Discover Shizuoka

Shizuoka City, nestled at the base of Mount Fuji, offers a variety of attractions for visitors. Spend your days exploring ancient temples and museums while experiencing the daily life of a mid-sized Japanese city. Shizuoka's blend of history, culture, and natural beauty make it an engaging destination for all.

Things to see and do

Tours and Activities

FAQs

Getting around in Shizuoka

The easiest way around Shizuoka is on foot or public transportation, since the major sights and attractions are within walking distance from each other. Though, some sights are located a bit further ahead, where a car or bus might be necessary to get there. If you decide to rent a car, it is advised to do so from the nearest airport in the vicinity. You can use our car rental widget in the FAQ menu below. 

 

Please check below for available discounted passes to get around in Shizuoka:

  • Shizuoka 1-Day Train and Bus Pass

    • Coverage:

      • All trains within Shizuoka City

      • All Shizutetsu buses within Shizuoka City

    • Duration: 1 day

    • Price: 1380 Yen

    • Where to buy: Shizuoka Station

Getting to Shizuoka

Public transportation:

Travelers who come by train should get off at Shin-Shizuoka station. Those traveling with a JR Pass should get off the bullet-train at Shizuoka station and take a short bus ride to the city center. 

 

Nearest airport:

The nearest and most convenient airport is Haneda Airport in Tokyo. 

  • by car: approximately 3 hours

  • by public transport: approximately 4 hours

  • by bullet-train: approximately 2 hours (bullet-train is available from Shinagawa station)

 

Valid rail passes:

 

Rental cars:

How long to stay in Shizuoka

We recommend staying here between one and two days. 
 

Hotels in Shizuoka

Flights to Shizuoka

The nearest and most convenient airport is Haneda Airport in Tokyo. 

  • by car: approximately 3 hours

  • by public transport: approximately 4 hours

  • by bullet-train: approximately 2 hours

Seasonal information

Cherry blossoms:

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan is usually between late March and early April. Although the blooming period can vary slightly from year to year and depending from region to region. 

 

Scenic transportation:

  • Nihondaira ropeway: click here to go to the official website

  • Suruga Bay Ferry: click here to go to the official website

  • Shimizu Harbor Bay Cruise: click here to go to the official website

 

Hiking:

The hiking season in this area typically runs from Spring until Autumn.

Festivals in Shizuoka

There are several festivals here throughout the year. Please be advised that the following list is based upon previous entries of those festivals and that the dates might have changed slightly in the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
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For the exact location of any of the festivals listed here, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

 

  • Shizuoka Oden Festival

    • Date: March 13th until 15th

    • Time: 10:00 - 21:00

  • Bamboo Light of Taihei Tenka

    • Date: April 1st until June 30th

    • Time: 18:15 - 21:15
       

  • Shizuoka Samba Carnival

    • Date: May 3rd and 4th

    • Time: 13:30 - 17:30
       

  • Shizuoka Hobby Show

    • Date: May 13th until 17th

    • Time: 09:00 - 17:00
       

  • Shimizu Tanabata Festival

    • Date: July 4th until 7th

    • Time: 10:30 - 21:00
       

  • Shimizu Festival

    • Date: July 9th
       

  • Shimizu Tomoegawa Lantern Festival

    • Date: July 16th

    • Time: 18:30 - 21:00
       

  • Nihondaira Festival

    • Date: July 24th

    • Time: 19:30 - 20:30
       

  • Abe River Fireworks Festival

    • Date: July 27th

    • Time: 19:00 - 21:00 
       

  • Shimizu Minato Festival Maritime Fireworks Festival

    • Date: August 4th

    • Time: 19:30 - 20:30

Getting mobile data in Japan

Day trips from Shizuoka

Nestled in the shadow of the iconic Mount Fuji, there are tons of exciting activities. Try your hand at paragliding or rafting, or enjoy leisurely strolls along Tanuki Lake, Shiraito ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 39.24

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Kakegawa is a small city but with a surprising amount of things to see and do. Visit the 15th-century Kakegawa Castle for panoramic views of the city. Nearby, there is ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 40.31

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Nishi Izu and Matsuzaki are both coastal towns with stunning geological wonders, including several hot springs and sea caves. You can embark on a tour of the unique tectonic features ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 41.17

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Located on the Izu Peninsula, Shuzenji Onsen is renowned for its soothing hot springs. Named after the Shuzenji Temple at the town's center, which offers meditation classes for visitors, this ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 49.68

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Mishima is a quaint bayside village near Mount Fuji, featuring several museums showcasing fine Japanese culture and art. Stroll along the Mishima Sky Walk for picturesque scenery, or conquer your ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 51.18

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Shimoda and the broader Minami Izu area, are home to numerous hot spring resorts and stunning sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and scuba diving. Take the Shimoda ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 60.95

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Off the beaten path, Higashi-Izu and Kawazu are wonderful, small coastal towns with some pristine hot springs as well as great outdoor activities. Discover the natural beauty of this charming ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 64.20

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Atami is a delightful resort town overlooking Sagami Bay, offering a variety of natural attractions, including pristine beaches and rejuvenating hot springs. Discover the local castle and numerous shrines, or ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 64.47

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Nestled at the base of Mount Fuji, the famous Fuji Five Lakes region offers an array of unforgettable experiences. With awe-inspiring views of Mount Fuji, natural wonders, thrilling theme parks, ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 67.84

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Situated on Japan's eastern coast, both Izu Kogen and Ito offer an array of activities for the whole family. Indulge in relaxing onsens, visit amusement parks, stroll along pristine beaches, or ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 69.62

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