Overview
Shizuoka Prefecture is located approximately at the centre of Japan on the Pacific Coast. Boasting a variety of natural environs such as beaches, mountains, and lakes, Shizuoka is representative of Japan’s rich beauty.
Majestic, 3,000 meter high mountains, such as Mt. Fuji (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and some of the mountains which make up the Southern Alps, run from Shizuoka’s northern mountain area to the southern plains, providing many breathtaking visitas. Shizuoka Prefecture has a warm and comfortable oceanic climate with an average yearly temperature of 16.1°C. Although the four seasons are clearly distinguished, winters are dry and feature many days full of fine weather. Snow is seldom seen in the flatlands.
Mt. Fuji (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Mt. Fuji, with all its dignity and grandeur, has been admired by many since ancient times, and is regarded as the spiritual home of Japan. The expansive and graceful shape of Mt. Fuji has come to symbolize Japan all over the world. Nothing compares to the breathtaking peak, the highest (3,776 meters) and most beautiful mountain in Japan. In winter, Mt. Fuji offers fabulous scenes with its white, snow-covered landscape. In summer, mountain climbers have the chance to be mesmerized by the awe of the rising sun.
There are many locations in Shizuoka where people can enjoy the fascinating views of Mt. Fuji. These views have been depicted in art for awhite sandy beach long time. For example, the famous Ukiyoe painter, Hiroshige Utagawa drew Mt Fuji many times in his life.
Recreation and Hot Springs
The smooth, white sandy beaches and thrilling steep cliffs will always keep you satisfied. After spending the day enjoying marine sports and sampling the delicious seafoods of different areas, visitors can unwind to the sounds of the waves and enjoy the romantic ocean sunset.
Shizuoka Prefecture is a treasure trove of hot springs. A characteristic of Shizuoka Prefecture’s hot springs is the open-air bath. These baths are located outdoors and you can enjoy the sense of openness while gazing out at the surrounding scenery.
kawakane spaThere are hotels and hot springs where you can use the open-air baths without staying overnight, a service that is called higaeri-onsen or day-trip bathing.
Another kind of bath is the foot spa. You enjoy these spas by removing your shoes and soaking your legs from the knee down. Foot spas can often be found around hot spring towns and stations and are reputed to warm the whole body.
We hope you enjoy this warming and relaxing experience.
Gourmet Shizuoka
Shizuoka has an abundance of mouthwatering foods! Its seafood ranks at the top of the list. Many types of fish, including maguro (tuna) and katsuo (bonito), which are caught in Suruga Bay, are used as essential ingredients in sushi. There are numerous eateries that offer fresh seafood, especially around the fishing ports. Shizuoka is fujiwell-known for its unagi (eel) which are raised in pure water. The sweet and salty grilled unagi is sure to rejuvenate our visitors in no time.
Approximately half of all Japan’s green tea is grown in Shizuoka, considered the best region for green tea production in the country.
Shizuoka is also known by some for its Japanese saké (Japanese rice wine) thanks to its pristine water. Created through an original fermentation process, the Japanese saké from Shizuoka is popular for its fruity and light taste.
Join the locals and enjoy these dishes together!
Shizuoka Tourist Information (Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association)
