Many sushi lovers will be shocked to learn that their beloved green paste may not be what it seems.
Exploring Shizuoka is a great way to learn the truth and understand more about this uniquely Japanese plant.
Discover the world’s best wasabi in the home of Mt. Fuji!
ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE CROPS IN THE WORLD
Although ‘Wasabi’ is now widely used around the world, surprisingly few people actually know much about this plant.
Wasabi adds a pleasant kick to Japanese cuisine. Photo:Irifune Sushi
Wasabi has grown wild in Japan’s mountains for thousands of years with full-scale cultivation beginning nearly 500 years ago in Shizuoka.
In order to grow, the plant needs very specific conditions: North-facing, stable weather conditions with an abundance of cold and clean flowing water.
Even in the right environment, it can take up to as much as 3 years for a wasabi plant to grow large enough for harvesting.
Consequently, wasabi ends up in market as one of the most expensive vegetables in the world.
WASABI IN SHIZUOKA
Wasabi farmers in Japan grow two varieties of wasabi. The highest grade is Sawa (mountain stream) wasabi, which grows in shallow cold water and Hata (field) wasabi which grows in soil.
Shizuoka’s temperate climate, abundance of nature and infinite supply of fresh, clean flowing water are perfect conditions for growing wasabi.
In fact, Shizuoka has some of the largest “Sawa” wasabi farms and produces almost half of all wasabi grown in Japan.
Both areas are accessible by car and offer a unique glimpse into just how labour-intensive the production can be.
THE TRUE TASTE
Did you know that what you put on your sushi might not be ‘real’ wasabi but a mixture of horseradish, mustard and food colouring?
Eating freshly grated wasabi is an entirely different experience. Fresh wasabi does not hit you like you the normal stuff. Instead, it offers a complex taste with only a hint of spice.
Freshly grated wasabi is at its best 5 minutes after grating and will start to lose its true flavour after just 15 minutes.
Any trip to Japan is really not complete without trying real Shizuoka wasabi in some form or other. Even those who are not a fan of the nostril blasting hotness of tube wasabi might find their favorite way to enjoy the plant.
In Japan, people do not waste any part of the Wasabi plant. Root, stem and leaves all have their place in Japanese cuisine and each has a unique flavour.
Freshly grated wasabi on ice cream.
Some great ways to experience real Shizuoka Wasabi include:
Spend a couple of days in Shuzenji and try the fresh wasabi ice cream.
Visit the wasabi fields in Utogi, where it is believed wasabi was first cultivated and try wasabi leaf tempura.
Whether it is a new physical challenge you are seeking or pursuing your chosen outdoor passion, there are many adventures awaiting you in Shizuoka.
FIND ADVENTURE IN SHIZUOKA
Adventure Travel allows us to experience a new place on a deeper level than rushing through the tourist sights.
Instead of passive ‘sightseeing’, Adventure Travel provides us with an opportunity to step outside the usual tourist path to engage with the locals and reconnect with nature through exciting activities.
Not only is Adventure Travel good for you, but it is also good for the local communities you visit.
Employing local guides and operators helps sustain the small communities economically, and human powered activities like cycling and hiking have less impact on the environment.
Through adventure – both fast and slow, the memories you will take home will be the people you will meet and the culture you learn about as you travel through Shizuoka.
Shizuoka is blessed with the three key elements that underpin Adventure Travel
NATURE
Shitaito Falls in Fujinomiya
Shizuoka is abundant in nature and has two National Parks, with towering mountains, including the iconic Mt Fuji, deep oceans, long stretches of coastline and fast-flowing rivers.
ACTIVITIES
Exciting activities and reputable guide companies that offer quality experiences.
Many guides have lived and trained overseas and can guide tours in English, as well as other languages.
CULTURE
Farm to Table experience with welcoming farmers.
Welcoming locals and fascinating culture. Stopping to pick tea with a farmer while cycling through vast tea plantations, or grating fresh wasabi while hiking old pilgrimage trails in Izu are some of the unique cultural backdrops to be found in Shizuoka.
While adventures are often fast-paced pursuits, soft and gentle adventures that heal and relax you are just as important as the heart racing ones.
Let’s take a look at what Shizuoka has to offer the Adventure Traveller
RIVERS
The Fuji river at the base of Mt. Fuji is one of the top 3 fastest rivers in Japan.
The team at Natural Action offers rafting tours on the Fuji river. It is the perfect way to make use of the fast-flowing meltwater coming off Mt. Fuji in late Spring.
Canyoning in crystal clear water from the Amagi mountain range.
Canyoning through the incredible geopark lava formations, jumping off waterfalls, and cooling off in the lush canyons of Izu with Adventure Support is a great summer refreshing adventure.
OCEAN
The Izu peninsula takes center stage when it comes to marine activities in Shizuoka.
Diving here is world-class with the ‘Kuroshio’ warm currents from the south bringing in tropical species of fish and coral. Combined with incredible undersea rock formations, it is a paradise for diving and snorkeling.
Shizuoka’s long coastline means lots of marine activities.
There are many great surf spots too.
Real Surf Shop can arrange rental boards, local advice, and lessons if it is your first time surfing.
Further along the Shizuoka coastline is Omaezaki, a headland that juts out into the ocean providing some world-class breaks.
There are several sea kayaking guides along the coast of Izu from Shimoda to Matsuzaki. Each operator introduces their own unique stretch of coastline where you can paddle into spectacular sea caves and get up close to areas of the coastline only accessible by kayak.
Seamon, based in Shimoda, provides information and other services in English and can assist you in booking marine activities.
MOUNTAINS
Take a trekking tour on Mt. Fuji with an exprienced guide.
While Mt. Fuji attracts many who reach for its summit in the Summer months, be sure to explore some of the primeval forest walks and lesser-known pilgrimage routes around the base of the mountain. Hoei Crater guided hike is one on them.
Shizuoka is home to two National parks that offer a wide array of walks and hikes.
Another excellent guided walk is the Hakone Hachiri that gives you a glimpse into Japan’s feudal era along sections of the ancient Tokaido.
Shizuoka is the southernmost gateway to Japan’s Southern Alps National Park.
Choose from simple day hikes to waterfalls to multiday trekking where you can overnight in mountain huts to scale the many 3,000m plus peaks for serious mountain adventures.
There are also easy day walks around the upper Oi River, which is especially spectacular in Autumn. You will find idyllic onsens (hot springs) dotted around the valleys when exploring Shizuoka’s interior.
If mountain biking is your thing, check out Yamabushi Trail Tour with their interpretive rides in West Izu. Their tours are designed for not just to enjoy an adventure but also learn about the areas fascinating history and culture.
Yamabushi Trail Tour offers guided mountain biking tours on the Izu peninsula.
The course follows a half-pipe-like trail which was carved out by pulling sleds of charcoal down the mountains by horse at the turn of the 20th century.
Today it has been repurposed to create fun flowy singletrack.
Mountainous terrain can be taxing on the legs, but with e-bikes, you can conquer any hill with ease.
Enya Mt. Fuji Eco Tours, a company based at the foot of Mt. Fuji, offers a variety of guided and interpretive cycle tours. The passionate operator strongly focuses on sustainable eco tourism and community based tourism initiatives.
Road cyclists will delight in the challenging hill climbs, quiet backroads, and fast descents.
See Cycling for an overview of road cycling throughout Shizuoka.
The port city of Numazu in Shizuoka is situated between Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay and Izu Peninsula and offers visitors a chance to experience both city life and coastal living.
COASTAL TOWN AT THE FOOT OF MT. FUJI
NUMAZU PORT, IMPERIAL VILLA, VIEWS OF MT. FUJI, HEDA BEACH & LOVE LIVE SUNSHINE
BETWEEN THE MOUNTAIN AND THE BAY
Awashima
Flanked on one side by the Majestic Mt. Fuji and Japan’s deepest Bay (Suruga Bay) on the other is the city of Numazu.
Numazu City itself is like many other cities in Japan where the secrets are not apparent at first glance and it is only when you dig a little deeper, you are rewarded with a treasure trove of unexpected experiences.
In Numazu it is possible to experience everyday Japanese city life living at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
Numazu Alps hiking
But it is also easy to escape the urban environment and find beautiful oceanside hot springs towns and enjoy sailing, SUP or kayaking or hiking and mountain biking.
NUMAZU CITY LIFE
Numazu Fish Market
For most visitors to Numazu City the main attractions are around the Numazu Port area – especially for seafood lovers.
About 10 minutes by taxi from Numazu Station there are a wide variety of stores and restaurants that sell seafood fresh off the boats coming in from Suruga Bay.
In the evenings, and on weekends especially, this area is bustling with locals enjoying the variety of food and drinks that are available creating a fun atmosphere.
Nearby the port are the Senbonhama (Senbon Pine and Beach) which is a nice place to stroll along and enjoy views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay.
Numazu Imperial Villa Memorial Park
A little South of the Port is the Numazu Imperial Villa Memorial Park which was constructed by Emperor Meiji in 1893 and was a favourite holiday destination for Emperor Taisho when he was a child.
The residence is now managed by Numazu City and is open to the public – Read More.
Numazu City stretches over a large area that includes a large chunk of Mt. Fuji, Numazu City itself and a long stretch of coastline down the West Coast of Izu down to the picturesque port town of Heda.
There is close to 40kms of coastline South of Numazu Port with coastal towns scattered along the way that boast quiet beaches with stunning views of Mt. Fuji, fishing villages and coastal hot spring towns.
If you enjoy getting off the beaten track and want to explore then this coastline is a great place to put on your Shizuoka itinerary.
LOVELIVE SUNSHINE
No introduction to Numazu would be complete without mentioning Lovelive Sunshine and its impact on Numazu.
Lovelive Sunshine is a Japanese animation that is set in and around Numazu and you can not go anywhere in the city without seeing the characters on street signs, buses and even manhole covers.
For serious fans of the series a pilgrimage around Numazu is number one on the Japan to-do list – for more information – Read more.
Perhaps one of the most underrated places to visit in Japan. Escape the crowds and experience life at the foothills of Mt. Fuji in the Mt. Fuji Countryside.
LIFE AT THE FOOT OF MT FUJI
If Mt. Fuji is high on your to-do list when you come to Japan, as it is for many visitors, more than likely you will jump on a tour bus and head to Hakone, Fuji 5 Lakes or Gotemba.
All of these places are great and are worthwhile visiting, which is why so many people go every year.
However, if you want to get off the beaten track and you are looking for some one-on-one time with Mt. Fuji, then it is worth considering the Asagiri area and neighbouring villages.
Just 20 minutes North of the city of Fujinomiya is the Mt. Fuji Countryside made up of the Asagiri Plains and idyllic villages.
Blessed with an abundance of water provided by Mt. Fuji and sheltered from most of the harshest winter winds, this area is exceptional for rice, vegetable growing and pasture land for grazing sheep and cattle.
THE ASAGIRI PLAINS
As the name suggests, the Asagiri Plains is a large, predominantly flat expanse of land situated between Mt. Fuji and the Tenshi mountain range.
With the elevation around 800 – 900m above sea level, the Asagiri Plains are a popular destination in the hot summer season.
For a small area, there are a remarkable amount of things to do and see – by far the most popular and spectacular of them is Paragliding in front of Mt Fuji.
The area also has many hiking trails, some great cycling options and other outdoor activities for people looking to get active.
If you are looking for an iconic Mt. Fuji photo, head to Lake Tanuki.
With a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji directly to the east, the lake shore offers beautiful seasonal scenery – cherry blossoms and azaleas in the spring and coloured leaves in the fall.
Camping ground by Lake Tanuki
There is a popular camping ground by the lake. Get up early and you will be able to get a picture of the sun rising over Mt. Fuji!
Kyukamura Fuji and Hitsuki Resort are also great accommodation options to catch this awe-inspiring view of the mountain.
VILLAGES LIVING IN HARMONY WITH NATURE
Just South of the Asagiri Plains is an area made up of small villages which are home to Shiraito Falls, Otodome Falls, Samurai remnants and community-based eco tours. Snowmelt water from Mt. Fuji has blessed local communities with abundant gifts. People here have been living in harmony with nature for generations.
Slightly more built up than the Asagiri Plains, the villages on the surface seem fairly non-descript Japanese countryside. Except at these Japanese countryside towns, the horizon is dominated by Mt. Fuji.
The undeniable star of this area are its waterfalls. Shiraito and Otodome Falls attract visitors from all over Japan and the world.
Shiraito Falls – Snowmelt water from Mt. Fuji gushes out like thousands of white threads (Shiraito)
The water that flows over the Shiraito Falls is said to be predominantly snowmelt from Mt. Fuji. The water has traveled underground through a lava tunnel filtering system for as much as 50 years.
The powerful 25-meter-high Otodome Falls nearby is also worthy of a visit.
SAMURAI TRAINING GROUNDS
During Samurai times, the Asagiri Plains and neighboring areas were used as a training location for soldiers preparing for battle.
The area was flat and provided the army with both excellent ground for horses and infantry with the added advantage that no enemy would be able to launch a sneak attack without being seen.
Kariyado no Geba Zakura, the 800 year old cherry cherry tree in front of the Ide family residence
The Ide Family Residence is a remnant of this time. The stable and grounds are open to the public and offer a glimpse of what life may have been like 200 years ago.
ECO TOURS & CAMP GROUND
A great way to experience the waterfalls and everything that this coundtryside offers is to hop on an eco tour with En-Ya Mt. Fuji Eco Tours.
They operate a popular Satoyama cycling tour out of their base situated close to Shiraito Falls. The tour offers visitors a chance to experience life living at the foothills of Mt. Fuji.
The tour begins at Shiraito Falls, and then follow the water as it winds it way through the local village.
During the tour, you stop to enjoy local lunch, visit historical remains. Additionally, you will either stop to tour the local sake brewery or freshen up in a local river (depending on the season) to connect with Mt. Fuji filtered fresh water.
They also runs an all-inclusive camping site at Mt. Fuji Satoyama Vacation for those looking for escapes away from the city.
Kawane area is nestled in the mountains and has been blessed with the rich nature along the Oi River, one of 2 major rivers that have cut through Japan’s Southern Alps and forged deep valleys in the heart of Shizuoka.
Here you can stay away from the crowds and immerse yourself in nature and the authentic Japanese rural lifestyle.
THE OI RIVER RUNS THROUGH
The Oi River starts as rainfall and snow melt deep in Japan’s Southern Alps mountain range.
The water travels from peaks of some of Japan’s highest mountains such as Mt. Akaishidake 3,121m and Mt. Kitadake 3,193m (Japan’s 2nd highest mountain after Mt. Fuji 3,776m) .
The winding river makes its way through Kawane to the city of Shimada then Yaizu where it flows out into Suruga Bay.
The abundant water that flows in the Oi River is used for irrigating gardens and green tea fields along both sides of the river as it makes its way down to the sea.
HOME TO SOME OF THE FINEST GREEN TEA
Kawane tea is considered one of the best teas in Japan for its fresh aroma, umami and sweetness.
Among many tea producing areas in Shizuoka, tea from Kawane is known as one of the best teas nationwide.
There are several reasons why Kawane tea is so delicious and one of them is its favourable environment. The Southern Alps brings warmer air in the day and wet cold air at night into villages in Kawane area.
This severe temperature variance reduces bitterness and increases Umami in tea leaves.
TRAVELING BY TRAIN
Great for a family adventure.
The Oigawa Railway operates a number of trains from Shin Kanaya Station, close to Shimada, all the way up to Ikawa Station by Lake Ikawa. Many travelers to the area choose to take the Steam Locomotive Train which offers a nostalgic journey following the river into the valley.
If you are traveling with kids, they will be excited to ride on an authentic Thomas the Tank Engine.
SUMATAKYO ONSEN
The alkaline Onsen is believed to make the skin smooth.
If you are looking for an escape to a secluded Onsen resort off the beaten path, then Sumatakyo Onsen is one to discover.
A bus ride from Senzu station takes you to this quaint small Onsen town in Sumata Gorge.
There are several day-use spas in town but staying at one of the Ryokan or Minshuku will give you more time to rejuvenate both your body and soul.
BRIDGE OF DREAMS – WALK ABOVE TURQUOISE BLUE WATER
The hiking course to the bridge is an approx. 90-minute circuit.
If you would like to explore further, take a pleasant walk from Sumatakyo Onsen town and you will find the famous Bridge of Dreams suspension bridge.
You will marvel at the intense turquoise colour of the water below and the surrounding green nature.
FARMSTAY EXPERIENCES
Farm to Table experience with welcoming farmers.
One of the most unique experiences that you can have in the Kawane area is to stay at one of the many Homestay / Farmstay accommodations available.
In addition, most accommodation providers will let you help them prepare your meals with fresh produce sourced from their gardens and farms.
An opportunity to stay with a local resident and learn what life is like living in the area is a truly unique experience for visitors who like to get off the beaten path.
Hands-on workshops in Shizuoka where you can learn from Shizuoka craftsmen & women skills that have been handed down over generations.
LEARN FROM SOME OF THE BEST IN SHIZUOKA
Many times the best way to experience something while you are traveling is to get hands on and try it yourself.
There are numerous Shizuoka workshops you can do and learn from craftsmen many of whom have had the skills they learned passed down over generations.
1. SUSHI MAKING IN SHIMIZU – Shizuoka Station
Tairyo Ichiba, Meal disposal large fishing market
There is perhaps nothing more iconically Japanese than sushi.
Anyone that has tried to make this Japanese dish will be aware that it is not as easy as the sushi chef behind the counter makes it look.
At the S-Pulse Dream Plaza in Shimizu Port just outside of Shizuoka City a sushi master will give you step by step instructions on how to make the best sushi from fresh seafood bought at the nearby fish markets.
Japanese Aizome (indigo dyeing) has a history that dates back possibly as much as 1400 years in Japan.
The distinctive deep blue dye color common in many Japanese fabrics (and the inspiration for many of the Japanese sports team jerseys and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic logo) is derived from the Indigo Plant which is called “Ai” in Japanese.
It is said that the dye was popular in ancient time as the indigo also acted as a natural insect repellant.
There are a number of different Aizome dyeing techniques such as ‘Danzome’, which produces a striped pattern, ‘Shiborizome”, which is the popular tie-dying technique or ‘Bassen’ which uses stencils to create elaborate designs.
There are 48 different shades of blue.
If you are interested in learning more about this fascinating Japanese craft you can experience creating you own indigo fabrics in Gotemba and is a great side trip from a Gotemba Premium Outlet Mall shopping trip.
Anyone that has been to Japan will know that once you venture out into the countryside soba noodle restaurants are ubiquitous.
Soba noodles made with buckwheat are served hot or cold and have a wide range of health benefits including improved heart health and blood sugar.
If you venture into the Fujinomiya countryside you can experience making soba noodles from buckwheat that has been grown locally using fresh Mt Fuji spring water.
‘Chusen Some’ is a traditional dyeing of ‘Yukata’ (traditional Japanese summer kimono style wear) which has been passed down since the mid-18th Century.
At Nihashi Somekoujyo, which is located in central Hamamatsu city, visitors can observe the authentic dyeing craftsmanship and a hands-on experience dyeing your own special ‘Tenugui’ (Hand Towel) at the factory.
As you travel through Shizuoka, you will notice that the locals in each area have their own comfort foods to help them through the cold winter months.
5 SHIZUOKA COMFORT FOODS FOR WINTER
As the Japanese winter approaches and Japanese reach for their favourite winter jacket, the locals in Shizuoka also look forward to some winter comfort foods that help them through the colder months.
Although many of the following are available year-round, there is something about enjoying them especially in the winter months that makes them special.
SHIZUOKA ODEN – Shizuoka Station
Shizuoka Oden
Walk into any convenience store in Japan during the winter months and you will be introduced to Oden.
Typically taking up a lot of space on the convenience store countertop, Oden is a combination of eggs, fish cakes, squid balls, radishes and fish cakes that are left to simmer in a mix of soy sauce and fish broth.
Shizuoka City has become famous for its local version of this traditional winter fare – simmering the different ingredients in a broth of beef and bringing out more concentrated flavors.
Gyoza is a pan-fried dumpling that is made with minced pork, leek and cabbage which is dipped into a mix of soy sauce, vinegar and spicy oil.
Gyoza are a popular favorite throughout Japan and is taking hold around the World – it is arguably the perfect accompaniment to a tall cold beer and as such is a good way to finish a hard days work.
Every year in Japan local cities battle for the crown of Gyoza Capital of the year.
Hamamatsu City and Utsunomiya City quite often end up competing against each other for this prestigious title and locals from both cities take great pride in receiving this title.
Spending a day in Hamamatsu City making your own soy sauce and making your own gyoza is a great way to spend a day in Shizuoka.
Japanese spiny lobster is a celebrated seafood for Japanese people and has been used in traditional celebratory meals for centuries – especially the new year.
Izu Peninsula is famous for its yearly catch of Ise Ebi and many of the small fishing ports along the Southern coast of the Peninsula specialize in catching this delicacy.
The Ise-Ebi lobster is typically caught between October and April.
Nets are set as the sun is going down and pulled in early the next morning to catch these nocturnal creatures.
Lake Hamana is famous for its mineral rich brackish waters that produce a wide array of different seafood but it is perhaps most well known for its Eel and Oysters.
Oysters are cultivated in the lake and harvested in the Winter months from January to March.
These mineral rich and meaty oysters are available at a number of Oyster Shacks located around the Lake where oysters straight from the lake are cooked for you on the spot.
Fujinomiya City is a perfect place to get up close and personal with Mt. Fuji and experience what life is like for those living at the foot of this magnificent mountain.
UP AND CLOSE TO MT.FUJI
If you’ve ever dreamt of climbing Mt. Fuji, you’ve most likely heard of Fujinomiya. Located in Eastern Shizuoka, most of the town lies within the borders of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Shiraito Falls – snowmelt water from Mt. Fuji gushes out like thousands of white threads.
Fujinomiya is the main starting point for climbers using the Fujinomiya Trail and also the Prince Route which has become popular in recent years (ascending from Fujinomiya and descending into Gotemba).
Fujinomiya is the closest town to Mt. Fuji and as such is blessed with remarkable views of the mountain.
Fuji-san to the Japanese is commonly referred to in the female form, because the goddess that resides within the mountain is ‘Konohanasakuya-hime’.
Konohanasakuya is the goddess of Mt. Fuji, all volcanoes and the ‘Princess of Cherry Blossoms,’ symbolizing delicate earthly life.
The goddess is also often referred to as Sakuya-hime or Sengen.
FUJISANHONGU SENGENTAISHA SHRINE
An ancient settlement town, Fujinomiya is a former post and market town affiliated with the Ichinomiya (first shrine), the supreme shrine in each of the ‘Old Provinces of Japan’.
In Fujinomiya, the ‘Fujisanhongu Sengentaisha Shrine’, is the Ichinomiya of Suruga Province which is modern day Shizuoka Prefecture.
The shirine enjoys seasonal beauty.
For over 1100 years, it has been the head shrine for over 1300 shinto shrines in the country which are centered on the worship of volcanoes and Fuji-san in particular.
Such shinto shrines are also known as Asama or Sengen Shrines.
Almost all of these shrines possess views of Fuji-san on their grounds, and if not, a miniature replica called Fujizuka is recreated from rocks from the mountain itself.
Many festivals are held at the shrine – the main one is held on May 5th and features Yabusame horseback archery.
MT. FUJI WORLD HERITAGE CENTRE, SHIZUOKA
The Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka is a stunning museum in Fujinomiya that was opened to commemorate the mountain’s designation as a World Heritage Site in 2013.
On a calm day, a reflected image of Mt. Fuji appears on the water basin.
Designed by famed architect Shigeru Ban, the museum lies adjacent to the Fujisanhongu Sengentaisha Shrine’s main Torii gate.
Visually striking as you approach it, the museum’s inverted conical shape has been constructed from Japanese Cypress and reflects beautifully a mirror image of not only the museum’s design but also the beauty of Fuji-san herself in the reflecting pool on the premises.
The Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre aims to deepen and educate the conversation regarding Mt Fuji’s preservation, cultural history, and meaning to both individuals in Japan and abroad.
Visitors are able to experience the ascent of Mt. Fuji from the ocean by walking a 193m long spiral ramp while watching time-lapse videos of Fuji’s landscape.
While in Fujinomiya City be sure to get in some Fujinomiya Yakisoba which is characterized by its firm bite. The firm bite occurs as Fujinomiya Yakisoba is steamed without being boiled once, cooled then coated with oil. Generally, it is boiled in other parts of Japan. Additionally, the soba must be made in Fujinomiya, are cooked with the waters of Mt Fuji, and have ‘dashi-ko’ powder sprinkled on it instead of the typically dried bonito flakes.
There are many locations to enjoy Fujinomiya Yakisoba throuhgout the city.
LIFE AT THE FOOT OF MT. FUJI
Visiting Fujinomiya not only allows you unbelievable views of Mt Fuji but gives you the opportunity to also experience a way of Japanese life that has relatively remained unchanged.
Snowmelt water from Mt. Fuji has blesses local communities with adundant gifts and people have been living in harmony with nature for generations.
Immerse yourself in the local culture and make unforgettable travel experiences – Find experiences in Fujinomiya HERE.
If you are in Shizuoka in the summer, there are a number of great festivals that you can experience – here are 5 fun summer festivals to check out
5 FUN FESTIVALS IN SHIZUOKA
EVERY STATION ON THE TOKAIDO BULLET TRAIN LINE PROVIDES ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FESTIVALS IN SHIZUOKA.
As with many regions of Japan the warmer summer months bring festivals and celebrations, some of which are centuries old.
From traditional ‘Mikoshi’, ‘Dashi’ & ‘Yatai’ festivals which see local communities come together to carry a large portable shrine through the town to fireworks festivals that attract thousands of people the summer is a chance for people to get outside, remember their ancestors and strengthen local community ties.
Shizuoka is no different – here are 5 fun festivals from around Shizuoka that are definitely worth checking out if you get a chance.
Usually taking place on the last Saturday in July the Enshu Arai Handheld Fireworks Festival will take your breath away.
All of the participants in the festival spend a year making home made cannons out of bamboo and tatami mats for the spectacle – using a traditional technique that has been passed down over 300 years.
The cannons can shoot fireworks and sparks up to 20 meters in the air and during the festival up to 2,000 hand cannons are used to the accompaniment of Japanese drums and traditional Japanese bamboo flute.
This festival takes place at Arai junior high school in the town of Arai which is part of Kosai city located at the Southern end of Lake Hamana.
During the Edo Period, and the prominence of the Tokaido Highway, Arai was the thirty-first Post Station on the Tokaido. It was an important checkpoint on the Highway and was only accessible by water.
Japanese Taiko Drums have become famous throughout the World and anyone that has been lucky enough to see a performance will understand the skill and precision needed and the power and grace of the performances.
Every year in July high school teams from all around Japan compete in Gotemba, Shizuoka as part of the Fuji Taiko Festival– a 2-day festival that celebrates the art of the Japanese drum.
Perhaps the highlight of the festival is the individual drum competition in which drummers compete against each other on one of the largest Japanese Taiko drums in the World – stands at 3.776 meters high to represent the height of Mt. Fuji (3776 meters high).
The three “Enshu Sanzan” temples in Fukuroi City hang more than 6,000 wind chimes in total to welcome their visitors.
Hattasan, Yusanji and Kasuisai – three temples with over handreds of years of history – have long been important spiritual destinations for travelers on the Tokaido Highway.
Decorated Floats, taiko drummers and portable shrines (mikoshi) battling each other have been taking over the streets of Fuji City every year for more than 350 years as part of the Yoshiwara Gion Festival.
A lively and colourful festival that starts around midday and continues long into the evening hours.
Aside from the parade of people, music and carrying shrines there are lines of food stalls along Yoshiwara Shopping street selling an array of classic Japanese street food and vendors selling treats for the kids.
Summer in Japan is not complete without going to at least one fireworks festival.
Dressing in Yukata, drinking shaved ice or beer and eating watermelon and street vendor food such as yakitori, fried chicken or takoyaki is a Japanese tradition almost that represents Summer as much as Cherry Blossoms in Spring and firework events around the country attract millions of people every year.
Throughout the Summer months (July through to late September) there are fireworks events all through Shizuoka.
Perhaps the most famous Shizuoka fireworks display is the Atami Fireworks Festival displays in August – there are fireworks in resort town of Atami Onsen almost every week in August. Actually, it takes place more than 10 times throughout the year, even in winter. – you can relax in a Onsen while watching the fireworks light up the sky over the ocean making it quite unique.
When the city gets to be too much or you have visited about as many shrines and temples as you can manage, why not hit the beach.
Jump in the surf, read a book or just squish your toes into the sand – Shizuoka beaches have something for everyone.
Shizuoka is blessed with over 500 km of coastline starting in Atami in the East, stretching around Izu Peninsula and running all the way down to the Shirasuka Coast in Kosai City in the West.
Along this coastline there are numerous beaches to visit and enjoy – each with its own characteristics and charms.
The following showcases 5 Great Beaches in Shizuoka that are worth checking out no matter if you have 3 days or just a couple of hours to spare.
If the Summer heat is too much and you need to get out of Tokyo for some beach time in a hurry then Atami Sun Beach is a great option.
Although it is not the closest beach, it is perhaps the easiest and fastest beach to get to from Tokyo.
This is because the Bullet Train goes straight from Tokyo Station and in just over 40 minutes you are at Atami Station – from there it is an 10 minute walk to the beach.
If you are looking for white sand beaches and clear blue water then it is worth traveling a little bit further South along the East Coast of Izu to the towns of Shimoda and Minami Izu.
IRITAHAMA BEACH
The area around Shimoda has a number of great beaches and there is something for everyone – white sandy beaches, secluded bays and cycas trees.
All of the beaches benefit from clean clear water and depending on swell and wind there are a number of water activities available including surfing, snorkeling, and bodyboarding.
Iritahama Beach is just 10 minutes South of Perry Road by car and is often chosen as the top beach in Izu and one of the best beaches in Japan.
YUMIGAHAMA BEACH
A little bit further around the coast in Minami Izu is Yumigahama Beach.
A large sandy beach that is flanked with palm trees on each end gives this beach a very tropical feel.
The area around the beach has a good supply of accommodation – including some great minshuku – making it easy to settle in for a couple of days, enjoy great Japanese hospitality and dine every night on locally caught fresh seafood.
From Minami Izu many of the great spots along the coast, such as Irozaki Cape.
From the moment that you arrive at Miho-no-Matsubara and you walk through some of the 30,000 pine trees that grow near the beach you feel as though you are somewhere special.
There is a good reason that Miho-no-Matsubara was registered as a part of Mt. Fuji’s world heritage status in 2013.
The beach itself is very different to the white sand beaches of Izu Peninsula and is and it is not really suitable for surfing, swimming or sunbathing.
Miho-no-Matsubara Beach is best visited in the colder months between November and March as this is the best time to get a photo of a white capped Mt. Fuji standing proudly above the pine trees.
A short 30min taxi ride from Kakegawa Station are the coastal towns of Makinohara and Omaezaki.
Perhaps the most popular beach in this area is Shizunami Beach – one beach on a long stretch of coast that is a great spot for surfing, swimming or sunbathing.
Often overlooked by many travelers the beaches in this area are very much worth a look especially for visitors that like to get off the beaten track – but not too far.
OTHERS BEACHES TO CHECK OUT
Omaezaki Beach – Just down the coast from Shizunami, this beach is famous for hosting Windsurfing Competitions.
Shirahama Beach – Possibly the most famous & popular beach in Izu.
Bentenjima Beach – 20 mins from Hamamatsu Station this inlet beach at the entrance to Lake Hamana is a popular spot to watch the sunset.
