What To Do InShizuoka
From pine-lined shores and castle moats to ropeways and tea terraces, Shizuoka blends sea breezes, history, and Japan’s most beloved leaf.
What does Shizuoka Look Like?
A coastal city wrapped by tea-green hills and broad bays, with Mt. Fuji anchoring the horizon on crisp days.
Expect easy rails, laid-back markets, and scenic viewpoints threaded by rivers and ropeways.
Major Attractions to Visit
Miho no Matsubara
SceneryPine-lined beach with iconic views of Mt. Fuji
A UNESCO-listed seascape where dark sands meet a seven-kilometer pine grove. On clear days Mt. Fuji rises above Suruga Bay — sunrise and late afternoon are especially photogenic.
Nihondaira & Ropeway
ViewsHilltop panorama linking to Kunozan Toshogu
Ride or hike to the Nihondaira plateau for sweeping views of Shimizu Port, Suruga Bay, and Fuji. The ropeway glides over forests to the ornate Kunozan Toshogu Shrine.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
HistoryLavishly decorated shrine of Tokugawa Ieyasu
A masterpiece of Momoyama color and carving on Mt. Kuno. Stone steps or ropeway access; the treasure hall displays armor, swords, and artifacts tied to the Tokugawa legacy.
Sunpu Castle Park
HeritageMoats, turrets, and gardens in the city center
Rebuilt turrets recall the castle where Ieyasu retired. Cherry blossoms circle the moats in spring; lawns and museums make it a laid-back urban green space.
Shimizu Port & Fish Market
FoodBayside strolls, seafood bowls, and Fuji views
S-PULSE Dream Plaza and Kashi-no-Ichi market serve ultra-fresh seafood. Ferries, harbor walks, and sunset Fuji silhouettes complete the scene.
Green Tea Plantations
TeaEndless rows of Shizuoka tea fields
Tour terraced fields in Makinohara or along the Oigawa, learn cultivation basics, and sample sencha or deep-steamed fukamushi tea straight from the source.
Explore Shizuoka's Unique Districts
Downtown moats and markets, breezy harbors, and ridge-top views — pick a base that matches your pace.
Shizuoka Station / Aoi
Downtown shopping, dining, and Sunpu Castle Park
A walkable hub with department stores, izakaya alleys, and easy access to castle moats and museums — a convenient base for first-time visitors.
Shimizu
Harbor vibes, seafood markets, bayside promenades
Home to Shimizu Port, fish markets, and Dream Plaza. Clear days bring Fuji views over the bay; cafés line the marina for golden-hour strolls.
Nihondaira
Scenic ridge linking to Kunozan Toshogu
A classic viewpoint with landscaped grounds and cafés. The ropeway floats across forested slopes to the lavish Toshogu complex.
Miho
Pine groves, beaches, and coastal cycling
Miho no Matsubara’s pines and shoreline paths invite relaxed rides and Fuji photo stops — especially striking after storms clear the air.
Shizuoka's Historic & Spiritual Sites
Tokugawa legacies, colorful shrines, and leisurely castle grounds sit minutes from cafés and stations.
Kunozan Toshogu
Shrine enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu; ornate carvings
Brilliant lacquer and gold leaf showcase Momoyama aesthetics. Reach it via ropeway or 1,000+ stone steps through cedar forest.
Shizuoka Sengen Shrine
Complex of shrines with vivid vermilion halls
A historic worship site beneath Mt. Shizuhata. Seasonal festivals, quiet gardens, and woodwork reward slow exploration.
Sunpu Castle Park
Moats, gates, and reconstructed turrets
Traces the Tokugawa stronghold with small museums and broad lawns — ideal for picnics and hanami when the cherries bloom.
Oigawa Railway (SL)
Steam trains through tea fields and river valleys
Vintage locomotives chug along emerald slopes and bridges — a photogenic day trip pairing trains, tea, and mountain scenery.
How to Get Around Shizuoka
Shinkansen for distance, JR & Shizutetsu for local hops, and a dash of ropeway for the views.
IC Cards
Suica/PASMO work widely; Shizutetsu lines and JR Tokaido make transfers simple around city and port.
Rail Basics
Shinkansen stops at Shizuoka Station (Hikari/Kodama). JR Tokaido links Shimizu, Yaizu, and Fuji City.
Nihondaira Ropeway
Glides between Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu — plan around sunset for glowing bay views.
Underground Passages
Rainy day? Use underground shopping walks around Shizuoka Station to dodge weather and crowds.
Seasonal Planning
Tea fields are brightest April–June; winter skies give the sharpest Fuji views after cold fronts.
Day Trips
Oigawa Railway (SL), Hamamatsu instruments, or Fuji City’s riverside Fuji views are easy rides.
From the Airport
Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ) buses reach Shizuoka Station in ~50–60 minutes, plus services to Shimizu.
Navigation Apps
Google Maps and Navitime show live platforms, ropeway times, and bus bay numbers.