Complete Shizuoka Travel Guide: Mount Fuji Views, Hot Springs & Tea Fields

Shizuoka Prefecture offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions. Located between Tokyo and Osaka, this region is famous for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, world-class hot springs, and the finest green tea in Japan. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or relaxation, Shizuoka has something for every traveler.

Why Visit Shizuoka?

Shizuoka is often overlooked by international tourists, making it an ideal destination for those seeking authentic Japanese experiences away from the crowds. The prefecture boasts:

Breathtaking Mount Fuji views from multiple vantage points
Traditional hot spring towns with centuries of history
World-famous tea plantations producing Japan’s finest green tea
Coastal beauty along the Pacific Ocean and Suruga Bay
Rich cultural heritage with ancient shrines and historical sites
Excellent food scene featuring fresh seafood and local specialties

Getting to Shizuoka

From Tokyo

Shinkansen (bullet train): 1 hour to Shizuoka Station
Highway bus: 2-3 hours to major cities
Car: 2-3 hours via Tomei Expressway

From Osaka/Kyoto

Shinkansen: 1.5-2 hours to Shizuoka Station
Highway bus: 4-5 hours

Top Attractions in Shizuoka

1. Mount Fuji Views & Surroundings

Fujinomiya City

Located at the base of Mount Fuji, Fujinomiya offers some of the best views of Japan’s iconic mountain. The city is home to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan’s most important shrines dedicated to Mount Fuji.

Must-see spots:

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha: Ancient shrine with stunning architecture
Fuji Five Lakes area: Perfect for photography and hiking
Fuji Safari Park: Wildlife park with Mount Fuji backdrop

Shiraito Falls

Known as “Japan’s most beautiful waterfall,” Shiraito Falls features crystal-clear water cascading down white limestone cliffs. The falls are fed by Mount Fuji’s snowmelt and create a magical atmosphere year-round.

Best time to visit: Spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (fall colors)

2. Hot Spring Destinations

Atami Onsen

One of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, Atami has been welcoming visitors for over 1,000 years. The city offers:

Traditional ryokan with ocean views
Public bathhouses with multiple hot spring sources
Beautiful coastline perfect for sunset walks
Easy access from Tokyo (45 minutes by Shinkansen)

Recommended experience: Stay overnight in a traditional ryokan and enjoy kaiseki dinner with hot spring bathing.

Shuzenji Onsen

Nestled in the mountains of Izu Peninsula, Shuzenji offers a more secluded hot spring experience. The town features:

Historic temples and traditional architecture
Forest bathing opportunities
Seasonal beauty with cherry blossoms and autumn leaves
Peaceful atmosphere away from city crowds

Shimoda Onsen

Located on the southern coast of Izu Peninsula, Shimoda combines hot springs with beautiful beaches:

Coastal hot springs with ocean views
Fresh seafood restaurants
Water activities in summer
Historical significance as one of Japan’s first ports opened to foreign trade

3. Tea Culture & Plantations

Makinohara Plateau

Home to Japan’s largest tea-producing region, the Makinohara Plateau offers visitors a chance to experience authentic Japanese tea culture:

Tea-related activities:

Tea plantation tours with guided explanations
Tea ceremony experiences in traditional settings
Tea picking during harvest seasons (May and September)
Tea factory visits to see the production process

Best time to visit: May (first harvest) or September (second harvest)

Shizuoka Tea Museum

Learn about the history and culture of Japanese tea through interactive exhibits and tastings. The museum offers:

Historical displays about tea cultivation
Tea tasting sessions with different varieties
Traditional tea ceremony demonstrations
Gift shop with premium tea products

4. Coastal Attractions

Miho no Matsubara

This UNESCO World Heritage site features a 7km stretch of pine trees along the Pacific coast. The area is famous for:

Stunning views of Mount Fuji over the ocean
Traditional pine forest with centuries-old trees
Beautiful sunsets over Suruga Bay
Walking trails through the forest

Izu Peninsula

The Izu Peninsula offers diverse coastal experiences:

Key attractions:

Jogasaki Coast: Dramatic cliffs and hiking trails
Shimoda Beaches: White sand beaches and water sports
Cape Irozaki: Southernmost point with lighthouse views
Fishing villages: Authentic local culture and fresh seafood

5. Cultural & Historical Sites

Toru Ruins

One of Japan’s most important archaeological sites, the Toru Ruins showcase a Yayoi period settlement (300 BC - 300 AD). Visitors can:

Explore reconstructed buildings from ancient Japan
Learn about early Japanese agriculture
See archaeological artifacts and tools
Experience hands-on activities like rice planting

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, this shrine offers:

Stunning architecture with intricate carvings
Panoramic views of Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji
Historical significance as the first Tokugawa shrine
Beautiful gardens and seasonal flowers

Food & Dining

Local Specialties

Must-try dishes:

Shizuoka oden: Traditional hot pot with local ingredients
Sakura shrimp: Fresh from Suruga Bay
Green tea products: Ice cream, sweets, and beverages
Wasabi: Fresh from Izu’s wasabi fields
Fresh seafood: Tuna, mackerel, and other local catches

Recommended Restaurants

In Shizuoka City:

Sakura Ebi restaurants: Try the famous cherry shrimp
Tea cafes: Experience local tea culture
Seafood markets: Fresh catches daily

In Atami:

Ryokan dining: Traditional multi-course meals
Seafood restaurants: Ocean-fresh specialties

Practical Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms and comfortable weather
Autumn (October-November): Fall colors and clear Mount Fuji views
Winter (December-February): Hot springs are especially enjoyable

Accommodation Options

Traditional ryokan: For authentic hot spring experience
Modern hotels: In major cities like Shizuoka and Atami
Guesthouses: Budget-friendly options in smaller towns

Transportation

JR Pass: Covers most train travel in the region
Rental car: Recommended for exploring rural areas
Local buses: Connect smaller towns and attractions

Language

While English signage is improving, learning basic Japanese phrases will enhance your experience. Key phrases:

“Arigato gozaimasu” (Thank you)
“Sumimasen” (Excuse me)
“Oishi desu” (Delicious)

Sample Itinerary

3-Day Shizuoka Experience

Day 1: Shizuoka City & Tea Culture

Morning: Visit Shizuoka Tea Museum
Afternoon: Explore Makinohara tea plantations
Evening: Dinner in Shizuoka City

Day 2: Mount Fuji & Hot Springs

Morning: Shiraito Falls and Fujinomiya
Afternoon: Travel to Atami
Evening: Hot spring bathing and ryokan stay

Day 3: Coastal Beauty

Morning: Miho no Matsubara
Afternoon: Izu Peninsula exploration
Evening: Return to Tokyo/Osaka

Conclusion

Shizuoka Prefecture offers international visitors an authentic Japanese experience away from the typical tourist crowds. From the majestic views of Mount Fuji to the relaxing hot springs and world-class tea culture, this region showcases the best of Japan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Japan or a seasoned traveler, Shizuoka’s combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and cultural richness makes it an ideal destination for experiencing the heart of Japanese culture and tradition.

Start planning your Shizuoka adventure today and discover why this hidden gem should be on every Japan traveler’s itinerary!