ALL ALONG SURUGA BAY – YUI, SHIMIZU, MOCHIMUNE AND YAIZU
Hop off the Tokaido Bullet train at Shizuoka Station and take a day or two to explore one of Shizuoka’s port towns located on the shores of Suruga Bay.
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YUI (Shizuoka City)
Yui is a charming Shizuoka port town located along the Tokaido Main Line.
Famed for its delicious Sakura Ebi (cherry shrimp) that are harvested during late Spring (mid-March to early June) and Fall (late October to late December).
To savor the fresh catch, visit Hama no Kakiage-ya at Yui fishing port that offers raw and pot-boiled Sakura shrimp, and popular Kakiage Tempura. You can also visit one of many restaurants in the area for more Sakura Ebi dishes and other local delicacies.
After your bellies are full, take a stroll through the many traditional houses lining the narrow streets. At Shizuoka City Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art, try the hands-on Ukiyo-e woodblock print workshop.
If you’re still up for some more sightseeing, head to Satta Pass to view Mt. Fuji in all her majesty and take in the famous scene from Hiroshige’s famous The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.
SHIMIZU (Shizuoka City)
Shimizu Port is known as one of Japan’s three most beautiful shipping ports and is the biggest Shizuoka port – the history of the port can be traced back to the 7th century.
It is a popular destination for cruise ships as the gateway to Mt. Fuji, offering stunning views of the mountain as a majestic backdrop as you enter its waters.
When you arrive, pop into the S-Pulse Dream Plaza which offers a movie theatre, restaurants, a mini amusement park, and a museum dedicated to all things sushi.
The sushi museum is a mecca to all and any information regarding sushi, as well as several sushi restaurants to ease your hunger.
However if you prefer an even more local experience, walk over to Kashi-no-Ichi Market, Shimizu Port’s fish market to select the freshest catch of the day.
MOCHIMUNE (Shizuoka City)
Located about 7mins train ride away from Shizuoka Station, the port town of Mochimune is famous for its extremely fresh Shirasu (whitebait) fished almost every day.
The Mochimune beach facing Suruga Bay is a popular summer’s day trip. This quaint beach town has recently been a hot spot for those who are looking for more relaxed getaway from the cities, with local craft beer brewery, a unique gelato shop, many other dining spots.
Stay nearby, in one of the eight stunning Nihon Iro renovated traditional Japanese homes, where you can relax on their beautiful tatami floors, zen like gardens and enjoy a delicious breakfast made by local mothers.
Relax the day away at Mochimune Minato Onsen, a former tuna factory refurbished into a relaxing public onsen with views of the local fishing port and Mt. Fuji from it’s open-air baths.
The onsen waters are drawn from 1,000m underground and are weak alkaline sodium/calcium chloride springs which provide a “cleansing effect” to the skin.
YAIZU (Yaizu City)
One of the most famous commercial fishing ports in Japan, Yaizu is well known for it’s delicious seafood produce.
Yaizu Sakana Center Fish Market is a popular spot where you can grab yourself a mini feast to taste all the amazing fresh seafood.
When you’ve had enough seafood, wander the city and explore Yaizu’s ancient history.
Yaizu Shrine is said to have been founded in the 5th century, enshrining the legendary Yamato Takeru. Since then, the shrine has been venerated especially by those involved in the fishing industry. Every summer on August 12 and 13, the shrine hosts a grand festival which is also known as “Ara Matsuri”, literally translates to harsh or rough festival, where dynamic Mikoshi (portable shrine) actions and parades will take place within the town’s limits.
Whilst you’re walking around, make sure to pick up some delicious homemade treats from Yuruk Bakeshop, and don’t forget to take home some Shizuoka green tea from 3rd generation family run Sanowa Tea.
