Shizuoka~Discovering Sightseeing spots and Food~

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15 Best Things to Do in Shizuoka (Mt. Fuji, Izu & More)

Coastlines and hot springs, tea fields and wasabi streams, shrines and mountain views—Shizuoka pairs everyday ease with once-in-a-lifetime scenery.

This guide features 5 sights, 5 local foods, and 5 hands-on experiences. Each card includes Highlights, From Kyoto (rough route & time), local Access, and a handy Pro tip.

🗻 Mt. Fuji views 🍵 Shizuoka tea 🌊 Izu peninsula

From Kyoto Station → Shizuoka Gateways (rough times)

Gateway Typical Route Time* Notes
Shizuoka Shinkansen (Hikari/Nozomi) → Shizuoka ~1h50–2h20 Central base for Miho, Nihondaira, Utogi
Shin-Fuji Shinkansen → Shin-Fuji ~1h40–2h10 Closest for Shiraito Falls, Asagiri Highlands
Mishima Shinkansen → Mishima ~1h55–2h25 Convenient transfer for Izu (Ito/Jogasaki)
Atami Shinkansen → Atami ~2h10–2h40 Onsen hub; JR Ito Line to coastal Izu
Hamamatsu Shinkansen → Hamamatsu ~1h35–2h00 Base for Lake Hamana, unagi feasts

*Times are approximate and vary by train type/connection. Always check the latest timetable.

1) Miho no Matsubara (Shizuoka City)

A pine-lined beach with classic views of Mt. Fuji—UNESCO World Heritage component.

Highlights. Walk the pines, black-sand shore, Hagoromo pine lore; pair with Shimizu Port sushi.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Shizuoka (~1h50–2h20) → JR to Shimizu (~11 min) → bus to Miho (~25–35 min).
Access (local). Shimizu Sta. or Shin-Shimizu Sta. → bus to Miho; rental cycle works great on clear days.
Pro tip. Best Fuji visibility is early morning in winter; bring a windbreaker.
Miho, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City

2) Nihondaira & Kunōzan Tōshōgū

A panoramic plateau over Suruga Bay with a ropeway to a richly decorated shrine where Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined.

Highlights. Nihondaira Yume Terrace, ropeway ride, lacquer-and-gold shrine halls, tea field vistas.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Shizuoka (~1h50–2h20) → bus/taxi to Nihondaira (~30–40 min).
Access (local). Ropeway connects Nihondaira ↔ Kunōzan Tōshōgū; check last return times.
Pro tip. Golden hour at Yume Terrace is gorgeous; carry small cash for shrine steps/souvenirs.
Nihondaira ↔ Kunōzan Tōshōgū (ropeway)

3) Shiraito Falls (Fujinomiya)

Veils of spring water spilling from lava cliffs—another Fuji World Heritage component near Fujinomiya.

Highlights. 150+ curtain-like streams, nearby Otodome Falls, local dairy & yakisoba stands.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Shin-Fuji or Mishima (~1h40–2h10) → bus to Shiraito (~60–75 min) or JR to Fujinomiya then bus (~30–45 min).
Access (local). Bus stops at Shiraito car park; gentle paths to viewpoints (some stairs).
Pro tip. After rain or snowmelt, flow is strongest; weekdays are quieter for photos.
Shiraito no Taki, Fujinomiya City

4) Jogasaki Coast & Kadowaki Suspension Bridge (Izu)

Dramatic lava cliffs and a breezy suspension bridge over the surf—coastal hiking at its best.

Highlights. Lighthouse views, tide pools, Jogasaki Picnical Course, seaside cafés in Ito.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Atami (~2h10–2h40) → JR Ito Line to Jogasaki-Kaigan (~35–45 min) → walk/bus to Kadowaki area.
Access (local). Jogasaki-Kaigan Sta. → trailheads/signage; wear sturdy shoes.
Pro tip. Go clockwise from the lighthouse for best sun angles; sunsets can be fiery.
Jogasaki Coast, Ito City (Izu)

5) Lake Hamana & Kanzanji Onsen (Hamamatsu)

A brackish lake fringed by hills, ropeways, and hot-spring hotels—easy resort vibes.

Highlights. Kanzanji Ropeway, lakeside cruises, flower park, unagi feasts.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Hamamatsu (~1h35–2h) → bus to Kanzanji (~40–50 min) or taxi (~30 min).
Access (local). Ropeway links bayside to Okusayama; cruise piers near resort strip.
Pro tip. Blue-hour ropeway rides are stunning; check last return.
Kanzanji Onsen, Hamamatsu City

6) Shizuoka Oden

Soy-dark broth with skewered fishcake, beef sinew, and a dusting of aonori & bonito—bar-counter comfort.

Highlights. Grab sticks, self-season, pair with local sake; “Oden Alley” vibes.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Shizuoka (~1h50–2h20).
Access (local). Oden alleyways around Shizuoka City center & Aoba area.
Classic oden lanes in central Shizuoka

7) Hamamatsu Unagi (Eel)

Char-grilled freshwater eel with crisp skin and fluffy meat—Hamamatsu’s pride.

Highlights. Hitsumabushi style, lake-view restaurants, lunchtime sets.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Hamamatsu (~1h35–2h).
Access (local). Unagi streets near Lake Hamana & Hamamatsu center.
Unagi districts around Hamamatsu & Lake Hamana

8) Sakura-ebi (Yui)

Tiny pink shrimp landed in Suruga Bay—raw, boiled, or crispy kakiage, depending on season.

Highlights. Kakiage rice bowls, spring & autumn fishery seasons, bayside markets.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Shizuoka (~1h50–2h20) → JR to Yui (~20–25 min).
Access (local). Eateries near Yui Sta. & coastal roads.
Yui area, Shimizu Ward

9) Fresh Wasabi (Izu/Utogi)

Spring-fed terraces where wasabi grows in cold, clear streams; the flavor is sweet-hot and fragrant.

Highlights. Grate fresh rhizomes, try wasabi-don and wasabi-soft serve.
From Kyoto. For Izu: Shinkansen → Atami → Ito Line. For Utogi: Shinkansen → Shizuoka → bus/car to Utogi (~60–90 min).
Access (local). Farms in Amagi (Izu) & Utogi (Shizuoka) offer tastings/shops.
Amagi (Izu) & Utogi (Shizuoka) wasabi areas

10) Shizuoka Green Tea

Japan’s tea heartland—river-terraced fields and coastal breezes shaping a clean, vivid cup.

Highlights. Sencha tastings, chazuke, tea sweets; views from Makinohara plateau.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Kakegawa/Shizuoka (~1h40–2h15), then local trains/bus to tea areas.
Access (local). Tea shops & cafés across the prefecture; tours around Makinohara/Kanaya.
Makinohara & Kanaya tea belts

11) Tea Picking & Tasting

Clip tender shoots in sea-breeze fields, then taste fresh brews with wagashi pairings.

Highlights. Seasonal picking (spring), factory tours, comparative tastings.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Kakegawa/Shizuoka (~1h40–2h15) → local to Makinohara/Kanaya.
Access (local). Tea gardens offer paid experiences; check reservations.
Makinohara–Kanaya tea experience zone

12) Ōigawa Railway Steam Train

Historic steam locomotives puffing along the Ōi River—retro stations and river views.

Highlights. SL/KSL trains, river bridges, café cars; autumn foliage rides are dreamy.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Shizuoka (~1h50–2h20) → JR to Kanaya (~25 min) → transfer to Ōigawa Railway.
Access (local). Board at Shin-Kanaya or Kanaya; advance booking recommended in peak season.
Shin-Kanaya Station (Ōigawa Railway)

13) Ocean-view Onsen (Atami/Izu)

Steamy rotenburo with Pacific horizons—classic Izu therapy.

Highlights. Day-use baths, ryokan stays, footbaths by stations; pair with seaside walks.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Atami (~2h10–2h40); Ito line covers many Izu resorts.
Access (local). Atami Sta. area has multiple day-use options; towels often rentable.
Atami & Ito coastal onsen clusters

14) Wasabi Farm Workshop

Step into spring-fed terraces to learn cultivation and grate your own wasabi.

Highlights. Stream walks, rhizome grating, wasabi-don tasting.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Atami or Shizuoka (~2h±) → local to Amagi/Utogi areas.
Access (local). Some farms require reservations; waterproof shoes recommended.
Amagi (Izu) & Utogi (Shizuoka) workshop areas

15) Asagiri Highlands (Paragliding/Cycling)

Wide meadows under Mt. Fuji with dairy cafés, e-bike loops, and tandem paragliding.

Highlights. Fuji-front flying, soft-serve at farm stands, sunset fields.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Shin-Fuji (~1h40–2h10) → bus/car to Asagiri (~50–70 min).
Access (local). Activity schools provide shuttles/gear; check wind forecasts.
Asagiri Kōgen (Fujinomiya City)

FAQ

When are Mt. Fuji views most reliable?

Winter mornings (Dec–Feb) offer the clearest air. Year-round, aim early or after fronts pass; carry layers for sea breezes.

Can I see & eat sakura-ebi all year?

Peak fishing seasons are typically spring and autumn; menus may shift to frozen/processed outside seasons—ask locally.

Do I need reservations for tea/wasabi experiences?

Often yes—especially on weekends or during picking seasons. Check availability and language support in advance.

Is the Ōigawa SL kid-friendly?

Very. Restrooms on board at times; arrive early for platform photos. Some trains swap to diesel in off-peak—confirm when booking.

Are tattoos okay at onsen?

Policies vary. Many day-use baths accept small tattoos if covered; call ahead for ryokan rules.

Curated by Toru Tour · Times are approximate from Kyoto and local hubs; confirm seasonal timetables, last entries, and safety notes. Map pins are for convenient navigation only.

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