Suruga: the best of Japan in one place

Mt Fuji from Suruga

When most travelers plan a trip to Japan, iconic cities dominate the itinerary. But nestled quietly between the sea and mountains lies one of Japan’s most underrated gems, a Japan in miniature, an authentic and welcoming place: Suruga.

Located about an hour from Tokyo and 2 hours from Kyoto, on the bullet train line between Tokyo and Osaka, Suruga is easy to reach. No side trips required for this detour! The bullet train station is Shizuoka City, the region's hub.

Suruga offers a refreshing respite from the big city crowds and the opportunity for travelers to get a deeper look into Japan’s rich culture. Suruga is the perfect addition to any itinerary. Here’s why:

1. Mt. Fuji

One of the most breathtaking features of Suruga is its unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji. Whether you're standing on the shores of Suruga Bay or way up on the Nihondaira Plateau, the iconic snow-capped peak looms majestically overhead. Few places in Japan offer such consistently clear and dramatic views of Mt. Fuji as Suruga, making it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. 

2.  Green Tea

Pair any meal with a cup of superb Suruga green tea, another regional specialty. Suruga's temperate climate and pristine water sources make it one of the top tea-producing regions in Japan. Tea farms in the area often offer tastings, meet and greets with farmers and even hands-on experiences like tea picking or tea blending. Think wine tasting, without the headache. The Shizuoka Tea Museum is not to be missed. Visitors learn about the history and culture of tea, participate in hands-on activities like matcha grinding, experience an authentic tea ceremony in a historical teahouse, and enjoy views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding tea fields.

3. Cherry Blossoms

As strongly as we suggest that travelers avoid going to Japan during cherry blossom season, we know our words go unheeded. As an alternative, we can recommend that they visit Suruga which offers particularly scenic places from which to “hanami” (look at flowers). Imagine being at Ryuganbuchi on the Urui River where the perfect shot of riverside cherry blossom trees against a backdrop of Mt. Fuji challenges professional and amateur photographers alike.  The Shizuoka City Festival celebrates the pink blossoms at Sunpu Castle Park in early April each year. 

4. Culinary Heaven

Suruga Bay is Japan’s deepest bay, and the bounty from its unique marine ecosystem makes it a paradise for seafood lovers. The most famous local delicacy? Cherry blossom shrimp (sakura ebi) harvested almost exclusively in Suruga.

Head to the Shimizu Fish Market to experience the freshest catches of the day, straight from the ocean to your plate. Whether you're trying a chirashi bowl piled high with sashimi or noodles topped with crispy sakura shrimp tempura, the quality and freshness are unmatched.

5. History & Culture

Suruga was once home to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the powerful shogun who unified Japan (featured in the historical novel and subsequent streamer Shogun). Ieyasu chose Sunpu Castle in Suruga (present-day Shizuoka City) as his residence. Sunpu Castle Park is a tranquil area where visitors can walk through reconstructed watchtowers and explore the samurai heritage of the region.

Nihondaira offers panoramic landscapes and a scenic cable car that takes visitors to spectacular Kunōzan Tōshōgū Shrine, dedicated to Shogun Ieyasu. The combination of historic grandeur and natural beauty is truly unforgettable.

In addition to the castle, nearby Shizuoka Sengen Shrine complex is a hidden treasure for history buffs, with origins dating back over a thousand years. 

Interested in including Suruga in a Japan itinerary? Call us; we're full of good ideas!