Shizuoka is a city on Japan's Pacific coast, with the green ridges of Nihondaira rising behind it and Mount Fuji visible on clear days across Suruga Bay. The city grew up around Shizuoka Station, and the streets immediately around that station form the practical centre for most visitors.
For a visitor, the layout is simple: the station and its surrounding blocks hold the bulk of the city's accommodation, while the Nihondaira area sits on the hills outside the centre and is reached by shuttle bus. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what to expect at each price level.
Best areas to stay in Shizuoka
1. Around Shizuoka Station
This is the most practical base for a first visit. The station area holds the widest spread of accommodation, from barebones business hotels to modern mid-range places, and several are within a short walk of the platforms. You will find business hotels, mid-range hotels and larger terminal hotels here.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone arriving or leaving by train, since everything connects through the station. Note that some properties sit a few minutes' walk away rather than directly at the exit, so check the walking distance before booking.
2. Takajo
Takajo is a short walk from Shizuoka Station and offers a quieter, more residential setting while keeping you close to the station and the centre. It suits travellers who want to be near the station without being in the middle of it, and who do not mind a walk of several minutes to reach the platforms.
Accommodation here is mid-range, with business-style hotels offering rooms from singles up to triples. The main practical point is the walk to the station, which is manageable but worth factoring into your plans if you are carrying luggage.
3. Koyamachi, Aoi Ward
Koyamachi sits in Aoi Ward, a very short walk from Shizuoka Station, and is one of the closest places to base yourself if station access matters most. It suits visitors who want to step out of the station and be at their accommodation within a few minutes.
The accommodation here is modern mid-range, with compact, well-designed rooms. Because it is so central, this area is a good choice if you plan to make day trips and return to the station each evening.
4. South exit area, Suruga Ward
The area south of the station, in Suruga Ward, is reached by taking the station's south exit and continuing down the main street. It suits budget-conscious and mid-range travellers who want a straightforward business-hotel base close to the station.
Accommodation here is mid-range business hotels, some with laundry facilities, which is useful on longer trips. The walk from the station is short and along a main street, so it is easy to find.
5. Makigaya, Aoi Ward
Makigaya lies in Aoi Ward, roughly six kilometres from the city centre, and is the choice for backpackers and travellers watching their spending. It suits budget travellers who prioritise low costs over central convenience.
Accommodation here is hostel-style. The practical trade-off is distance: you are away from the station and the centre, so you will rely on other transport to reach the sights and to come and go each day.
6. Nihondaira
Nihondaira is the hillside area outside the centre, with views over Shizuoka, Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji. It suits travellers looking for a quieter, more expensive stay with a view, rather than a convenient base for sightseeing.
Access is by shuttle bus from Shizuoka Station or Higashi-Shizuoka Station, and the area is a long walk from Higashi-Shizuoka Station if you miss the bus. There are no convenience stores nearby, so buy your everyday needs downtown before you go, and note that Mount Fuji is not visible from every room.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: barebones business hotels with basic rooms and breakfast available, and hostel-style accommodation for backpackers. Expect the simplest facilities and, in the hostel case, a location away from the centre.
- Mid-range: business and modern hotels, often within a short walk of Shizuoka Station, with singles through to triples, non-smoking rooms in some cases, and in-room internet access.
- Splurge: a hillside hotel in Nihondaira with views and luxury restaurants, reached by shuttle bus, where you should plan ahead for everyday supplies.
Best area for a first visit
Stay around Shizuoka Station. It gives you the widest choice of accommodation at every level, puts you within walking distance of the platforms for day trips, and keeps you close to the centre. For a first trip, that convenience matters more than a view.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I am arriving by train?
The blocks around Shizuoka Station, including Koyamachi and the south exit area, are the most convenient, with several places a short walk from the platforms.
Where should backpackers and budget travellers look?
Makigaya in Aoi Ward has hostel-style accommodation, but it is about six kilometres from the city centre, so plan for the extra travel.
Can I stay somewhere with a view of Mount Fuji?
Nihondaira has views over Shizuoka, Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji, but Mount Fuji is not visible from standard rooms, so confirm what your room faces before booking.
Is Nihondaira convenient for getting around?
It is reached by shuttle bus from Shizuoka Station or Higashi-Shizuoka Station, and there are no convenience stores nearby, so it suits travellers who want a quiet stay rather than a central base.
Compare live prices for these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide.