Best Things To Do & See in Shizuoka | A Complete Travel Guide

From time to time, Shimizu Port has increased in importance especially in trading. Nowadays, Shimizu Port stands in the top 3 of the most beautiful ports in Japan. Situated near Mount Fuji, Shimizu Port also becomes Japan's most scenic ports because it offers some of the best spots to see this spectacular World Heritage. Shimizu is not only one of the most crucial trade ports but also a significant area providing access to various splendid landscapes and popular attractions in Japan. Along with enjoying things to do & see in Shimizu City, joining with Japan Shore Excursions even give visitors the chance to experience some of the most famous places to visit in Shizuoka and Hakone including both historic buildings and natural scenery.

Why You Should Visit Shizuoka in Your Next Trip?

When people think of Japan, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka often come to mind. Yet, between these bustling cities lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored - the Shizuoka Prefecture. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the towering Mount Fuji, Shizuoka offers travelers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, traditional culture, fresh cuisine, and warm hospitality.

Shizuoka is more than just a stopover on the Tokaido Shinkansen route between Tokyo and Nagoya. It is a prefecture rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and culinary excellence.

• Strategic location: Just an hour from Tokyo by bullet train, making it perfect for day trips or multi-day stays.
• Diverse attractions: From Mount Fuji viewpoints and historic shrines to green tea farms and hot spring resorts.
• Balanced experiences: Ideal for families, nature lovers, food enthusiasts, and even seniors seeking a relaxing holiday.

Recommended Things To Do & See in Shizuoka

Shizuoka may not be as crowded as Tokyo or Kyoto, but it is home to some of Japan’s most captivating attractions. The prefecture offers a perfect balance of nature, culture, and cuisine. To help you plan your trip, here is a curated list of the best things to do and see in Shizuoka, combining must-visit landmarks with authentic local experiences.

Admire the Iconic Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the highest volcano in Japan and the 7th-highest peak of an island in the world. It lies on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures and can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama on clear days. It is also one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku. In 2013, it gains the rank of the World Heritage List as a Cultural Site.

Since then, Mount Fuji has experienced big popularity among artists, poets and the whole public in general throughout the centuries. Nowadays, Mount Fuji’s aesthetic beauty with snow-capped symmetrical cone exists in various photographs and arts. There are many spots available to view this iconic landscape. Here are some options to best places to see Mt Fuji suggested for Shimizu Shore Excursions:

Lake Ashinoko

Lake Ashinoko is considered as one of the best places to view Mt. Fuji in the Hakone area. It is a crater lake formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano's last eruption 3000 years ago. Nowadays, The lake is not only famous for its views of Mt. Fuji but also for its significant hot springs, historical sites, and ryokan. Visitors can enjoy Mount Fujii view on cruises or boats, which has longed been the classic symbol of Hakone. Besides, adventurous travelers can try on a hiking trail promised to make your journey more remarkable.

Mount Komagatake Ropeway

Mount Komagatake Ropeway is a Japanese aerial lift line in Hakone. The line, opened in 1963, is 1800 meters long leading from the shore of Lake Ashinoko to near the Komagatake peak of Mount Hakone. When the weather condition is good, visitors can experience extraordinary views of Lake Ashinoko and Mount Fuji from the ropeway's upper station. A short walk away, at the peak to reach the Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya. This original Hakone Shrine also refers to an energy spot to see in Hakone.

Owakudani Valley

Owakudani is a volcanic valley around a crater dating back to 3000 years ago in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Now, the area is an active volcanic zone with sulfurous vents, hot springs, hot rivers. Especially, sample Kuro Tamago, the black egg hard-boiled in the natural hot springs. The boiled eggs turn black and smell slightly sulfuric, eating one is believed to add seven years to your life. On clear days, visitors can enjoy good views of Mount Fuji from the valley.

Visit Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

Kunozan Toshogu serves as a dedication to Tokugawa Ieyasu – the great leader who ended and united all of Japan. The shrine consists of lots of bright red buildings decorated with gold accents as well as colorful carvings and paintings. After the ticket booth is the Romon Gate, behind which the route leads to the main buildings, the Haidenand Honden halls. And deeper in the woods is the tomb of Ieyasu. On the outside of the shrine, travelers can take a look at shrine treasures including Ieyasu’s personal belongings, swords, armors, and hanging scrolls.

The main access to Kunozan Toshogu is from the south. However, it requires a lot of climbing up the mountain or travelers often can choose ropeway from the north instead. Over a thousand stone steps lead up the mountainside is the Nihondaira plateau which offers breathtaking views over the Suruga Bay, Oceanside, tea fields and the most incredible – Mount Fuji.

Explore Miho No Matsubara (Pine Grove by the Sea)

Miho no Matsubara is on the Miho Peninsula in Shimizu Ward of Shizuoka City, Japan. It’s most famous for the seven-kilometer seashore lined with green pine trees. These pine groves were recognized as part of the Fujisan Cultural Site in the World Heritage List. Miho no Matsubara was also selected to Japan’s top 100 white sand beaches and pine groves. It has a 650-year-old pine tree called Hagoromo no Matsu which is believed to be where the angel wearing a Hagoromo floated down. The Miho shrine nearby has the duty to preserve a piece of her plumage.

In October, a Hagoromo Festival takes place near the site of the old pine tree with many impressive performances. This is also a popular spot to view Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula across Suruga Bay. Miho No Matsubara offers spectacular landscapes with green pine trees, white waves, blue ocean and Mount Fuji which appears in various drawings, especially the Hiroshige Utagawa’s ukiyo-e.

Admire Hakone Shrine

The Hakone Shrine, located on the shores of Lake Ashi in the town of Hakone, is a Japanese ancient shrine with a history of more than 1200 years. Nowadays, it is gradually becoming popular as a power spot. The shrine buildings hide under the dense forest, travelers will totally impress with its enormous torii gates. One standing mysteriously in the lake and two others over the main street of Moto-Hakone. When visitors pass the third Torii Gate to get to the main hall, you can receive the power of the shrine from the 1200-year-old arrow cedar.

Getting through the forest, visitors will approach the main building of the shrine sitting among the tall trees. Especially, the shrine becomes most beautiful when surrounded by mist. A second shrine, Mototsumiya, situates at the summit of Komagatake can be accessible by the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway from Hakone-en or via hiking trails.

Discover Shizuoka’s Green Tea Culture

Shizuoka is often called the green heart of Japan, producing nearly 40% of the nation’s tea supply. The region’s mild climate, fertile volcanic soil, and pure mountain water create ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality tea leaves. Unlike simply enjoying a cup at home, visiting Shizuoka allows travelers to step directly into the centuries-old tradition that has shaped the prefecture’s identity and economy.

Visitors have the opportunity not only to taste but to immerse themselves in the entire journey of tea-making, guided by local farmers and tea masters who have inherited their craft through generations. This makes Shizuoka an unmissable stop for anyone interested in authentic Japanese culture and everyday life.

What you can do:

• Tea farm tours: Visit local plantations where you can walk among lush tea fields with Mount Fuji in the background.
• Tea-picking experiences: Seasonal programs allow visitors to wear traditional attire and harvest fresh leaves.
• Tea-tasting workshops: Learn the differences between sencha, matcha, and gyokuro.

Stroll Around Sunpu Castle Park

In the heart of Shizuoka City lies Sunpu Castle Park, a historic site closely tied to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the legendary shogun who unified Japan. The castle was once his retirement residence and a powerful political center during the early Edo period. Although the original structure was lost over the centuries due to fires and war, careful reconstructions of its turrets, gates, and moats allow visitors to imagine the castle’s former grandeur.

Today, the grounds have been transformed into a spacious public park that blends history with natural beauty. Locals and travelers alike come here to enjoy seasonal changes, cultural exhibitions, and a peaceful atmosphere in the middle of the city.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Cherry blossoms in spring.
• Leisurely walks around the spacious grounds.
• Exhibits inside the turrets showcasing the Tokugawa legacy.

Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Shimizu Port

For travelers who love authentic Japanese cuisine, Shimizu Port is a destination that should not be missed. As one of Japan’s most important fishing harbors, it has long supplied Tokyo and surrounding regions with top-quality seafood. Nestled along Suruga Bay, the port benefits from nutrient-rich waters that make it one of the most productive fishing grounds in the country.

A visit here is more than just a chance to eat, it’s a full cultural experience. Watching the bustling fish markets, seeing local fishermen at work, and tasting seafood prepared straight from the ocean give visitors a rare glimpse into everyday life in coastal Japan. Whether you prefer casual dining at market stalls or savoring refined sushi in a traditional restaurant, Shimizu offers flavors you won’t easily forget.

Highlights include:

• Sakura shrimp: Found only in Suruga Bay, best enjoyed as tempura or with rice.
• Maguro (tuna): Shimizu is famous for its tuna auctions and sushi.
• Wasabi dishes: Shizuoka’s mountains are home to Japan’s best wasabi farms.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere, don’t miss the Shimizu Fish Market Kashi-no-Ichi, where travelers can sample seasonal catches, join food tastings, and interact directly with local vendors who proudly share their culinary traditions.

Take a Scenic Ride on Oigawa Railway

For those who want to slow down and savor the charm of rural Japan, a journey on the Oigawa Railway is an experience like no other. This nostalgic steam locomotive has been operating for decades and remains one of the few places in Japan where visitors can still ride a classic SL (steam locomotive). As the train chugs along the Oi River Valley, passengers are treated to panoramic views of mountains, rivers, and countryside landscapes that feel worlds away from the fast-paced cities.

The ride itself is as much about atmosphere as scenery. The sound of the steam whistle, the gentle rocking of the carriages, and the sight of smoke trailing behind evoke a sense of traveling back in time. It’s an ideal activity for families, couples, and especially travelers who appreciate slow travel and authentic experiences.

Explore Shiraito Falls & Nature Spots

Among the many breathtaking Shizuoka attractions, few places capture the beauty of nature as perfectly as Shiraito Falls. Located near Mount Fuji, this enchanting waterfall cascades gracefully from a height of 20 meters, spreading into countless thin streams that resemble delicate silk threads.

The surrounding greenery and misty atmosphere create a tranquil escape, making it one of the most photogenic nature spots in Shizuoka. Visiting Shiraito Falls offers travelers a chance to slow down, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and reconnect with Japan’s serene natural landscapes.

Beyond the falls, Shizuoka is blessed with countless other outdoor treasures. From peaceful hiking trails to scenic rivers and lush tea fields, the prefecture is a paradise for those seeking to explore more than just city life. Including a stop at Shiraito Falls in your itinerary is not only one of the most memorable things to do in Shizuoka, but also a way to experience the prefecture’s strong connection to nature.

Seasonal Festivals & Local Culture

One of the most rewarding ways to immerse yourself in Shizuoka culture is by experiencing its seasonal festivals. Unlike simply visiting temples or sightseeing, festivals allow travelers to witness centuries-old traditions, taste regional foods, and feel the vibrant community spirit that defines this prefecture.

Throughout the year, Shizuoka hosts a wide variety of cultural celebrations, each reflecting the region’s deep connection to history, nature, and local identity. For travelers searching for authentic things to do in Shizuoka, attending a festival offers an unforgettable glimpse into daily life and traditional artistry.

Some of the most popular Shizuoka festivals you should not miss include:

• Shizuoka Matsuri (April): Celebrating Tokugawa Ieyasu with parades and cultural performances.
• Shizuoka Tea Festival (early May): Showcasing the prefecture’s rich tea heritage.
• Atami Fireworks Festival (summer): Spectacular displays over Atami Bay.

Ultimately, Shizuoka is a must-see place to visit if you dock at Shimizu port. If you’ve ever wondered what to see in Shizuoka, think of it as a place where authentic traditions meet breathtaking landscapes, creating memories that last long after your trip ends.