TourCast
Ultimate Shizuoka Travel Region Summary & Recommended Itinerary Guide (Downtown, Fuji, Izu, Hamamatsu)
Published on: Last updated:
TourCast does not display unnecessary advertisements that interfere with readability. Some travel information contains affiliate links, and when a purchase is made through these links, TourCast receives a commission. There is no additional cost to the user.
The admission fees, fares, and other information stated in this content may change depending on the update date. All content on TourCast is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, copying, distribution (including AI training), or use is prohibited and may result in legal action.

ⓒ 2023. TourCast Co. All rights reserved.

Ultimate Shizuoka Travel Region Summary & Recommended Itinerary Guide (Downtown, Fuji, Izu, Hamamatsu)

Perfect Breakdown of Shizuoka RegionsA guide summarizing the features of Shizuoka divided into four main zones.

1. Around Shizuoka Station

Centering around Shizuoka Station, this area beautifully blends history with modern tourist attractions.

1) Downtown Area

  • You can enjoy panoramic city views from Sunpu Castle Park and the Shizuoka Prefectural Office Observation Lobby.
  • You can relax and ease your fatigue at Yunoki no Sato Onsen.
  • In the evening, experience the local atmosphere at Aoba Oden Alley.

2) Shimizu & Nihondaira Area

  • Top attractions include Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Nihondaira Yume Terrace, and Miho no Matsubara.
  • Around Shimizu Station, you can visit the fish market and Chibi Maruko-chan Land, or take a cruise boat to view Mount Fuji.

2. Fuji Area: Around Fujinomiya Station

This area gathers sacred sites and beautiful waterfalls where you can feel the energy of Mount Fuji.

1) Sacred Sites and Nature

  • It features Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine (the head shrine of all Sengen shrines), Lake Tanuki, Shiraito Falls, and Otodome Falls.
  • You can enjoy wide open fields at Asagiri Plateau.
  • At the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, the inverted Mount Fuji structure is highly impressive.

2) Shopping and Leisure

  • For the amusement park 'Grinpa' or when you need groceries and daily supplies, the Aeon Mall near Fujinomiya Station is very convenient.

3. Izu Area: A Resort Blending Hot Springs and Nature

Izu is a famous hot spring destination located in eastern Shizuoka.

1) Shuzenji Onsen Town

  • Walking across the maple bridges and through the bamboo forest path is the highlight of this town.
  • You can enjoy day-use hot springs without staying overnight at places like Hakoyu or Minshuku Fukui.
  • Some footbaths in the town may have limited access, so please check in advance.
  • Most restaurants close early in the evening. It is best to buy snacks and drinks at a convenience store in advance.

2) Other Attractions

  • Coasts & Hot Springs: Atami Onsen, Shimoda Sotoura Beach, Jogasaki Coast, etc.
  • Activities & Views: Mishima Skywalk, Izu Panorama Park, Dogashima Cave Tour, etc.

4. Hamamatsu Area

Located at the western end of Shizuoka, this area offers beautiful landscapes combining lakes and flowers.

  • Centering around the massive Lake Hamana, you can find Hamanako Garden Park and the Kanzanji Ropeway.
  • At Hamamatsu Flower Park, you can enjoy colorful flowers blooming in every season.

Designing Your Shizuoka ItineraryHow to choose your destinations and organize an efficient travel route.

1. Setting Your Travel Scope

The start of any trip is deciding how far you want to explore. You can expand your route in three stages depending on your travel duration.

1) Core Area — Fuji + Downtown Shizuoka

The biggest reason people visit Shizuoka is Mount Fuji. Organizing your schedule around the Fuji Area and around Shizuoka Station is the most common option. If your trip is short, this area alone is completely sufficient.

2) Expanded Area — Izu & Lake Kawaguchiko

If you have extra time, try relaxing with an overnight stay in the Shuzenji Onsen town within the Izu Area. If you expand your scope further, you can travel up to Lake Kawaguchiko. This allows you to visit popular spots like the Mount Fuji Lawson Convenience Store, Fuji-Q Highland (famous for its record-breaking roller coasters), Shimoyoshida Street, and Oshino Hakkai.

For detailed information on Lake Kawaguchiko, please check the Tokyo Part 2: Ultimate Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko Travel Guide.

3) Western Area — Hamamatsu

Lake Hamana is famous here, and the local eel caught in the lake is a must-try delicacy. At Hamamatsu Flower Park, you can admire different flowers throughout the seasons.

2. Criteria for Choosing Transit Passes

  • Downtown-Focused Travel: If you are only visiting the areas around Shizuoka Station and the Fuji Area, you do not need a special transit pass.
  • Wide-Area Travel: If you plan to travel further to Izu or Lake Kawaguchiko, the Mt. Fuji-Shizuoka Area Tourist Pass Mini is essential. It will save you a lot on transportation costs.

When traveling to Shuzenji Onsen with the Mini Pass, you can choose a unique transportation method. You can take the ferry from Shimizu Port to Toi Port.

Taking this ferry lets you enjoy a unique view of Mount Fuji from the ocean. It also adds variety to your travel route, making your itinerary much richer.

3. Using Bus Tours

The main advantage of using a bus tour is that you can explore Shizuoka's top attractions in a single day, including Nihondaira Yume Terrace, the Dream Bridge, Shiraito Falls, and Lake Tanuki.

However, tours usually offer only about 30 minutes of free time at the Dream Bridge. If there are many visitors on that day, it might be difficult to take the famous photos often seen on social media. If photography is a priority for you, keep this point in mind before booking.