Visit Shizuoka on a clear Spring day and you will be treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji – here are 10 great spots to get up close with Japan’s iconic mountain.
SEE MT. FUJI IN SPRING IN SHIZUOKA
BETWEEN 1830 TO 1832, FAMOUS UKIYO-E ARTIST KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI CREATED HIS 36 VIEWS OF MT. FUJI AS A COLLECTION OF WOODBLOCK PRINTS.
Visiting Shizuoka in Spring it is easy to see how Hokusai was inspired to create these famous works – here are 10 locations to visit to get the best views of Mt. Fuji.
Hotel Clad is a terrific addition to the popular Gotemba Premium Outlet Mall facilities that provide visitors an opportunity to rest from a day of shopping and enjoy views of Mt. Fuji from their room, the restaurant, and while soaking in a hot onsen bath.
Take the ropeway to the summit of Mt. Katsuragi, which is a vast park connected by walking paths, featuring a wooden terrace, observation deck, and a shrine.
Enjoy a Shizuoka Green Tea, coffee, or lunch while you relax and enjoy expansive views of Mt. Fuji.
A green tea plantation at the base of Mt. Fuji – 25 minutes drive from Shin Fuji Station.
Power lines & fans have been removed to ensure unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji.
5. URUI RIVER SAKURA – FUJI CITY
Ryuganbuchi
15 minutes from Shin Fuji Station by car this spot on the Urui River close to Daishinji Temple, known locally as ‘Ryuganbuchi’ is a popular spot for photographers when the riverside cherry blossom trees are in full bloom in late March.
6. MT. FUJI & BULLET TRAIN – FUJI CITY
Mt. Fuji and Shinkansen
This iconic location seen on many Japanese travel brochures is about 10 minutes drive from Shin-Fuji Station and a popular spot for photographers between March and May as Spring arrives in Shizuoka.
7. LAKE TANUKI – FUJINOMIYA
Lake Tanuki
This idyllic lake in the Mt. Fuji countryside is about 30 minutes from Fujinomiya Station.
Camping is available in the area so that you can awake before sunrise and capture the iconic sunrise and get a shot of Mt. Fuji reflecting in the lake.
8. MT. FUJI PARAGLIDING – FUJINOMIYA
Mt. Fuji and Paragliding
Take off, catch the wind and fly high into the sky.
Located in the heart of the Mt. Fuji Countryside 30 minutes drive from Fujinomiya this popular activity is a great way to get a unique view of Mt. Fuji.
Highlights of the Area: SATTA PASS, TOKAIDO HIROSHIGE MUSEUM, SAKURA SHRIMP, KURASAWA DISTRICT
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INTRODUCTION
Satta Pass in Yui depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige’s “Fifty-three Stations on the Tokaido”
The Old Tokaido Highway became firmly established in the early 17th century as the main thoroughfare for travelers between the new capital of Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto.
The 16th Post Town of Yui is a small fishing port, and it is said that the town was originally settled by the Yui family after fighting at the Battle of Okehazama as a vassal of the Imagawa Clan in the mid-1500s.
In its day Yui was said to have been a bustling little town during the peak of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Today Yui Port is most well known as ‘The Town of Sakura Shrimp’ which are caught by local fishermen in Suruga Bay and visitors come to Yui from all over Japan to enjoy them.
Some remnants of the small but bustling post station of Yui remain just to the West of Yui Station in an area called Kurasawa ,which was once dotted with inns.
Just to the West of the Kurasawa area is a winding path up to the iconic Satta Pass viewing deck which offers views of Mt. Fuji towering over Suruga Bay and the Tomei Highway winding along the coastline.
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It is possible to start your day at either Kambara or Yui Stations.
This is a great place to spend a couple of hours, especially if the weather is good, taking time to walk through the Japanese garden and enjoy a tea ceremony in the historic Miyukitei tearoom.
After a cup of tea stop in at the Tokaido Hiroshige Museum and learn about the process of creating ukiyo-e woodblock prints like the master Hiroshige did 200 years ago.
Ukiyo-e workshop at the Tokaido Hiroshige Museum.
A visit to Yui Port is not complete without tasting the local Sakura Shrimp – Yui Sakura Ebi Kan has a local favorite restaurant just 5 minutes walk from the Hiroshige Museum.
Sakura Shrimp are called “Jewels of Suruga Bay”.
After enjoying the meal it is about 75 minutes walk along the coast to Satta Pass.
On the way you will pass through the Kurasawa District which is a good place to take a break before the up hill section to the Satta Pass lookout area.
The view from Satta Pass looking out over Suruga Bay to Mt. Fuji is stunning and it is easy to see why Hiroshige chose this location for his iconic woodblock print.
Highlights of the Area: EMPERIAL RESIDENCE, NUMAZU FISHMARKET, SENBON MATSUBARA
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INTRODUCTION
Numazu depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige’s “Fifty-three Stations on the Tokaido”
The Old Tokaido Highway became firmly established in the early 17th century as the main thoroughfare for travelers between the new capital of Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto.
The 12th Post Town of Numazu was the Eastern most Post Station where the Suruga and Izu regions met – which are both now part of Shizuoka Prefecture.
Numazu Juku was a large Post station with close to 1,200 buildings and it was an important strategic military location for the Tokugawa Shogunate during their reign.
Modernization has meant that there is not much left of the Numazu of 400 years ago, and most of the Old Tokaido Highway is unrecognizable amongst the urban sprawl.
There is still enough in Numazu however to make a one day visit worthwhile – especially for history buffs and lovers of fresh seafood.
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MORNING
From Numazu Station it is a short walk to Kano River to connect with the Old Tokaido Highway and take in the scene shown in Hiroshige’s woodblock print for Numazu Juku.
The Residence and its grounds are an interesting step back in time and a glimpse of how the Japanese Imperial Family spent their holidays in years gone by.
Numazu Imperial Villa Memorial Park
AFTERNOON
After the Imperial Residence head back to the Numazu Fish Market area. This area is a must-visit spot for fish lovers. There are a wide variety of stores and restaurants that sell seafood fresh off the boats coming in from Suruga Bay.
Visit the Numazu Fish Market to observe the lively auction process.
Next, head to Senbonhama Park, known as one of the most scenic spots along the Tokaido, with views of the evergreen pines of Senbon Matsubara and Mt. Fuji.
Follow the coast all the way up to the next Tokaido Post Town of Hara Juku. From Hara Station train back to Numazu Station or continue on along the Tokaido.
MORE INFORMATION
For a detailed map of Numazu Juku and Tokaido related attractions in English check www.shizuoka-tokaido.biz
For lovers of green tea, Shizuoka is the ultimate travel destination.
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SHIZUOKA GREEN TEA
Shizuoka is perhaps most famous around the world as a leader in the production of Japanese Green Tea.
About 40% of all of Japan’s Green Tea is grown in Shizuoka, so it is a reputation that is warranted and anywhere you go in the Prefecture you will see large and small plantations with row upon row of green tea hedges.
If you enjoy this iconic Japanese drink, there are a number of different experiences waiting for you all through Shizuoka.
Let’s explore some of Shizuoka’s best Green Tea Destinations –
Traveling 20 minutes South of Mishima Station, on the Izu Hakone Line, is the small town of Izu Nagaoka in Izunokuni City, Izu Peninsula.
Although Izu is not a big green tea producer, there are a few smaller producers that offer visitors Shizuoka green tea experiences.
At Kuraya Narusawa (a 5 min taxi ride or a 20-min walk from Izu Nagaoka Station) you can dress in a traditional outfit and enjoy a tea picking experience in their onsite tea plantation – it is a small field but on a clear day offers a great view of the majestic Mt. Fuji.
After tea picking, try some of the craft beer brewed on site or visit the World Heritage Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace – an iron smelting facility used to make cannons still standing after more than 150 years.
You could also visit the Izu Panorama Park for spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.
When you see travel books, magazines or articles about traveling in Japan the images invariably include shots of Mt. Fuji.
The most iconic of these shots normally include either Mt. Fuji with the Bullet Train in the foreground, Mt Fuji with and row of cherry blossom trees or Mt. Fuji with lines of neatly trimmed rows of green tea bushes in the foreground.
The images of Mt. Fuji with rows of Green Tea in the foreground are usually taken at Obuchi Sasaba or Imamiya Tea Plantations in Fuji City.
If you are wanting to get a memorable photo from your visit to Japan the best time to visit these plantations is mid-April through May.
The year’s first tea leaves are ready to be picked, the greens are vibrant, there is still snow on the peak of Mt. Fuji and the Spring air is clear, crisp and relatively cloud free.
Both tea plantations are a 25-30 minute taxi ride from Shin-Fuji Station.
Join a bike tour from JR Shizuoka Station to a beautiful Green Tea Farm in the countryside of Shizuoka City and enjoy cycling along the beautiful Abekawa River, running through mountains.
Located on a steep area of land that has been cultivating green tea since the Edo Period, the Moriuchi Tea Farm welcomes visitors to tour the plantation and experience all aspects of green tea production and preparation (picking, steaming and hand-rolling).
Relax in their 150 year old private home and learn more about why green tea is such an important part of Japanese life and learn more about the complexities of this drink.
MAKINOHARA PLAINS – MAKINOHARA & SHIMADA CITY (KAKEGAWA STATION)
The “Makinohara Plains” or “Makinohara Uplands” are a stretch of green tea plantations that cover about 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres) of central Shizuoka Prefecture and are said to make up 10% of all green tea fields in Japan.
The Makinohara Plains start just South of Shimada Station which is a 18 minute train ride from Kakegawa Station or 27 minutes from Shizuoka Station on the JR Tokaido Line.
The tea plantations wind their way down from there circumnavigating the Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport and end up on the Pacific Ocean Coast in Makinohara – a distance of over 20kms.
As most of the area is flat it makes for some great cycling experiences for cyclists of all levels and fitness levels – whether just spending a day cycling through the fields down to the coast and back or as a starting point to explore more of the coastline down to Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana.
For visitors that are interested in Japanese green tea but don’t have the time to visit many places in Shizuoka, or are nervous traveling off the beaten track, then Kakegawa City is highly recommended.
Not only is Kakegawa Station conveniently located on the Tokaido Bullet Train Line but there are a number of green tea experiences within walking distance of the station so you don’t have to worry about connecting trains or taxi rides.
As you move inland from the Shizuoka coast to places like Kawanehon Town, you very quickly enter into a land of dramatic natural beauty, made up of rugged peaks, deep valleys with clear, natural rivers flowing out to the coast.
Even in this environment, locals diligently tend to green tea plantations that grow a hardy variation of green tea that differs from what is grown on the bigger plantations on the lower Makinohara plain.
Take a journey on a Steam Locomotive and follow the Oi River up into the mountains and stay with a local to really experience life in Shizuoka.
Atami City in Shizuoka Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s top hot spring destinations, blessed with beautiful scenery, rich nature, and a long history. But Atami’s charm goes beyond its hot springs — the city is also home to a vibrant and time-honored geisha (geigi) culture. One of the most captivating attractions is the Atami Geigi Experience, offered in English every Saturday and Sunday. This immersive tour lets visitors enjoy watching traditional geisha dances and playing games with a uniquely Atami flair — all while feeling as if they’ve stepped back in time.
Atami has long been cherished by prominent figures and cultural icons. Travelers have not only relaxed in the soothing hot springs, but also delighted in the elegant performances of geisha at inns and traditional restaurants — a highlight of their visit. This rich tradition is still lovingly preserved today, with around 70 active geisha continuing to share its charm throughout the city. You’re sure to leave with memories of a truly special experience.
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Start Your Cultural Escape
the appearance of Atami Geigi Kenban
the nostalgic atmosphere of Atami Geigi Kenban
The tour begins at Atami Geigi Kenban, located in the heart of Atami City. Built in 1954, the building has a nostalgic charm and historic atmosphere that evokes a bygone era. Atami Geigi Kenban is about a 15-minute walk from Atami Station — a pleasant downhill stroll through a charming seaside hot spring town. If you prefer public transportation, a convenient bus departs from Bus Stop No. 3 in front of Atami Station. Get off at the Shimizucho stop — it’s just a one-minute walk from there. Alternatively, a taxi ride from the station takes less than ten minutes.
Uncover Atami’s Geisha Heritage
Atami geisha
the culture of Atami geisha has a long history
Atami’s geisha culture traces its roots back to yugeishi — early entertainers active during the Meiji era (1868–1912). Over time, it has evolved into a traditional performing art unique to the region, with a history spanning more than 150 years. During this period, Atami rose to national prominence as a celebrated hot spring destination, attracting tourists as well as influential figures from politics and business. Geisha played a vital role in entertaining these guests, becoming an integral part of Atami’s cultural identity and development. By the late 1950s, it is said that more than 1,000 geisha were active in Atami. During this time, they developed their own distinctive styles of dance and performance.
Today, Atami geisha are based at the Atami Geigi Kenban, where they refine their skills in dance and music through daily training while dedicating themselves to preserving tradition. Every Saturday and Sunday, they perform the Yumemachi Odori: Hana no Mai (Flower Dance), captivating audiences with elegant movements and the evocative sounds of shamisen and drums — a showcase of the depth and beauty of traditional Japanese performing arts. In addition, events and gatherings for both domestic and international visitors are thoughtfully designed to make Japanese culture more approachable. Atami geisha gracefully balance modern sensibilities with long-standing traditions that date back to the Meiji era. Through their performances and warm hospitality, they offer guests a profound encounter with Japanese culture.
Be Enchanted by Hana no Mai and Traditional Games
The Atami Geigi Experience Tour, conducted in English, offers a three-hour cultural journey that begins with Hana no Mai — a stage performance held every Saturday and Sunday at the Geigi Kenban, celebrating the beauty of nature and human sentiment that unfold with each season. After the performance, you’ll enjoy a rare opportunity to exclusively interact with a geisha through casual conversation and traditional parlor games.
the stage performance called Hana no Mai
the stage performance called Hana no Mai
taking photos with geisha
enjoy traditional parlor games with geisha
An English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour, ensuring you can fully enjoy this special experience without any language barriers. Before the performance begins, the guide will explain the history of Atami and its hot springs, the stage setting, the Hana no Mai program, and tips on how to best appreciate the performance — setting the stage for an unforgettable show. Hana no Mai embodies the seasonal beauty and atmosphere unique to Atami, leaving audiences deeply moved. The geisha’s refined movements and delicate expressions bring each scene to life — every gesture tells a story, rich with feeling. The program changes monthly and seasonally, so each visit offers a fresh and unforgettable experience. After the performance, you’ll have the chance to take commemorative photos with geisha. After the photo session, a special experience awaits — exclusively for tour participants. Enjoy Ozashiki-Asobi, traditional parlor games played with geisha, while engaging in relaxed conversation. In addition to classics like Konpira Funefune and Tora Tora, guests can ask for time for questions or even to modify games based on their interests. This personal interaction reveals not only the grace of the geisha, but also their warmth and charm — offering a deeper connection with Japanese culture. Because of the intimate setting, guests can directly ask geisha about the meaning behind their art and the emotions woven into each performance — one of the most engaging aspects of the experience. This experience offers a rare and meaningful opportunity for cultural exchange. Come and enjoy the heartfelt hospitality that makes Atami truly special.
Savor the Sights and Seasons of Atami
The charm of Atami City is not limited to geisha culture. This is a special city where hot springs, history, culture, and nature all blend together. Three sights you should make sure to see are Kinomiya Shrine, Atami Plum Garden, and the MOA Museum of Art.
Kinomiya Shrine
the great camphor tree in Kinomiya Shrine
Atami Plum Garden
the MOA Museum of Art
Kinomiya Shrine – A mystical power spot
Kinomiya Shrine is beloved by many travelers because it is believed to bring good health and longevity to visitors. The most impressive sight at the shrine is the great camphor tree, the second largest such tree in Japan, which is thought to be over 2,000 years old. It is said that walking once around the tree will extend your life by one year. You can enjoy matcha tea and sweets at the shrine’s café, and bask in the Japanese atmosphere.
Atami Plum Garden – Heralding the early spring
Atami Plum Garden is known as the earliest-blooming plum garden in Japan, as its flowers start to bloom in December. There are 470 trees of more than 60 different varieties, so you can enjoy a different view every time you visit. During the Plum Festival, you can experience local crafts and traditional performing arts, getting a taste of the charm of Japanese culture. You can also enjoy watching fireflies in early summer, and the changing leaves in autumn, so there is something to see all year round.
MOA Museum of Art – A world of interwoven light and art
MOA Museum of Art is a hall of beauty where you can enjoy national treasures and important cultural properties, along with a wonderful view of Sagami Bay from a high ground in Atami. The entrance hall is bathed in light, making for a fantastic effect as if you were inside a kaleidoscope. You will also find charm in the golden teahouse and the garden that changes with the seasons. Come and experience an exquisite time interwoven by art and nature.
Come experience the beautiful traditions and nature of Japan in Atami, a city with different charm in every season and warm hospitality.
The Old Tokaido Highway became firmly established in the early 17th century as the main thoroughfare for travelers between the new capital of Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto.
Arai Shuku, the 31st Post Town out of the 53 on the Tokaido Highway had a significant checkpoint / barrier station.
The original checkpoint building built in 1600 (relocated twice and reconstructed in 1858) is the only sekisho building left in Japan.
Here travelers were required to show their travel documents which had stamps on them with permissions to travel with women (woman were not allowed to travel alone), firearms or prisoners.
The Arai Sekisho was known for its strict security to protect the Edo Government and feared by travelers without the correct documentation, or anyone trying to smuggle contraband or people out of, or into, Edo.
Those caught breaking the law at checkpoints were dealt with severely with punishments that included crucifixion as a means of setting an example and dissuading others from doing the same.
The Arai Sekisho had a wharf on the inland shore of Lake Hamana and was only accessible by boat from neighbouring Maisaka Post Station.
Because Lake Hamana is so large, any travelers trying to avoid the Arai Sekisho faced a lengthy, and challenging, detour.
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The Arai Sekisho is accessible from Araimachi Station which is 4 stops from Hamamatsu Bullet Train Station.
The following is an example of a 1-day itinerary starting and finishing at Hamamatsu JR Tokaido Bullet Train Station.
MORNING
From Hamamatsu Station take the local Tokaido Line train and first stop at Bentenjima Station to check out the only remaining authentic ‘Waki-Honjin’ in Japan.
Waki-Honjin were the modern-day equivalent of 4-star accommodation used by the upper-class travelers if the 5-star ‘Honjin’ accommodation were not available.
A visit to the Maisaka Waki-Honjin will give you a better understanding of life on the Tokaido.
If you are looking for something traditional and local there are great restaurants near Araimachi Station.
If something a little more Western is prefered, or you are traveling with kids, take the train to Bentenjima, grab a burger & fries at American Diner style Leader and, if the weather permits, enjoy a picnic on the beach.
fresh oysters
Bentenjima beach
AFTERNOON
After lunch and maybe sometime on nearby Bentenjima Beach have a wander around the town of Arai.
Arai is a small town with a lot of character and friendly locals, it is well worth a couple of hours just wandering around.
If you have time there are a number of other attractions in the area.
For die-hard Tokaido Highway fans it is possible to follow the Old Tokaido to Shirasuka – the last post station in Shizuoka – and visit the beach scene in the Hiroshige Ukiyo-e Painting or visit the Onyado Shirasuka Museum.
For more information on other things to do in the area, including water sports and traditional nighttime Spearfishing experiences, check –5 Ways to Enjoy Lake Hamana.
For a detailed map of Maisaka & Arai and Tokaido Related attractions in English check www.shizuoka-tokaido.biz
The Old Tokaido Highway became firmly established in the early 17th century as the main thoroughfare for travelers between the new capital of Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto.
The 25th Post Town of Nissaka was known as one of the hardest parts of the trail with very steep sections of path – as depicted in Hiroshige’s block print of this area.
Nissaka Juku was the 3rd smallest Post Town on the Tokaido Highway and it remains a small sleepy town quite far from the nearest train station.
Today much of the area is an almost forgotten section of the Old Tokaido Highway although it retains some of the charm of the old road and has not become as ‘industrialized’ as some other areas.
There is a walking route still established from Kanaya Station to Nissaka Juku which has over 430 meters of stone paving and some remnants of what it was like 300 years ago.
From Kanaya Station to Nissaka Juku it is about a 7km walk with some steep up and down sections that may make it feel like a lot more.
Along the way you can stop at Sayo no Nakayama Park and see the stone that was made famous in Hiroshige’s depiction of Nissaka Juku and try the “good luck candy rice cake”.
The legend behind the stone is that it is said to represent a pregnant woman who was attacked by bandits at this pass.
Although the woman died it is said that her spirit stayed in the stone and cried every night – the baby survived the attack and was bought up by a local temple Kyuenji’s priest who fed him malt syrup and eventual got revenge for his mother’s death.
Kyuenji Temple
Hatago Kawazakaya Ruins
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MORNING
Using this MAP as a guide it is recommended to start your walk from Kanaya Station.
If you have a full day available it is worth starting in the morning at Shimada Station exploring the Kawagoshi Ruins, walking over the Horai Bridge over the Oi River and checking out the Steam Locomotive and Thomas the Tank Engine trains at Shin Kanaya Station of Oigawa Railway – MAP.
When you get to Kanaya Station stop in for lunch at Ishidatami-chaya EN before the challenging walk from there to Nissaka Juku.
AFTERNOON
Before heading off in the afternoon ensure that you stock up on water and supplies near the station before heading off as there are not many shops or stores along the way.
As you can see from this MAP there are a lot of steep up an down sections to the walk as it was for travelers on the Old Tokaido Highway.
Only a short section at the start of the walk is stone paved to give you a sense of what it was like in the Edo period – the rest of the journey is through Shizuoka’s famous tea fields and small rural villages.
At Nissaka Juku there are a number of old buildings still standing from the Edo Period and you can get a feeling of what it was like for travelers back in the day to arrive after a long walk over the hills.
Once you have wandered through the small town of Nissaka you will connect back up with Road 415 and it is recommended that from there you catch a bus to Kakegawa rather than walking along the road.
Visit Kotonomama Hachimangu Shrine and stop in at the Kakegawa Michi no Eki for a cup of green tea or a meal while you wait for a bus.
Begin your ascent of this iconic Mountain from sea level, explore the lush forests and Mt. Hoei Crater as you hike from the 5th station, and then make your final push to the summit to experience a magnificent sunrise – all without going outside.
Mt. Fuji has fascinated the people of Japan and the World for centuries. Every year, thousands of people make the climb to the very top of the 3,776-meter-tall mountain.
In 2013 UNESCO recognized the historical and sacred significance of the mountain and its spiritual and aesthetic value to Japan by adding it to its World Heritage list.
To celebrate the occasion, the town of Fujinomiya in Shizuoka commissioned the design and construction of the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre in close to the famous Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine – which is believed to date back more than 2,000 years, built in an age of intense volcanic activity to appease the gods so that the people and the mountain could live in harmony.
Designed by world-renowned and award-winning architect Shigeru Ban, the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre is a modern equivalent of ancient shrines built to pay respect to the majesty and beauty of Mt. Fuji in a unique and stunning fashion.
Shigeru Ban inverted the cone shape of Mt. Fuji using a reflecting pool at the bottom to mimic the shape that has become so synonymous with Japan.
The beautiful reflection of the Mt. Fuji shape on the water basin
The interior of the building is designed with a 193-meter spiral slope that takes visitors on a journey from the nearby Suruga Bay all the way up to the very top of Mt. Fuji.
With clever use of large screens along the way visitors can immerse themselves in the experience of hiking to the top of the mountain – with clever additions such as silhouetted hikers that will join you on the journey.
Ascending the spiral slope and simulating the experience of climbing Mt. Fuji
At the top of the spiral stairway visitors walk through onto an outdoor terrace area and are greeted by a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji which adds an extra ‘wow’ factor to the whole experience.
The centre also has various exhibition halls which show works of art and other artifacts that highlight the depth and history of fascination that the people of the Japan have for Mt. Fuji.
At the end, there is a 4K video theatre with 265-inch screen that showcases aerial footage of every angle imaginable with stunning clarity.
The view from the observation deck
By the time you have completed the circuit at the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre in Fujinomiya, you will feel as though you have climbed and scaled the mountain itself and will share Japanese fascination with of the most revered and worshipped mountains in the world.
For more information on the Centre, other ecotours in Fujinomiya, and surrounding Fujinomiya area please visit:
Highlights of the Area: GOSHA SHRINE/SUWA SHRINE, HAMAMATSU CASTLE & PARK, JAPANESE TEA ROOM & YAMAHA INNOVATION ROAD
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INTRODUCTION
Hamamatsu depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige’s “Fifty-three Stations on the Tokaido”
The Old Tokaido Highway became firmly established in the early 17th century as the main thoroughfare for travelers between the new capital of Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto.
The 29th Post Town of Hamamatsu was the largest of the Post Stations in Shizuoka and remains the biggest city in the prefecture.
Famous Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu lived in Hamamatsu for 17 years of his life just before he unified the country under his rule and established the Tokugawa regime that continued for about 260 years.
Hamamatsu was also the birthplace of Ieyasu’s son Tokugawa Hidetada who would go on to succeed his father and become the 2nd Shogun of the Tokugawa regime.
Hamamatsu City today – like many of the bigger cities on the Old Tokaido Highway – does not have many remnants from the time but there is still enough to justify stopping at Hamamatsu Station as you travel along the modern Tokaido Bullet Train line.
The castle and its surrounding gardens are within walking distance of Hamamatsu Station and can be easily enjoyed by visitors that only have a couple of hours to spare.
For visitors with more time other attractions close to the station including the Yamaha Innovation Road and Suzuki Plaza are well worth a visit and there are plenty of reasons to stretch out your stay in Hamamatsu City. (Both facilities require reservations.)
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HALF-DAY ITINERARY
Hamamatsu is an easy city to cycle around with large roads, ample footpaths, and a fairly straightforward layout to ensure you can never get to lost.
From Hamamatsu Station you can quickly meet up with part of the Old Tokaido Highway and visit ruins of old accommodation Honjin and Gosha Shrine/Suwa Shrine.
Both shrines were revered as guardian shrines protecting the place where Tokugawa Ieyasu’s son, Hidetada, was born. Today, it is a popular place for new parents to receive blessings for their own children.
Hamamatsu Castle today is one part of the Hamamatsu Castle Park which also includes a Japanese Garden, tea room, and Museum of Art – the park is particularly lively during the cherry blossom season of late March to early April.
Close to the park, there is a beautifully designed Starbucks for visitors that need a coffee fix but if Japanese green tea and gardens are more your style be sure to visit the Teahouse Shointei in the park to find some Zen.
The autumn view from Teahouse Shointei.
Tea experience at the teahouse.
After a couple of hours exploring the Castle Park jump on the bicycle and cycle 10 minutes to the Yamaha Innovation Road (reservation necessary).
Yamaha is one of many successful companies that have strong roots in Hamamatsu (a list that also includes Suzuki, Honda, Kawai, and Roland) and Yamaha Innovation Road is a testament to nearly 140 years of the company’s innovation and technological development since its inception in 1887.
Yamaha Innovation Road
From Yamaha, it is a 10-minute cycle back to the station and a stop at one of the many gyoza restaurants in the area before continuing along the Tokaido to the next stop.
AHOT SPRING RESORT TOWN BY THE SEA, EASILY ACCESSIBLE FROM TOKYO
The seaside hot spring resort town of Atami is just 45 minutes from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen bullet train. Atami has been a popular getaway for centuries as one of the best hot spring resort towns in Japan.
Atami boasts a large number of hot spring sources and abundant water supply. The onsen (hot spring) was loved by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 17th century. Today, it continues to be loved by many people.
If you are looking for a convenient seaside Japanese hot spring experience out of the big city, Atami provides you with everything you should expect in terms of Japanese hot spring experience and more.
Atami Sun Beach
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SOAK IN ONSEN AND REJUVENATE YOURSELF
Take in the ocean view soaking in Atami onsen hot spring.
It is said that Atami Onsen became famous in Japan when Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu came to the town in the early 17th century and was so impressed with the healing powers of the water. His successors also loved Atami Onsen so much that they took the water back to the new capital of Edo (Tokyo).
Atami is still rich with the amount of hot spring water that flows out. Once operated as inns, many older hot spring hotels have wonderful atmosphere and bathing facilities that have warmed people of the city for a long time. There are even public baths and bathing facilities to be enjoyed just for a day, so come and enjoy yourself.
One of Japan’s leading onsen areas, it boasts an abundance of hot spring options, and a vast number of bathing facilities.
There is a foot spa outside of Atami Station dedicated to this great Shogun himself – Ieyasu no Yu – which is a great way to refresh after a day of traveling.
Immerse yourself into the local culture here, enjoy delicious fresh seafood during your stay and relax in the many onsens overlooking the ocean.
A JAPANESE FEAST FOR THE EYES
Enjoy fresh, locally caught seafood at the ryokan.
With its close proximity to the ocean, Atami Onsen is blessed with being able to provide the freshest seafood possible with the evening meal often consisting of an array of seasonal seafood caught that day.
There is something special about arriving at your destination, soaking in an onsen with views of the ocean followed by a feast of seafood and sake before sliding into a comfortable bed with freshly cleaned sheets.
You instantly feel as though you are miles away from all of the everyday stress of the world.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
MOA MUSEUM OF ART
Atami has a number of easily accessible attractions to help you fill in a day or two in between soaking in the onsen or enjoying the local cuisine.
Some of the more popular attractions include the Museum of Art, Atami Castle, a historic villa Kiunkaku or a picturesque garden ACAO FOREST.
At MOA MUSEUM OF ART, you will be amazed not only by their broad collection of artwork but also its architectural charms and designs. The museum uses traditional Japanese materials like Yakusugi, Gyōja cedar, black plaster, and tatami to create exhibition spaces that enhance the beauty of the displayed works.
The museum is also known as “museum with ocean view”. At the café on the first floor, you can enjoy a panoramic vista of Sagami Bay.
The museum also boasts several restaurants, offering a variety of dining options to enhance your visit. Hana-no-Chaya serves Japanese cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients and organic, naturally grown produce. At La Pâtisserie du musée par Toshi Yoroizuka produced by world-famous pastry chef offers light meals, cakes, and other desserts, and with a view of their beautiful garden.
HOW TO GET THERE
On the Tokaido Bullet Train from Tokyo Station you can get to Atami Station in 45 minutes. You can easily reach Atami Station without changing trains.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
If your main purpose for visiting Atami Onsen is purely to enjoy one of the many Onsen Hotels and Ryokan in the area, each season brings with it a different menu of locally caught seafood.
If you are in Japan in the Winter months and want to enjoy some of Japan’s famous plum blossoms Atami Baien has a Plum Blossom Festival from mid-Jan to early March.
Summer is hot in Atami and it is a great time to enjoy ocean activities and spend some time on Atami Sun Beach, take a trip to Hatsushima or enjoy the famous Atami fireworks display throughout the year.
MORE INFORMATION
If you are looking for local restaurants and cafes – LINK
