Getting Around Mishima
Mishima is a compact city at the northern edge of the Izu Peninsula, and its transport network is built around one clear anchor: Mishima Station. From there, visitors can reach most of the city's sights on foot or by local bus, with rail lines fanning out toward the Izu Peninsula and beyond.
Arriving by Train
Mishima Station is the city's main gateway and is served by three rail operators: the Tokaido Shinkansen, the JR Tokaido Main Line, and the Izuhakone Railway. This means you can arrive on a high-speed bullet train, a conventional JR service, or a private railway line, all at the same station.
- Shinkansen: All Kodama services and some Hikari services from Tokyo stop at Mishima. The Japan Rail Pass fully covers these services.
- JR Tokaido Main Line: Local trains also serve Mishima, though coming from Tokyo on the local line requires a transfer at Atami. This is the slower but cheaper option.
- Izuhakone Railway: This private line also calls at Mishima Station and continues into the Izu Peninsula.
Getting Around by Rail
For local movement, the most useful rail option is the Izuhakone Sunzu Line, which runs from Mishima deeper into the Izu Peninsula to Shuzenji, with several local stops within Mishima itself. If your plans include Shuzenji or the hot spring areas of the peninsula, this line is your connection. Note that the Sunzu Line is a private railway, so it is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Buses and Public Transport
City buses and taxis serve the Mishima region, and highway buses also run regularly into the city. For visitors planning to use local buses, the Mishima Discount Bus Pass (known as the "Mishimaru Kippu") is worth knowing about.
- What it is: An unlimited all-day bus pass.
- Cost: ¥1,500 for adults, ¥750 for children.
- Where it works: Only on the Tokai Bus Orange Shuttle. It is not valid on other companies or routes, so check which bus you plan to ride before buying.
- Extra perk: Pass holders receive discounts at select sightseeing spots and restaurants in Mishima.
Because the pass is limited to a single operator's route, it makes the most sense if your itinerary lines up with the Orange Shuttle. Otherwise, pay the standard fare on the bus you need.
Bicycle Rental
Mishima has a 24-hour electric bicycle sharing service called Harenohi Cycle, which is a flexible way to cover short distances around town and to nearby areas.
- How it works: Download the app and register, reserve a bike at your desired location, enter a PIN to unlock it, then press "Return" and lock the bike when you are finished. Advance return reservations are available.
- Cost: ¥100 per 15 minutes, or ¥1,500 per 12 hours.
- Where to find bikes: Stations are marked with yellow bicycle signs. In Mishima, pickup points include Mishima Station North Exit, Mishima-Hirokoji Station bicycle parking lot, Mishima-Tamachi Station, Mishima City Hall (south side), Mishima Shrine bicycle parking lot, Mishima Mirai Labo, Chuo-cho Parking, Sano Art Museum, Mishima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (south side), and Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel.
- Beyond the city: The service also operates in Numazu, Nagaizumi, and Shimizucho, with stations at places such as Numazu Station, Numazu Port, Numazu Imperial Villa Memorial Park, Awashima Marine Park, LaLaport Numazu, Shimotogari Station, Nameri Station, Takehara Ground, and Sun to Moon Kakitagawa.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis serve the Mishima region and are a straightforward option for short trips or when bus schedules do not fit your plans.
Walkability
Mishima is a compact city, and the practical center of gravity for a visitor is the area around Mishima Station. Many of the city's sights and services are reachable on foot from the station, and the bicycle-sharing network extends that range comfortably. For anything farther out, the Sunzu Line, local buses, or a taxi will fill the gap.
Getting There from the Airport
Mishima does not have its own airport. The nearest option is Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport, and reaching Mishima from any airport involves a rail connection. Here is how the main airport routes work:
- Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport: Take the airport bus to Shizuoka Station, then the Shinkansen to Mishima.
- Haneda: Take the Keikyu Railway to Shinagawa Station, then the Shinkansen to Mishima. This is the most direct airport-to-Mishima routing.
- Narita: Take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then the Shinkansen to Mishima.
- Chubu Centrair: Take the Nagoya Railroad to Nagoya Station, then the Shinkansen to Mishima.
- Kansai International: Take the Limited Express Haruka to Shin-Osaka, then the Shinkansen to Mishima.
In every case, the final leg is a Shinkansen ride into Mishima Station, which puts you right at the center of the city's transport network.
Practical Summary
- Base yourself near Mishima Station if you want the easiest access to rail, buses, taxis, and the bicycle-sharing network.
- Use the Shinkansen for fast connections to Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka; the Japan Rail Pass covers it.
- Use the Izuhakone Sunzu Line for local stops in Mishima and onward to Shuzenji in the Izu Peninsula.
- Consider the Mishimaru Kippu if your plans match the Tokai Bus Orange Shuttle route, and enjoy the added discounts at participating spots.
- Try Harenohi Cycle for flexible, low-cost short trips around Mishima and into neighboring areas.
- From the airport, expect a two-step journey: a local rail or bus connection to a Shinkansen station, then the bullet train into Mishima.