Shizuoka, Japan: travel guide
Green tea country in Mount Fuji's shadow, near pine beaches and shrines
Sitting in Mt Fuji's shadow, Shizuoka is Japan's leading green tea producer, the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the gateway to the Izu Peninsula and Nihondaira plateau. The city enjoys 300 Fuji-view days per year.
About Shizuoka
Shizuoka lies on the Pacific coast between Tokyo and Nagoya, in the part of Japan best known for green tea and views of Mount Fuji. The tea fields on the hills inland are a good reason to stop, and the coast has a gentler pace than the big cities.
Things to do in Shizuoka include visiting Kunozan Toshogu, a shrine linked to Tokugawa Ieyasu, riding up to the Nihondaira plateau for views over the bay to Fuji, and walking the pine-lined shore at Miho no Matsubara. Shizuoka Sengen Shrine and Sunpu Castle Park are in the city.
Shizuoka suits tea lovers and slow travellers who enjoy scenery over sightseeing lists. Clear days in autumn and winter give the best views of Fuji.
- Country
- Japan
- Currency
- JPY
- Time zone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Nearest airport
- FSZ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Shizuoka
Sunpu Castle Park
Heritage · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Moated park on the site of Tokugawa Ieyasu's retirement castle, with reconstructed gates and turrets.
Shizuoka Sengen Shrine
Temple · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Lavishly lacquered shrine complex at Mount Shizuhata where Ieyasu came of age, blazing red and gold.
Nihondaira Plateau
Viewpoint · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Hilltop tea-covered plateau named a top scenic spot of Japan, with a ropeway and Mount Fuji panoramas.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
Temple · about 1 h · entry ¥500 (≈ ₹300)
Ornate 1617 shrine and original burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, reached by ropeway or 1,159 steps from the sea.
Miho no Matsubara
Beach · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
UNESCO-listed pine-grove beach on the Miho peninsula framing Mount Fuji across Suruga Bay.
Toro Ruins
Museum · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Reconstructed Yayoi-period paddy village and archaeology museum on the excavated Toro settlement.
Things to do
- Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Tour Tour · 3 h · from JPY 4,000 per person
- Shizuoka Green Tea Experience Cultural · 2 h · from JPY 3,500 per person
Where to stay in Shizuoka
- Central Area about JPY 3,000 per night
Tea region city with accommodation
Hotels
- Hotel Associa Shizuoka 4-star
- Shizutetsu Hotel Prezio Shizuoka-eki Kita 3-star
Where to eat
- Sushi Common Shizuoka japanese, sushi, seafood · about JPY 2,500 per person
- Umino Shizuoka Oden japanese · about JPY 1,000 per person
Getting to Shizuoka
Airport: Shizuoka (FSZ)
Getting around
- Bus
- Train
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Roppongi bar overcharge
Roppongi · Kabukicho nightlife
Foreign-fronted bar in Roppongi adds drink charges and seat fees you weren't shown; bill arrives at 5–10x expected.
How to avoid it: Stick to bars with clear printed menus and prices on the door. Ask price before sitting.
More in Japan
Frequently asked questions about Shizuoka
- What are the main places to visit in Shizuoka?
- Places covered in our Shizuoka guide include Sunpu Castle Park, Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, Nihondaira Plateau, Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Miho no Matsubara.
- Where should I stay in Shizuoka?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Shizuoka: Central Area.
- How do I get around Shizuoka?
- Ways to get around Shizuoka covered in our guide: City bus, Train, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Shizuoka?
- Scams reported to us for Shizuoka include Roppongi bar overcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Shizuoka?
- The nearest airport to Shizuoka has the code FSZ.