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Suruga, a region between Tokyo and Kyoto is loved for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, its rich artisan culture, and shogunate history.
Nestled on a bay between Tokyo and Kyoto, Suruga offers a travel experience that beautifully balances natural splendor, cultural depth, and traditional charm. Known as the home of Mount Fuji, Suruga provides visitors with unforgettable views and diverse experiences.
Whether you're visiting a hillside green tea farm or the 16th century Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa's castle, the grandeur of Japan's highest peak is a constant and awe-inspiring presence.
Explore lush hiking trails, pristine beaches, or get creative at Sumpu Takumishuku, a center for traditional Japanese arts and crafts.
Traveling in Suruga is more relaxed than in Japan’s big cities, offering a slower pace, fewer crowds, and a chance to appreciate both the everyday beauty and extraordinary moments that make Japan so special.
Beyond its mountainous landmarks, Shizuoka is famed for its high quality green tea, producing nearly 40% of all tea in Japan. A visit to one of the local tea plantations, such as those in Makinohara or Kawane, offers a chance not only to taste some of the freshest sencha you'll ever have but also to participate in tea-picking experiences and traditional tea ceremonies. The sight of neatly lined rows of tea bushes stretching across gently rolling hills, often with Mount Fuji rising in the background, is both peaceful and picturesque.
The coastal areas of Shizuoka bring an entirely different vibe. In towns like Atami and Ito, visitors can enjoy hot springs overlooking the sea. These onsen resorts are perfect for a relaxing soak, especially after a day of exploring. Along the Izu Peninsula, jagged coastlines, clear waters, and sandy beaches create ideal spots for swimming, diving, or simply enjoying a quiet seaside escape. The Jogasaki Coast, with its dramatic cliffs and suspension bridge trail, offers one of the most memorable coastal hikes in Japan.
Nearby, the Shizuoka City Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art showcases the iconic ukiyo-e woodblock prints of the famed artist Utagawa Hiroshige, many of which depict the Tokaido road that once linked Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto and passed through Shizuoka.
Culturally, Shizuoka is rich with historical and artistic sites. The Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu—the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate—is an intricately decorated complex perched atop a mountain and accessed by climbing over a thousand stone steps. The shrine offers panoramic views of Suruga Bay and a chance to step back into Japan's feudal past.
Food is another highlight of any trip to Shizuoka. From fresh seafood caught off the coast in Numazu and Yaizu to local specialties like shirasu (baby sardines) and unagi (eel), the cuisine is both diverse and deeply rooted in local traditions. Even casual travelers can enjoy a unique taste of the region at highway rest stops, which in Japan often feature gourmet local dishes and snacks.
Shizuoka... travel itineraries for inspiration
Shizuoka... places & experiences we think you'll love
GREEN TEA FARM VISIT
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SURPRISING SUSHI OUTAKE
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GREEN TEA CALLIGRAPHY
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