Miho Seacoast (Miho no Matsubara Beach)

Miho-no-Matsubara has long been known as a fantastic spot from which to view Mt. Fuji, and has even been featured in traditional Japanese ukiyo-e paintings. There are approximately 30,000 pine trees on the 7km coastline, and the sight of Mt. Fuji beyond them is one that has represented Japan over the ages. When Mt. Fuji was registered as a World Heritage Site, Miho-no-Matsubara was included as a component. On the coast there you can also find Hagoromo no Matsu, a pine tree that is said to have been visited by an angel.

1 hour

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

Kunozan Toshogu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan after it had been divided by war for centuries and established the Edo Shogunate about 400 years ago. The shrine is on the 216m-high Mt. Kuno in Nihondaira, and the recommended way to get there is by ropeway gondola from Nihondaira. There, you can witness a view of Suruga Bay and all the way to Izu Peninsula from the precincts. Once you've finished paying your respects at the shrine and enjoying the buildings with their richly colored decorations, be sure to stop in the Kunozan Toshogu Museum where you can see various treasures related to the Tokugawa family, such as armor and helmets. Entrance fee to shrine building: 500 JPY/adult, 200 JPY/elementary school and junior high school student; entrance fee to museum: 400 JPY/adult, 150 JPY/elementary school and junior high school student ※Joint ticket for shrine building and museum: 800 JPY/adult, 300 JPY/elementary school and junior high school student

1 hour

Nihondaira Ropeway

Nihondaira is a hilly area at an altitude of about 300m facing Suruga Bay and is known as a wonderfully scenic spot from which to see Mt. Fuji. The Mt. Fuji from here stands beyond the tea fields and looks as if it is attended by Suruga Bay, and if you change the direction of your gaze, you will also see the southern Japan Alps. A sight not to miss here is the nighttime view that can be enjoyed from sunset. As the sun sets, the lights of Shimizu City below will begin to shimmer, creating a romantic scene. Be sure to take a photograph with the nightscape in the background.

Nihondaira Parkway

Nihondaira is a hilly area at an altitude of about 300m facing Suruga Bay and is known as a wonderfully scenic spot from which to see Mt. Fuji. The Mt. Fuji from here stands beyond the tea fields and looks as if it is attended by Suruga Bay, and if you change the direction of your gaze, you will also see the southern Japan Alps. A sight not to miss here is the nighttime view that can be enjoyed from sunset. As the sun sets, the lights of Shimizu City below will begin to shimmer, creating a romantic scene. Be sure to take a photograph with the nightscape in the background.

30 minutes

Oigawa Kawagoe Square

Oigawa Railway is famous for the traditional steam locomotives that run for more than 300 days a year. Four steam trains are in operation as a part of its fleet, and the sight of the retro trains running through the pastoral landscape and along the beautiful Oi River is the envy of many railway fans. The trains run between Shin-Kanaya Station and Senzu Station from one to three times a day, taking about 1 hour to go approx. 37km (one way). All seats are reserved, so it is recommended to make advance reservations, although you can get a seat without a reservation if there is availability when you show up.

1 hour

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine is the collective name for a group of three shrines: Kanbe, Asama, and Otoshimioya. Standing in the vast precincts are magnificent shrine buildings such as the bright vermilion Romon Gate, the Ohaiden Hall, and the main shrines of Kanbe and Asama Shrines. "Chigomai", which is said to have moved Lord Ieyasu, is dedicated during Hatsukaesai, the annual festival in April. The Shizuoka City Cultural Assets Museum, where precious documents connected with the Imagawa and Tokugawa families are preserved and exhibited, is located within the precincts.

1 hour

Sumpu Castle Park

Tokugawa Ieyasu (originally named Takechiyo Matsudaira) was a hostage of the Imagawa clan in his youth. He spent his young years, middle age, and the end of his life in Sumpu (now Shizuoka City). Ieyasu, who united Japan, retired to Sumpu after his son Hidetada became shogun. Construction of Sumpu Castle began in 1607 (Keicho 12) by orders of the daimyo (feudal lord), with three concentric moats protected by stone walls (from inside to outside: Honmaru, Ninomaru, Sannomaru). On the north-west side of Honmaru, a seven-story donjon with a five-level roof was constructed. In its golden age, Sumpu outshone Edo (Tokyo) politically, economically, and culturally. After the death of Ieyasu, the donjon was almost completely destroyed in a fire in 1635 (Kanei 12). While the turret and gate were rebuilt, the tower was not. Sumpu Castle in the Edo era gradually declined in scale after that. In the Meiji era, the Honmaru moat was filled in for use by the 34th Infantry Regiment, and Sannomaru was used as a public space for government officers and schools. After the war, Honmaru and Ninomaru was turned into a park for citizens' rest and relaxation. Famous for its hundreds of cherry trees which bloom in spring, it also has vivid azaleas which bloom in May. Higashi Gomon, Hitsujisaru Yagura, and Tatsumi Yagura have been remodeled using traditional woodworking techniques. Inside, you can see pictures and materials about the reconstruction as well as excavated materials.

1 hour

Tea Museum, Shizuoka

"Tea Museum, Shizuoka" features exhibits introducing tea industry, history, and culture, as well as rich tea picking and rubbing experiences as well as courses that teach using the five senses, and offers opportunities for everyone both young and old to enjoy learning about tea. In addition, the museum holds training sessions and collects and distributes information for people in the tea industry and tea lovers both in Japan and abroad.

30 minutes