The best things to do in Shizuoka
Shizuoka is a prefecture located in the Chubu region of Japan. It’s known for its beautiful natural scenery, delicious food, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Shizuoka.
Explore Mount Fuji
One of the most iconic landmarks in Japan, Mount Fuji is a must-see for any traveler to Shizuoka. The mountain can be seen from many places in the prefecture, but for a truly breathtaking view, we recommend taking a hike or a guided tour to the summit. The climbing season is typically from July to September, but you can also enjoy the mountain’s beauty from a distance at any time of year.
Visit the Tokaido Road
The Tokaido Road is a historic route that connects Tokyo and Kyoto, and it passes through Shizuoka. Along the road, you can find many charming towns and cities, each with their own unique history and culture. Some of the highlights include the cities of Hamamatsu and Shizuoka, which were once important post towns along the route. There are also many traditional inns and shops that have been preserved along the way, making it a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.
Relax at a hot spring
Shizuoka is home to many hot springs, or “onsen,” which are a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of sightseeing. The prefecture’s hot springs range from simple outdoor baths to luxurious spa resorts, so there’s something to suit every budget and preference. Some of the most famous hot springs include the ones in Atami, Shuzenji, and Yamanakako.
Experience traditional Japanese culture
Shizuoka is home to many traditional Japanese festivals and events, which are a great way to experience the local culture. Some of the most famous festivals include the Hamamatsu Festival and the Unshu Mikan Festival. The Hamamatsu Festival is one of the largest in the country, and features a parade of colorful floats, traditional music and dance performances, and a fireworks display. The Unshu Mikan Festival is dedicated to the local citrus fruit, and features a variety of food and drink vendors, as well as traditional performances and activities.
Try the local food
Shizuoka is known for its delicious local cuisine, which features a wide range of seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Some of the most famous local dishes include unagi (eel), sakura shrimp, and unshu mikan (a type of mandarin orange). You can also find many traditional tea houses and tea gardens in the prefecture, which are a great place to sample some of the local tea.
Visit a museum
Shizuoka is home to many museums, which are a great way to learn about the prefecture’s history and culture. Some of the most famous museums include the Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments, and the Fujieda City Museum. The Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art features a wide range of Japanese and international art, while the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments is dedicated to the history and development of musical instruments. The Fujieda City Museum is dedicated to the history of Fujieda city and the surrounding area, and features a wide range of exhibits and artifacts.
Visit a theme parkVisit a castle
Shizuoka is home to a few castles, which are a great way to learn about the prefecture’s history and culture. Some of the most famous castles include the Sunpu Castle, the Kanbara Castle and the Miho no Matsubara Castle. The Sunpu Castle is a large castle that was built in the 17th century, and it features a wide range of exhibits and artifacts. The Kanbara Castle is a smaller castle that was built in the 16th century, and it is known for its beautiful gardens and its views of the surrounding area. The Miho no Matsubara Castle is a scenic castle that is surrounded by a beautiful pine forest, and it features a wide range of exhibits and artifacts.
Overall, there are many things to do in Shizuoka. From natural wonder, delicious food, rich cultural heritage, to theme parks and castles, the prefecture is an ideal destination for all types of travelers. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just looking for a fun day out, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from in Shizuoka.
