Shizuoka Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Japan, Shizuoka is a captivating city that offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern allure. With its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delectable cuisine, Shizuoka promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Shizuoka is Mount Fuji, the majestic volcano that stands tall and proud. Visitors can embark on a thrilling journey to the summit, marveling at the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the Fuji Five Lakes offer a tranquil setting where you can enjoy the beauty of the mountain reflected in the crystal-clear waters.

Shizuoka is also renowned for its tea production, with the region being home to some of the finest tea plantations in Japan. Take a stroll through the lush green fields and witness the meticulous process of tea cultivation. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in a traditional tea ceremony, where you can savor the delicate flavors and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance.

History enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the ancient treasures scattered throughout the city. The Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, dating back to the 8th century, stands as a testament to the region's spiritual heritage. Explore its intricately designed gates and admire the serene atmosphere that envelops the shrine.

For a taste of modernity, Shizuoka boasts a vibrant downtown area with bustling shopping streets, trendy cafes, and stylish boutiques. Indulge in retail therapy as you browse through the latest fashion trends or sample local delicacies at the vibrant food markets. The city's nightlife also offers a myriad of entertainment options, from lively bars to traditional theaters, ensuring that every evening is filled with excitement.

Nature lovers will be delighted to discover the scenic beauty that surrounds Shizuoka. The stunning Miho no Matsubara beach stretches along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, breathe in the fresh sea breeze, and witness the enchanting sight of the pine trees that line the beach.

Local name: 静岡市 City rights: 1889 (135 years ago)Population: 691.2 thous. (2019)Area: 545.14 mi²Elevation: 85 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°58'28"N, 138°23'20"E

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Region: ShizuokaJapan

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Shizuoka Top Attractions

Shizuoka Attractions - What to See and Explore

Shizuoka offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: IAI Stadium Nihondaira, Miho no Matsubara, Kunōzan Tōshō-gū, Katayama temple ruins. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Arenas and stadiums • Football • Sport venue
IAI Stadium Nihondaira
Nestled in the scenic landscape of Shizuoka Prefecture, IAI Stadium Nihondaira serves as a premier sporting venue and a beacon of community pride in Shizuoka, Japan. This modern stadium, known for its beautiful backdrop of lush greenery and proximity to the iconic...
Pine-fringed beach with Mount Fuji views
Miho no Matsubara
Miho no Matsubara is a scenic area on the Miho Peninsula in Shimizu Ward of Shizuoka City, Japan. Its seven-kilometre seashore is lined with pine trees.
Historical Shinto shrine with festivals
Kunōzan Tōshō-gū
The Kunōzan Tōshō-gū is a Shintō shrine in Suruga-ku in the city of Shizuoka in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is the original burial place of the first shōgun of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and is thus the oldest of the Tōshō-gū shrines in the country.

Archaeological site • Buddhist architecture
Katayama temple ruins
The Katayama temple ruins is an archaeological site with the ruins of a late Nara period Buddhist temple located in the Oya neighborhood of Suruga-ku of the city of Shizuoka, Japan. The temple no longer exists, but the ruins were designated as a National Historic Site in 1965.
Archaeological site
Toro Archaeological Site
Toro is an archaeological site in Suruga Ward in Shizuoka City, 130 kilometres southwest of Tokyo, Japan. The site contains the ruins of a settlement which dates to the 1st century CE, in the late Yayoi period.
Observatories and planetariums
Nihondaira Observatory
Nihondaira Observatory is an astronomical observatory that is located on a hill overlooking Shimizu, Japan. It has been the source for numerous discoveries of minor planet by astronomer Takeshi Urata.
Museum • Art museum
Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art
The Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art is a prefectural museum in Shizuoka City, Japan.
Aerial tramway
Nihondaira Ropeway
The Nihondaira Ropeway is Japanese aerial lift line in the city of Shizuoka in Shizuoka Prefecture, operated by Shizuoka Railway. Opened in 1967, the line climbs Nihondaira, a hill with views of the city, Suruga Bay, and Mount Fuji. The line does not accept LuLuCa, a smart card ticketing system by Shizutetsu.
34°58'58"N • 138°22'30"E
Shizuhatagayama Kofun
Shizuhatayama Kofun is a dome-shaped kofun burial mound located within the grounds of the Shizuoka Sengen Shrine complex in Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, Japan. in the Tōkai region of Japan. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1953.
Scenic lookout point with Mt. Fuji views
Nihondaira
Nihondaira is a scenic area located in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Japan. A plateau at the centre of Shizuoka city, with a maximum altitude of 308 metres, Nihondaira is famous for its views of Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, the Japanese Southern Alps, Shimizu Port, and Suruga Bay.
Observatories and planetariums
JCPM Yakiimo Station
The JCPM Yakiimo Station is an astronomical observatory station at Shimizu, Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. It has the following observatory code: IAU-Observatory, Code 885.
Neighbourhood
Suruga-ku
Suruga-ku is one of three wards of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan, located in the southern part of the city. The north east of Suruga-ku faces Aoi-ku; the north west faces Shimizu-ku; the south west faces Yaizu city and south east faces Suruga Bay.
34°58'51"N • 138°23'13"E
Jing gang shi min wen hua hui guan
Concerts and shows • Theater
Museum • Natural history museum
Museum of Natural and Environmental History
Fujinokuni Museum of Global Environmental History is a museum operated by Shizuoka Prefecture with the theme of "Global Environmental History". The museum was renovated from Shizuoka Minami High School, which was closed in 2013 due to school...
Temple
Saioku-ji
Saioku-ji is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Myōshin-ji branch of Rinzai school of Japanese Zen located in Mariko-juku, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan. Its main image is a statue of Jūichimen Kannon.
Historical place • Sacred and religious sites
Kusanagi Shrine
Kusanagi Shrine is located in Kusanagi, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It is a shiki-uchi-sha, formerly a prefectural shrine.
Universities and schools
Shizuoka University
Shizuoka University is a national university in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Shizuoka University is well known in the field of engineering, in creative innovation, and in the invention of next generation technology, with the prestigious international exchange of laboratories in these fields.
Universities and schools
University of Shizuoka
The University of Shizuoka, is a public university in Shizuoka, Japan.
Universities and schools
University of Shizuoka Junior College
The University of Shizuoka Junior College is a public junior college affiliated with University of Shizuoka and located in Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan. It was founded in 1951 as a junior college exclusively for women, and became coeducational in 1987.

Things to See and Do in Shizuoka by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Shizuoka.

Active

IAI Stadium Nihondaira
Shizuoka
Arenas and stadiumsFootballSport venue
Kusanagi Athletic Stadium
Shizuoka
Arenas and stadiumsSport venueSport
Konohana Arena
Shizuoka
SportSport venue

Day trips

Shizuoka – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Shizuoka, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Shiraito Falls (Fujinomiya), Fugaku Wind Cave (Fujikawaguchiko), Narusawa Ice Cave.

26 milesNE
Scenic waterfall in a national park
Shiraito Falls, Fujinomiya
Nestled in the lush landscape of Fujinomiya, Japan, the Shiraito Falls presents a breathtaking spectacle of natural beauty. This stunning waterfall is renowned for its picturesque curtain of water, which gracefully cascades over a wide, curved cliff face.
38 milesNE
Cave
Fugaku Wind Cave, Fujikawaguchiko
Nestled in the picturesque town of Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, the Fugaku Wind Cave offers a unique natural attraction that beckons tourists from around the globe. Known in Japanese as "Fugaku Fuketsu," this scenic spot showcases the geological wonders shaped by the forces...
38 milesNE
Natural attraction, Geologic formation, Park
Narusawa Ice Cave
Nestled within the lush forests of the Fuji Five Lakes region, the Narusawa Ice Cave in Japan offers a chilling glimpse into the natural wonders of volcanic activity. This striking cave, formed by the flowing lava from Mount Fuji's eruption in the year 864, presents an...
40 milesE
Volcano
Mount Ōmuro, Itō
Mount Ōmuro, a scenic dormant volcano located in the city of Itō, on the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, offers a unique natural experience for visitors. With its relatively modest elevation of 580 meters, Mount Ōmuro presents an...
42 milesNE
Amusement, Amusement park, Amusement ride
Takabisha, Fujiyoshida
Takabisha, located in the city of Fujiyoshida, Japan, is a steel roller coaster that has earned a reputation for delivering an adrenaline-pumping experience. Known for its steep drops and heart-racing loops, Takabisha is a must-visit attraction for thrill-seekers...

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Best Time To Visit Shizuoka

Learn when is the best time to travel to Shizuoka weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

May and November are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, April and August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and December. Most of it rains in June.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Shizuoka?

The top attractions to visit in Shizuoka are:

What is the best time to visit Shizuoka?

May and November are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, April and August. The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.