Home to a shogun and cherry shrimp, and Japan's green tea heartland
The Pacific coast city of Shizuoka, situated on Suruga Bay between Tokyo and Nagoya on the historic Tokaido route, is famed for supplying most of Japan's tea and maguro tuna. It's also where Tokugawa Ieyasu—the shogun who reunified Japan in 1600—grew up and lived out his final years. Many reminders of his presence remain, including Sunpu Castle Park .
If you’re longing for great views of Mount Fuji, you’re in luck! Shizuoka City has two amazing spots for breathtaking Fuji-san sightings. The Nihondaira park and observatory sits at the top of Mt. Udo, which overlooks the Pacific and tea farms. You’ll get 360 degree views over Shizuoka prefecture, along with lovely walking paths dotted with winter sakura blossoms. For oceanfront views of Mt. Fuji, head to Miho no Matsubara. This tree-lined beach is considered one of Japan’s best scenic points, even if Fuji-san is obscured by clouds or fog.
Shizuoka also has some beautiful shrines connected to the Tokugawa clan−Shizuoka Sengen and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Kunozan, where Tokugawa Ieyasu rests, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with wonderfully colorful buildings spread across the mountainside overlooking the ocean. Getting here is also part of the fun. A scenic cable car ropeway connects Nihondaira overlook and Kunozan Tosho-gu shrine, offering stunning views over the forest and water.
If you're into shopping, dining and nightlife, head for the city's three extensive shopping complexes. One of them, S-Pulse Dream Plaza , has a theme park and a quirky little museum dedicated to sushi.
If you’re longing for great views of Mount Fuji, you’re in luck! Shizuoka City has two amazing spots for breathtaking Fuji-san sightings. The Nihondaira park and observatory sits at the top of Mt. Udo, which overlooks the Pacific and tea farms. You’ll get 360 degree views over Shizuoka prefecture, along with lovely walking paths dotted with winter sakura blossoms. For oceanfront views of Mt. Fuji, head to Miho no Matsubara. This tree-lined beach is considered one of Japan’s best scenic points, even if Fuji-san is obscured by clouds or fog.
Shizuoka also has some beautiful shrines connected to the Tokugawa clan−Shizuoka Sengen and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Kunozan, where Tokugawa Ieyasu rests, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with wonderfully colorful buildings spread across the mountainside overlooking the ocean. Getting here is also part of the fun. A scenic cable car ropeway connects Nihondaira overlook and Kunozan Tosho-gu shrine, offering stunning views over the forest and water.
If you're into shopping, dining and nightlife, head for the city's three extensive shopping complexes. One of them, S-Pulse Dream Plaza , has a theme park and a quirky little museum dedicated to sushi.
