Shizuoka: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Shizuoka Prefecture is a prefecture located in central Japan, about two and a half hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen. It is a tourist destination filled with various attractions, such as the rich natural scenery of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the Izu Peninsula, hot springs, and gourmet food.

Shizuoka Prefecture’s representative tourist spot is Mt. Fuji, which is registered as a World Heritage Site. The view of Mt. Fuji from Shimizu Port is known as one of Japan’s most spectacular views. Additionally, Suruga Bay is a scenic spot with a beautiful coastline overlooking the Izu Peninsula. In Shimoda and Ito, you can enjoy marine activities such as swimming and diving. The Izu Peninsula is also home to many natural scenic spots such as Mt. Omuro and the Jogasaki Coast.

Shizuoka Prefecture is a region so rich in hot springs that it is sometimes called the hot spring kingdom. Each region is dotted with unique hot springs, such as Atami, Ito, Izu, and Hamamatsu. Atami Onsen is one of Japan’s most representative hot spring resorts, with inns and hotels lined up along the coast. Ito Onsen is known for its abundant amount of hot spring water and good quality, and is also known as the hot spring for beautiful skin. Izu Onsen has many hot spring areas surrounded by nature, so you can enjoy a resort feeling. Hamamatsu Onsen is a historic hot spring area where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a long-established inn and hot spring town.

Shizuoka Prefecture is also rich in gourmet food. You can enjoy local gourmet food such as eel, a specialty of Lake Hamana, ochazuke made with Shizuoka tea, and dried sardines. Shizuoka Prefecture is also one of Japan’s leading agricultural prefectures, with an abundance of fresh ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, and seafood.