Traveling to Mount Fuji and Quiet Small TownsHow to get to Mount Fuji more easily and affordably by using Shizuoka Airport.
1. Advantages of Traveling to Shizuoka
Recently, more travelers are visiting Shizuoka to see Mount Fuji and the 'Dream Bridge' (Yume no Ohashi), which became famous on social media. Traveling from Tokyo to the Dream Bridge costs over 10,000 JPY just for a round-trip Shinkansen ticket and takes more than 3 hours. Therefore, visiting this area during a Tokyo trip is a big burden in terms of time and money.
2. Efficient Way to Travel
Using Shizuoka Airport instead of Tokyo is much more economical. A local train from Shizuoka Station to Fuji Station costs 590 JPY and takes about 35 minutes. To enjoy the Dream Bridge and Mount Fuji, using Shizuoka as your base is much more efficient than traveling from Tokyo.
3. Charm of a Small Town
If you prefer the peaceful feel of a small town over the busy atmosphere of Tokyo, using Shizuoka Airport is a great choice. It is closer to Mount Fuji than Narita or Haneda Airport, allowing for a more comfortable and relaxed trip.
Official Shizuoka Tourism WebsiteShizuoka Travel TipsInformation on the best time to see Mount Fuji and warnings for using electrical appliances.
1. Mount Fuji Viewing Strategy
1) Importance of Checking the Weather
It is no exaggeration to say that weather is everything when traveling to see Mount Fuji. Because mountain weather changes quickly, you must check the weather forecast the day before your trip. It is wise to make your final decision about heading to Mount Fuji based on the forecast. If it is cloudy or rainy throughout your trip, it is better to change your schedule flexibly.
Also, on the morning of your departure, we highly recommend searching for 'Mount Fuji Live Cam' on YouTube to check the real-time view. Even if the official forecast says 'clear,' clouds can often gather only around Mount Fuji and completely hide the whole mountain.
Shizuoka Weather Forecast Site Mount Fuji Visibility Probability in Numbers2) Mount Fuji Snow Cap and Diamond Fuji
The snow-covered scenery at the summit of Mount Fuji changes depending on the season. Especially around April 20th and August 20th at Lake Tanuki, you can witness the Diamond Fuji phenomenon, where the sun aligns perfectly with the peak of Mount Fuji and shines like a gem.
3) Mount Fuji Appearance by Season
- First Snow (Start of Snow Cap): The first snow usually falls between early and mid-October. Depending on weather conditions, it may be seen as late as early November.
- Peak Snow Scenery: From December to April. During winter, Mount Fuji is covered in deep snow, showing its most beautiful appearance.
- Remaining Snow (Melting Season): From May to June, snow remains only near the summit.
- Snow-Free Season (Climbing Season): From early July to early September (or mid-September). During this time, most of the snow melts, allowing hikers to climb directly to the summit.
2. Warnings for Using Electrical Appliances in Shizuoka
1) Regional Frequency Differences
Shizuoka Prefecture is located on the border between eastern and western Japan, so the electrical frequency varies by area. Eastern Shizuoka uses 50Hz, while western Shizuoka uses 60Hz.
- For example, the area around Shizuoka Station uses 60Hz, but the Mount Fuji area uses 50Hz.
2) Checking Appliance Compatibility
Most recently released products can use both frequencies, but older appliances require caution.
- Items to Check: Hairdryers, electric shavers, and older electronics.
- Product Verification: Make sure to check if the device label says 110~220V, 50~60Hz.
- Risk of Damage: Using a 60Hz-only product in a 50Hz area can reduce its power. Conversely, if the frequency does not match, it can put stress on the machine and cause it to break down.
Shizuoka Airport Transportation GuideHow to travel quickly and conveniently from the airport to the city center.
1. Using the Airport Limousine Bus
1) Service Information
The limousine bus from Shizuoka Airport directly to the city center (Shizuoka Station) operates about 9 times a day. The bus schedule connects with flight arrival times. It usually departs 1 hour to 1.5 hours after your flight lands, so you will have plenty of time to board after passing through immigration.
Shizuoka Airport Limousine Bus Timetable2) Fares and Travel Time
- Fare: Adults 1,200 JPY / Children 600 JPY
- Travel Time: It takes about 50 minutes to reach the city center.
- Payment Methods: You can pay with contactless cards (such as Travel Wallet, Travelog, etc.), Japanese IC transit cards, or cash.
In Shizuoka, contactless card payments are only available on the Shizuoka Airport Limousine Bus and a few minor routes that tourists rarely use. Therefore, if you need a transit card, it is best to buy a TOICA card at Shizuoka Station.
Read More About Contactless Card Payments2. How to Handle Different Situations
1) If the Bus is Full
If there are many passengers arriving on the same day, you might not be able to board the direct bus. In this case, take a bus heading to Kanaya Station, Shimada Station, or Fujieda Station first. Then, transfer to a JR train to get to Shizuoka Station.
2) If the Flight is Delayed
If your flight arrives late, the bus departure time may change accordingly. Do not panic and check the information boards at the airport.
Exclusive TourCast Tips!
Tip for Using the Shizuoka Airport Limousine Bus
When returning to the airport from the city center, we recommend boarding at Bus Stop No. 6 at the Shin-Shizuoka Bus Terminal, which is connected to the Cenova Shopping Mall (one stop before Shizuoka Station). Boarding here makes it much easier to secure a seat.
Shin-Shizuoka Bus Terminal TimetableShin-Shizuoka Bus Terminal Location