Joren Falls, and the Abe Great Falls. Shiraito Falls is close to Mt. Fuji, and is composed of many separate smaller streams, all cascading down 20 metres together. Combined with views of Mt. Fuji, it’s no wonder that it made the top 100 list. Joren Falls can be found in the centre of the Izu Peninsula, with columnar joints of rock bordering each side. The final waterfall, Abe Great Falls, is nearby Umegashima Onsen, is 80 metres high and nestled deep in the mountains.
Don't forget that Shizuoka Prefecture is a great spot for some early year cherry blossoms! Kawazuzakura, found in the similarly named city of Kawazu, are a variety of cherry blossom that actually bloom in very early spring around February. There is a cherry blossom festival usually held in February which is also quite popular. Walking alongside the riverbank, with cherry blossoms in full bloom is a wonderful experience to have. If you hike further up the Kawazu River, you'll be able to escape from the crowds and see the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls, making a beautiful walking trail and a way to experience Japanese nature.
What else?
If you travel further into the northern areas of the prefecture, north of Shizuoka City, you’ll find the Sumata Gorge. A stunning natural feature with the Sumata River flowing through it, there are hiking trails and observation points that show off the area's natural beauty. There is also the Yume no Tsuribashi, the Bridge of Dreams, spanning 90 metres over the Oma Dam Lake. Surrounded by the changing colours in autumn, it makes for an amazing day trip from the main cities in Shizuoka. There are also two other suspension bridges nearby, namely Hiryu Bridge and Sannami Bridge. Sannami Bridge is actually the longest of the three at 96 metres long.
For the sports inclined, Shizuoka Prefecture is also home to one of the top golf courses in the world. The Fuji Course at Kawana Hotel has been ranked as one of the top 100 courses in the world, coming in at number 50 in the 2024 rankings. Set right on Sagami Bay and designed by C.H. Alison in 1936, the course winds its way through the hilly terrain, offering a highly enjoyable round of golf. Relaxing at the hotel’s many baths is also very much recommended for a perfect way to finish off the day.
A fun fact about Shizuoka Prefecture is that it is well known for wasabi production. This spicy condiment commonly served with sushi and other foods is notoriously hard to cultivate, mostly found in cold, flowing water. Fresh wasabi is also known to have a distinct taste compared to that which you may have in a restaurant. Within Shizuoka, you have the opportunity to visit wasabi fields to learn about cultivation, if you visit the Shuzenji area, you’ll even be able to taste wasabi ice cream!
Shizuoka is not far from Tokyo, and it has so much to do in the form of adventure, food, and sightseeing. So what are you waiting for, grab your hiking shoes, camera, and golf shoes, and make your way to Shizuoka!
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