
September 2, 2026

Shizuoka Prefecture is located almost midway between Tokyo and Nagoya and is a tourist destination packed with diverse attractions, including Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, the popular Izu and Atami hot spring resorts, the retro steam locomotives of the Oigawa Railway, fresh seafood from Suruga Bay, eels from Lake Hamana, and Shizuoka tea. It is easily accessible from Tokyo in about an hour by the Tokaido Shinkansen, making it perfect for a weekend trip. In this article, we will introduce in detail the three areas of Shizuoka that you should definitely check out: eastern, central, and western, including tourist spots, access, gourmet food, and recommended luxury accommodations.
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Shizuoka Prefecture is located in the Tokai region of central Honshu, along the Pacific coast, and borders Kanagawa Prefecture to the east and Aichi Prefecture to the west.
To the east lie the Izu Peninsula and Atami Onsen, popular hot spring resorts easily accessible from Tokyo. It's also known as a scenic spot offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.
In the central part of the prefecture lies Shizuoka City, the prefectural capital, where you can enjoy shopping and gourmet food. Further inland, you'll find hidden gems such as the Oigawa Railway and Oku-Oi.
The western part of the region, centered around Hamamatsu City and Lake Hamana, is home to eels, Hamamatsu gyoza, Shizuoka tea, and historical sites associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Photo courtesy of Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association
The Izu Peninsula and Atami Onsen area are the most easily accessible hot spring resorts from Tokyo. There are many scenic spots offering close-up views of Mount Fuji, and in February, the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, known for having the earliest blooming cherry blossoms in Japan, is held. Atami is also popular for its summer "Atami Sea Fireworks Festival." The MOA Museum of Art, with its approximately 7,000-tsubo (approx. 2 square meters) Japanese garden and panoramic views of Sagami Bay, is another representative tourist spot. Further along the Izu Peninsula, you can enjoy the traditional Japanese hot spring atmosphere of the historic Shuzenji Onsen town.
MOA Museum:https://www.moaart.or.jp/

Photo courtesy of Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association
For railway enthusiasts, the Oigawa Railway is a must-visit. The sight of retro steam locomotives slowly traversing tea plantations and mountain valleys is one of Japan's most spectacular views.
Furthermore, Oku-Oi Lake Station, known as Japan's only station built on a lake, offers a fantastic view surrounded by an emerald green lake. Nearby is Sumatakyo Gorge, famous for its suspension bridge.
Around Shizuoka City, you can see Mount Fuji from the Nihondaira Yume Terrace, and at Miho no Matsubara, a component of the World Cultural Heritage site of Mount Fuji, you can admire the beautiful Mount Fuji through the pine forest.
For anime fans, we also recommend "Chibi Maruko-chan Land" in Shimizu. Further west is Kakegawa City. Kakegawa Castle and vast tea plantations stretch out before you, and the "Horai Bridge" spanning the Oi River is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's longest wooden pedestrian bridge.
SL train:https://daitetsu.jp/

Photo courtesy of Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association
Actually, Hamamatsu City is the most populous city in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Lake Hamana is known as a brackish lake where saltwater and freshwater mix, and in winter, visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of the large torii gate on Benten Island against the setting sun. The cycling path along the lakeside is also popular.
Furthermore, there are plenty of attractions, including "Nukumori no Mori," which looks like something out of a Ghibli film; "Ryugaiwa-do," one of the largest limestone caves in the Tokai region; Ryotanji Temple, which boasts beautiful scenery throughout the seasons; and Hamamatsu Castle, where Tokugawa Ieyasu spent 17 years. If you love flowers, Hamamatsu Flower Park is a great choice, and from winter to spring, you can also enjoy strawberry picking.
| Area | Main Attractions | Specialty | Recommended number of days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern region (Izu, Atami, Fuji) | Atami Onsen, MOA Museum of Art, Shuzenji Onsen, Izu Panorama Park, Mishima Skywalk, Gotemba Premium Outlets | Hot springs, seafood, and Kawazu cherry blossoms | 2 days |
| Central Japan (Shizuoka City, Oi River) | Oigawa Railway SL, Oku-Oigawa Lake Station, Yume no Tsuribashi (Dream Suspension Bridge), Nihondaira Yume Terrace, Miho no Matsubara (Miho Pine Grove), Kakegawa Castle | Shizuoka Tea and Railway Hidden Gems | 1-2 days |
| Western area (Hamamatsu/Lake Hamana) | Bentenjima Torii Gate, Hamamatsu Castle, Kanzanji Ropeway, Hamamatsu Flower Park, Ryotanji Temple | Hamana Lake eel, Hamamatsu dumplings, strawberry picking | 1-2 days |
Here are some must-try local delicacies to enjoy on your trip to Shizuoka.
Photo courtesy of Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association
Lake Hamana is one of Japan's leading eel-producing regions. The thick, meaty eels grilled over charcoal are exquisite. There are many popular restaurants serving eels around Kanzanji Onsen.
Hamamatsu gyoza are characterized by being arranged in a circle with bean sprouts in the center. They are a representative soul food of Hamamatsu.
Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan's largest tea-producing region. In Kakegawa and Makinohara, you can enjoy tea tastings and tea-flavored sweets.

Photo courtesy of Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association
This is a type of oden unique to Shizuoka, where ingredients are simmered slowly in a dark broth and then topped with dashi powder and dried seaweed.
Sakura shrimp and raw whitebait from Yui Port are local specialties that can only be enjoyed during their peak season.

Photo courtesy of Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association
Strawberry picking can be enjoyed in various locations from winter to spring, and it's a popular activity for families.

This luxury glamping facility is located on the Izu Peninsula. All rooms feature natural hot springs from the facility's own source, and guests can enjoy a lavish BBQ using seasonal ingredients from Izu. A complimentary beer bar, private BBQ area, and individual shower rooms and toilets are also provided.

This glamping facility in Izu City is surrounded by abundant nature. All guest rooms are equipped with private hot springs, dining spaces, and shower rooms. At the adjacent Nakaizu Fish Farm, you can enjoy various activities and savor luxurious BBQ featuring Izu specialties such as crystal salmon, lobster, scallops, and abalone.

This private accommodation is a villa-only rental, surrounded by the magnificent nature of Mt. Fuji and the Asagiri Plateau. You can choose from three types of spacious rooms.
Each cottage has a private covered BBQ space, so you can enjoy your meal even on rainy days. Dinner includes carefully selected domestic beef and marinated salmon carpaccio. For breakfast, you can choose between a healthy Japanese breakfast or a Western breakfast using fresh eggs from chickens raised at the foot of Mt. Fuji.

This private accommodation is located in Higashiizu Town on the east coast of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, offering ocean views. Guests can also enjoy yoga sessions while watching the sunrise over the sea.
Guests also receive free bathing tickets that can be used at Inatori Onsen's "Ishikaumi" and "Inatori Ginsuiso" hot springs. In the evenings, guests can enjoy meals featuring seasonal ingredients such as domestic beef sirloin, domestic beef short ribs, loin, Fujinokuni pork, and sashimi.
Yes, there is a direct flight from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport, with a flight time of approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. It is also convenient for sightseeing in the central and western areas of Taiwan.
If you're combining it with a trip to Tokyo, we recommend starting with Izu and Atami in the eastern part of Shizuoka. You can enjoy hot springs and spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, and it's easily accessible. If you want to experience the charm of Shizuoka even more deeply, try venturing to Oigawa in the central part or Lake Hamana in the western part. For more detailed information about traveling to Izu, please refer to an Izu travel guide.
When traveling to Shizuoka, you'll definitely want to enjoy not only the beautiful scenery but also the local cuisine.
Hamana Lake eels are known for their plump flesh and savory flavor. Hamamatsu gyoza dumplings are popular for their unique style of being arranged in a circle and served with bean sprouts. Furthermore, there is an abundance of seasonal delicacies, such as Shizuoka oden simmered in a dark broth, Suruga Bay specialties like sakura shrimp and raw whitebait, and strawberry picking available only from winter to spring. From hot springs and Mount Fuji to breathtaking scenery, train journeys, history, and gourmet food, Shizuoka Prefecture offers a diverse range of attractions that can be enjoyed in a single trip.

He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
























































































































