Shizuoka

Shizuoka has a mild coastal climate, making spring and autumn more comfortable times to visit. Located between Mount Fuji and the Pacific Ocean, Shizuoka offers both mountain and sea scenery. It is also the hometown of *Chibi Maruko-chan* and an important producer of Japanese matcha. Below is a classic route to help plan a first trip to Shizuoka.

Classic 3–4 Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Shizuoka, City Shopping and Food
  • Morning: After arriving in Shizuoka, head to your hotel to check in. For accommodation, consider staying near Shizuoka Station or Shin-Shizuoka Station first, as transport, dining, and shopping are all convenient.
  • Afternoon: Visit Isetan or the cenova shopping mall to shop for lace rings, drugstore cosmetics, and Shizuoka-exclusive matcha souvenirs. Along the way, stop by the Nanaya matcha shop to try its No. 7 matcha gelato, known for its strong concentration.

• Evening: Choose a restaurant in the city that serves Shizuoka-style black oden, and enjoy its savory flavor from long simmering in dark soy sauce.
• Day 2: Anime Scenes in Shimizu and Mount Fuji Views
  • Morning: Visit Chibi Maruko-chan Land to see scenes recreated from the anime and collect stamps. Then browse Shimizu Fish Market and try fresh tuna rice bowls and sakura shrimp rice bowls.

• Afternoon: Take a bus or water bus to Miho no Matsubara. Walk through the thousand-year-old pine forest and take in the classic view of Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji in the same frame.

• Evening: Return to the city for dinner. You can choose Shizuoka specialties such as Fujinomiya yakisoba or fried kurohanpen.

• Day 3: Izu Mountains and Sea, or the Foot of Mount Fuji
  • Option A (Izu Route): Go to Mount Omuro in Izu, take the open-air lift up the mountain, walk the circular trail around the matcha-colored crater, and look for the atmosphere associated with locations from *Your Name*. In the afternoon, visit the Shuzenji Bamboo Grove and enjoy the calm, relaxing feel of the area.

• Option B (Mount Fuji Route): Visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka, to learn about Mount Fuji culture inside the museum and view the mountain from afar. Then head to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine to admire the sight of the vermilion torii gate set against the snow-capped mountain.

• Day 4: Relaxation and Return Trip
  • Morning: Go to Nihondaira and take the ropeway for views over the surrounding scenery, or take a walk in Sunpu Castle Park. If you still want to shop, you can also set aside more time for the malls.
  • Afternoon: Depending on your flight or Shinkansen schedule, head to the airport or station and end your Shizuoka trip.

Recommended Signature Attractions

Shizuoka’s sights are fairly spread out and include natural scenery, cultural architecture, and anime-related spots. The following are some of the core places to visit:

• Miho no Matsubara: A well-known scenic spot in Japan, where pine forest, coastline, and Mount Fuji appear together in one view. It is also mentioned in *Chibi Maruko-chan* as the “most beautiful Mount Fuji.”

• Chibi Maruko-chan Land: Located in Shimizu Ward, this attraction recreates everyday scenes from the anime and is suitable for families with children and anime fans.

• Mount Omuro: A dormant volcano in the Izu area. The circular trail at the summit offers 360-degree views over the Pacific Ocean, and it is also one of the filming locations associated with *Your Name*.

• Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine: Located at the foot of Mount Fuji, this shrine is known for the distinctive view of its vermilion torii gate framed with the snow-capped mountain.

Must-Try Local Foods

Shizuoka cuisine combines mountain and coastal flavors. The following are good options to add to your dining list:

Transport and Practical Guide

• Getting There: From Tokyo, it takes about 1 hour by JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Shizuoka Station. You can also fly directly to Shizuoka Airport from within the country, then take an airport bus to the city center in about 1 hour.
• Local Transport: Shizuoka does not have a subway. Travel within the city and nearby areas mainly relies on JR trains, Shizutetsu trains, and buses. Consider buying the Shizuoka 3-Day Pass (about 6,500 yen), which covers trains, buses, and ferries, and is suitable for itineraries with multiple stops.
• Accommodation Tips: The areas around Shizuoka Station and Shin-Shizuoka Station are convenient for transport and have concentrated shopping districts, making them suitable for first-time visitors. If you plan to explore Izu in depth, consider staying near Mishima Station or Shimizu Station.