Shizuoka Prefecture Travel Guide: Mount Fuji, Izu Peninsula, Tea and Eel

Plan a trip to Shizuoka, Japan: Mount Fuji views, Izu hot springs, Atami, Kawazu cherry blossoms, green tea, eel in Hamamatsu, wasabi and seafood.

Published October 18, 2026 at 12:18 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Shizuoka Prefecture is on the Pacific coast of the Chubu region, with Shizuoka City as its capital. It is known for Mount Fuji views, the Izu Peninsula hot springs, green tea, wasabi, Hamamatsu eel and fresh seafood from Suruga Bay. The Tokaido Shinkansen reaches Shizuoka from Tokyo in about an hour and Atami in about 45 minutes.

Shizuoka at a Glance

Shizuoka stretches along the Pacific coast between Tokyo and Nagoya, and it is blessed with a mild climate, rich farmland and long beaches. Mount Fuji rises on its northern edge, and the Izu Peninsula in the east is a resort area with hot springs and sea views. The long coastline and sunny weather support tea, citrus and seafood.

The prefecture is easy to reach on the Tokaido Shinkansen and offers something for each season. It is also a center of industry, home to the origins of well known motorcycle and instrument makers in Hamamatsu, and it is the center of Japan's plastic model hobby industry. Visitors often combine Shizuoka with Hakone, Mount Fuji or Nagoya on a route across central Japan.

History and Culture of Shizuoka

Shizuoka's history is tied to the Tokaido highway, the main road between Edo and Kyoto, which passed through fifty-three post stations that inspired many woodblock prints. The prefecture was also the retirement home of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who lived at Sunpu Castle in Shizuoka City, and his tomb shrine at Kunozan Toshogu still draws visitors. Shimoda on the Izu Peninsula is known as the port where the American Black Ships arrived in 1854.

The region has long been a tea growing area, and Shizuoka produces a large share of Japan's green tea. Its hot springs, from Atami to Shuzenji, have been favorite getaways since the Edo period. Fuji and the surrounding landscapes inspired generations of artists, and Miho no Matsubara's pine-covered coast is part of the World Heritage listing for Mount Fuji.

Getting to Shizuoka and Moving Around

The Tokaido Shinkansen runs from Tokyo to Atami in about 45 minutes, to Shizuoka in around an hour and to Hamamatsu in about 90 minutes. The JR Odoriko limited express and Izukyu Railway serve the Izu Peninsula, and local buses link the hot springs and beaches. Shizuoka Airport is near Makinohara and is useful for domestic flights.

On the Izu Peninsula, a rental car provides the most freedom, but trains reach Ito, Shuzenji and Shimoda. For Mount Fuji, buses run from Shin-Fuji and Fujinomiya stations. The Oigawa Railway steam train and Hamamatsu's local lines offer scenic rides. Shizuoka is also on the Tomei Expressway, an easy drive from Tokyo or Nagoya.

Top Sights in Shizuoka

On the Izu Peninsula, Atami has the MOA Museum of Art, the sea promenade and many ryokan, while Shuzenji is known for its bamboo path and onsen streets. Jogasaki Coast has rocky cliffs and a suspension bridge, Dogashima has sea caves, and Shimoda has Perry's landing history and beaches. Mishima Skywalk is one of Japan's longest pedestrian suspension bridges, with views of Mount Fuji.

Shizuoka City offers Sunpu Park, Kunozan Toshogu and Nihondaira Ropeway, and Miho no Matsubara has a classic view of Fuji across pine trees. Tea fields roll out around Makinohara and Kakegawa, as seen in the Shizuoka tea country guide. Hamamatsu has a castle, a musical instrument museum and Lake Hamana, and the Fuji Shibazakura at Fuji Motosuko is just across the border in Yamanashi.

What to Eat and Drink in Shizuoka

Shizuoka is famous for tea, and you can taste fresh sencha at a tea house and see tea fields from the roadside. Fresh wasabi from the Izu mountains is grated on rice or fish and has a sweet, clean heat. Seafood from Suruga Bay includes sakura shrimp and shirasu whitebait, which are often served as tempura or raw on rice bowls.

Hamamatsu is known for unagi eel, grilled with sweet soy sauce, and for its crisp gyoza. Fujinomiya yakisoba, with firm noodles, is a local street food, and Shizuoka oden has a dark broth and fish powder topping. Strawberries, mandarin oranges and melons are grown in the mild climate and sold at roadside stands.

Festivals and Traditions in Shizuoka

The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, from early February to early March, features early-blooming pink cherry trees along a river on the Izu Peninsula. The Hamamatsu Festival from May 3 to 5 is known for enormous kite flying and neighborhood parades with floats. The Shimoda Black Ship Festival in mid May commemorates the American arrival with a parade and fireworks.

Shizuoka City hosts the Shizuoka Festival in early April under the cherry blossoms, and the Shizuoka Hobby Show in mid May draws model fans from around the world. Atami holds fireworks throughout the year, and the Izu Peninsula has many seasonal flower festivals, including narcissus and hydrangeas. Tea harvest events in spring let visitors try picking leaves.

Best Time to Visit Shizuoka

Early February to early March is wonderful for Kawazu cherry blossoms on the Izu Peninsula, followed by regular cherry blossoms in late March. Spring brings fresh tea picking in April and May, and Hamamatsu's kite festival in early May. Summer is hot and good for beaches on the Izu coast, though typhoons are possible in late summer.

Autumn brings clear air and good Mount Fuji views, with seafood at its best. Winter is mild and sunny, with hot springs and strawberry picking, and a good season for views of Fuji across Suruga Bay. The coast rarely sees snow, so Shizuoka is a pleasant choice for a winter escape from Tokyo.

A Sample Itinerary for Shizuoka

With one day, ride the Shinkansen to Atami for a morning stroll and seafood lunch, visit the MOA Museum, and soak in a hot spring before returning to Tokyo. This is an easy, relaxing day trip with a classic seaside atmosphere.

With three days, tour the Izu Peninsula by train or car, with Shuzenji, Jogasaki and Shimoda, then spend a day in Shizuoka City for tea and Miho no Matsubara. Add Hamamatsu for eel if you are heading west to Nagoya. Combine with Hakone and Mount Fuji for a classic central Japan route.

A relaxed route for a long weekend is to take the Shinkansen to Atami, travel by the Izukyu Railway along the Izu coast to Shimoda, and return by a different route to Mishima. Seaside views, small fishing towns and hot spring stops fill the days. Pack a light bag, since many trains and buses on the peninsula have limited luggage space.

Souvenirs and Local Crafts from Shizuoka

Green tea in beautiful packages is the number one souvenir, along with wasabi products, shirasu and sakura shrimp snacks, and tea sweets. Eel pie from Hamamatsu, Izu citrus products and plastic model kits are popular items. Atami offers dried fish and hot spring manju, and Shuzenji's bamboo crafts make nice gifts.

Practical Tips for Visiting Shizuoka

Mount Fuji views depend on weather, so check the forecast and aim for clear mornings. The Izu Peninsula is long and trains can be slow, so choose one area and use a day pass or car. Seaside traffic can be heavy on weekends and holidays, especially around Atami.

If you want to try tea picking or tea ceremony, reserve ahead. Many inns serve dinner at a fixed time, so arrive early to enjoy the hot spring and meal. Bring swimwear for beaches in summer and a light jacket for ocean breezes in spring and autumn.

Nearby Prefectures to Combine with Shizuoka

Shizuoka borders Kanagawa and Yamanashi to the east, Nagano to the north and Aichi to the west. Hakone in Kanagawa is easy to reach from Atami, and the Shinkansen continues to Nagoya in under an hour from Hamamatsu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shizuoka known for?

Shizuoka is known for Mount Fuji views, the Izu Peninsula hot springs, Atami, green tea, fresh wasabi, sakura shrimp and shirasu, Hamamatsu eel and gyoza, and the Kawazu cherry blossoms.

What is the best time to visit Shizuoka?

February for Kawazu cherry blossoms, April and May for tea picking and Hamamatsu's kite festival, and autumn or winter for clear views of Mount Fuji and seafood. Summer is good for beaches.

How do I get to Shizuoka from Tokyo?

Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shizuoka in about an hour, to Atami in about 45 minutes, or to Hamamatsu in about 90 minutes.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Japan's 47 Prefectures: A Region-by-Region Travel Guide, Yamanashi Prefecture Travel Guide: Mount Fuji, Fuji Five Lakes and Koshu Wine and Shizuoka Tea Country: Green Fields Below Mount Fuji.