Shizuoka

Introduction

You can explore Shizuoka, the capital city of Shizuoka Prefecture. This location has been inhabited since prehistoric times, offering you a sense of deep history within its urban landscape.

Before you go

Before you arrive, you can consult the local tourist association's website to help plan your visit. The site is provided in Japanese but includes an integrated machine translation feature to assist you in navigating the information.

Getting there

You can reach Shizuoka by train via the Tokaido Main Line and the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, which connect the city to Tokyo and Osaka. The Hikari trains stop at Shizuoka, while the faster Nozomi trains pass through the station. For a different experience, you can take all-stopping Kodama trains or local trains from Tokyo. If you are traveling from Kofu on the Chuo Line, the Wide View Fujikawa limited express trains offer views through large windows as they travel toward Shizuoka.

If you prefer to travel by road, Shizuoka is accessible via the Tomei Expressway and the Shin-Tōmei Expressway. You can also reach the city using national routes such as Route 1, Route 150, or Route 52 depending on your starting point. For those arriving by air, Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport offers domestic flights to several cities and international flights to select destinations; a bus service connects this airport directly to the Shizuoka train station. Additionally, overnight buses operate from Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using the Shizutetsu train line, which connects Shin-Shizuoka station within the Cenova shopping mall to Shin-Shimizu station. Note that these stations are not integrated into the JR train system.

For broader access across the city, you can utilize Shizutetsu buses. These buses operate between Shizuoka station and the Cenova mall and provide transportation to various locations throughout the area.

Where to stay

Depending on your preference for atmosphere and amenities, you can find a variety of accommodations near the city center or in more scenic locales. For a practical stay, choose from several business hotels located within walking distance of Shizuoka Station, some offering modern designs with in-room internet or laundry facilities. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, a backpacker's hostel is available in the Aoi Ward.

For a more elevated experience, consider these options:

• Stay at a hotel in Nihondaira to enjoy views of Shizuoka, Suruga Bay, and Mount Fuji from the grounds.
• Choose a modern hotel with minimalist room designs near the station for easy access.
• Select a business hotel that provides a shuttle bus service to the station.

Food & drink

Savor the local flavors of Shizuoka by heading toward the port to enjoy fresh fish, including sushi. For a taste of regional tradition, visit the historic Mariko area to try tororo-jiru, a mountain yam soup served at a restaurant that has been in business since the Taisho era. If you prefer meat-based dishes, you can find specialized eel preparations or visit a popular burger joint offering a variety of options, such as avocado burgers and Shizuoka Maguro Burgers. Near the station, you can also find a specialty restaurant for tuna.

Experience the local drink scene by trying Shizuoka Cola, a unique tea-flavored cola made with famous local tea. In downtown Shizuoka, visit a bar that offers an eclectic mix of Western and European fare rather than a typical Japanese izakaya menu; here, you can try a Godzilla Burger or a White Russian while enjoying live entertainment on the weekends. Alternatively, find a nearby spot with an inventive menu of original cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere for international travelers.

Explore the historical landscape of Shizuoka by visiting sites linked to the Tokugawa Dynasty, including the Kunōzan Tōshō-gū, which serves as the burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, a site featuring numerous structures designated as National Important Cultural Properties. You can wander through the grounds of Sunpu Castle to see its restored guard house, lifelike statues, and various replicas of nearby buildings, or visit the Jirocho Residence to see the former home of a local figure who influenced the development of the Shimizu port area. For those interested in art and history, the Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art showcases the works of a renowned ukiyoe artist at the site of a former station, while the Shizuoka City Museum of Art features both permanent and special exhibits.

Experience the natural beauty of the region by visiting Miho no Matsubara to see pine trees and views of Mount Fuji, or head to Nihondaira for vistas of the Izu Peninsula and Shimizu Bay. Other notable sites include:

• The Shizuoka City Toro Museum, where you can explore a recreated Yayoi Period village and participate in traditional activities.
• Togetsubo Saiokuji Temple, known for its Muromachi Period garden.
• Abe Falls, a prominent waterfall located in the region.
• Tanaka Castle in Fujieda, where you can see remnants of moats and stonework alongside a reconstructed yagura.
• The coastal waters of Fujiyoshi Onsen, where you can find a rotenburo set in beautiful surroundings.

Three days in Shizuoka

Day one, you can begin your journey by arriving at Shizuoka Station in the Aoi Ward. From here, you can explore the local area or prepare for a scenic trip toward the coast.

Day two, travel toward Shimizu to experience the views of Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji. You can visit Nihondaira to take in the surrounding scenery.

Day three, you can enjoy your final day in Shizuoka Prefecture before departing via the Tokaido Shinkansen Line or the Tokaido Main Line for your next destination.