Shizuoka is the capital of Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan's Chubu region, nestled between Tokyo and Osaka along the iconic Tokaido route. The city offers stunning views of Mount Fuji, rich samurai history tied to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and a celebrated food culture including fresh seafood, wasabi, and green tea. In 2005, it merged with the neighboring city of Shimizu, expanding its coastal charm and cultural offerings.

Best time to visit Shizuoka

marchaprilmayoctobernovember

Spring offers cherry blossoms and clear views of Mount Fuji, while autumn brings mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Both seasons are ideal for outdoor sightseeing at spots like Miho no Matsubara and Nihondaira.

What to see in Shizuoka

01park

Miho no Matsubara

A scenic pine grove on the Miho Peninsula offering iconic views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Listed as one of Japan's New Three Views and a UNESCO World Heritage site component.

FreeAbout 90 minnature & outdoorsculturehistory

Address1338-45 Miho, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka, 424-0901, Japan

4.2/5 on Google

Opening hours+

SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours
MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours

Official website Open in Google Maps

02viewpoint

Nihondaira

A 308-meter hill in central Shizuoka offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, and Shimizu Bay. Accessible by bus or ropeway from Kunozan Toshogu Shrine.

Paid entryAbout 120 minnature & outdoorsculture

AddressKusanagi, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka, 424-0886, Japan

4.2/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Saturday9 am–9 pm
Sunday9 am–5 pm
Monday9 am–5 pm
Tuesday9 am–5 pm
Wednesday9 am–5 pm
Thursday9 am–5 pm
Friday9 am–5 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

03shrine

Kunōzan Tōshō-gū

The actual burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Dynasty. Most structures date from 1617 and the site is accessible by ropeway from Nihondaira.

Paid entryAbout 90 minhistoryculture

Address390 Negoya, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka, 422-8011, Japan

4.4/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Saturday9 am–5 pm
Sunday9 am–5 pm
Monday9 am–5 pm
Tuesday9 am–5 pm
Wednesday9 am–5 pm
Thursday9 am–5 pm
Friday9 am–5 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

04castle

Sunpu Castle

Originally built in 1585 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, this historic castle features a restored guard house, a lifelike statue of Tokugawa, miniature castle replicas, and a beautiful doll display. A nearby garden offers tea ceremony experiences.

Paid entryAbout 120 minhistoryculture

Address1-1 Sunpujokoen, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 420-0855, Japan

4/5 on Google

Official website Open in Google Maps

05shrine

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine

A grand shrine originally serving as the tutelary shrine of Suruga Province, later dedicated to the worship of Mount Fuji. Over 26 structures are designated National Important Cultural Properties.

FreeAbout 60 minculturehistory

Address102-1 Miyagasakicho, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 420-0868, Japan

4.3/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Saturday7 am–6 pm
Sunday7 am–6 pm
Monday7 am–6 pm
Tuesday7 am–6 pm
Wednesday7 am–6 pm
Thursday7 am–6 pm
Friday7 am–6 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

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06museum

Shizuoka City Toro Museum

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07museum

Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art

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08park

Abe Falls

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09temple

Togetsubo Saiokuji Temple

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10museum

Shizuoka City Museum of Art

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11other

Jirocho Residence

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12castle

Tanaka Castle

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Where to eat in Shizuoka

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01Japanese

Taigetsuro

A historic restaurant in business since the Taisho era, located in the historic Mariko area along the old Tokaido Road. Renowned for its tororo-jiru (mountain yam soup). Dinner requires reservations.

Price $$Must try — Tororo-jiru (mountain yam soup)

Address11-1 Koyamachi, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 420-0852, Japan

4.3/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Friday9 am–5 pm
Saturday9 am–5 pm
Sunday9 am–5 pm
Monday9 am–5 pm
Tuesday9 am–5 pm
Wednesday9 am–5 pm
Thursday9 am–5 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

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02Burgers

Steppin' Cafe

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03Japanese

Unaji

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04Japanese seafood

Yaizu-kō Minami

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05Bar / Western

Freakyshow Bar

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06Bar / Cocktails

Hippy Shake

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Things to do in Shizuoka

Fujiyoshi Onsen

otherPaid entryAbout 90 min

A rotenburo (unisex communal outdoor bath) located on the coast in beautiful natural surroundings, offering a traditional Japanese bathing experience.

Tamaruya

otherFreeAbout 30 min

A specialty shop selling Shizuoka wasabi and a wide range of wasabi-based products, a must-visit for food lovers looking for authentic local souvenirs.

Where to go near Shizuoka

Mount Fuji

Japan's iconic and sacred volcano, visible from many spots in Shizuoka. A world-famous hiking and pilgrimage destination.

Hamamatsu →

Train 30min

A major city west of Shizuoka known for its music industry, eel cuisine, and the Hamamatsu Castle. Easy day trip by Shinkansen.

Numazu

A coastal city at the foot of the Izu Peninsula, known for fresh seafood and as a gateway to the Izu region.

Fujinomiya

A city at the base of Mount Fuji, famous for the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine and Fujinomiya yakisoba noodles.

Kakegawa

A historic castle town west of Shizuoka, home to the well-preserved Kakegawa Castle and traditional tea culture.

Kofu

Train 2h15

The capital of Yamanashi Prefecture, reachable via the scenic Wide View Fujikawa limited express train through the mountains.

Yaizu

A coastal fishing city near Shizuoka, renowned for its bonito (katsuo) and tuna fishing industry and fresh seafood.

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