Why Shizuoka, Japan, deserves to be on your bucket list

Living in Mount Fuji’s shadow

Few places offer such consistent, close-up views of Mount Fuji. In Shizuoka, the mountain is part of the backdrop to daily life, visible from coastal roads, lakes, tea fields, and quiet viewpoints. Seeing Fuji from here feels more personal, especially away from the usual hotspots. Add in walking routes along the Izu Peninsula, wide beaches and dramatic shoreline paths, and it’s a destination that encourages you to spend time outdoors, rather than rushing between sights.

Japan’s onsen capital

Shizuoka is home to the highest number of onsen accommodations in Japan, and bathing in natural hot springs is woven into the region’s life. From ocean-facing baths to inland retreats surrounded by hills, the variety is impressive. Staying in a traditional ryokan adds another layer, with tatami rooms, seasonal meals, and an unhurried approach to hospitality that makes slowing down feel effortless.

A region shaped by food and drink

This is a part of Japan that eats exceptionally well. Shizuoka leads the country in green tea production, with plantations stretching across the landscape, while its clear mountain waters support some of Japan’s best wasabi. Along the coast, fresh seafood defines local menus, from tuna landed at Shimizu Port to eel from Lake Hamana. Local sake, beer, and whisky round things off, giving the region a strong sense of place through flavour.

See cherry blossoms earlier than everyone else

Spring arrives sooner in Shizuoka, particularly on the Izu Peninsula, where the Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom from early February. Their deep pink colour lines rivers and walking paths weeks before blossoms appear elsewhere in Japan. Combined with historic routes like the old Tokaido Road, long-standing shrines and towns shaped by centuries of travel and trade, Shizuoka reveals itself slowly, rewarding those who take the time to look beyond the obvious.

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