Many areas of Japan are great to visit and they have a wide range of things to see and do. Check out our article on Shizuoka.

Japan has many great areas to visit, and each one offers its views of Japan and its culture. You can find many places in the countryside or the urban areas that can give you the best experiences in the country. Many areas have the best combination of both the modern and the traditional, but some places do it better than others. Shizuoka is one of the best places in Japan to get those kinds of experiences. It is a wonderful area that will please any traveler looking for a relaxing place with fun attractions to experience.

History

The history of Shizuoka began as the home of the first Tokugawa shogun. The land would eventually be taken away from them and given to another steward to rule over, but it was eventually reclaimed by the original owners. It would become the area now known as Shizuoka. Throughout the rest of its establishment, it has not seen any more changes. It has a large number of forests, rivers, and lakes that you can visit to help make your travels more enjoyable.

Attractions

There are many places for travelers to visit and enjoy.  The first, and biggest one, is Mt. Fuji. It is one of the greatest sights to enjoy in all of Japan. It is open during the summer months to anyone who wants to attempt the climb. The climb is also one of the easiest ones to make out of all of the mountains in Japan. It offers some of the best views in the country and is the best place to get a glimpse of traditional Japan. The climb has many stopping points for people to rest and enjoy their surroundings, and some cabins can be rented for those who want to get a picture of the sun rising over the clouds. It is truly the best sight in all of Japan and something that everyone should experience.

Next, there is the city of Shizuoka. It sits as the halfway point between Tokyo and Nagoya. It’s known for its wonderful views of Mt. Fuji and its connection to the sea through its port. It has many attractions that are a wonder to see. Some of the most notable places are Kunozan Toshogu mausoleum, Miho Beach, Shimizu Port, and Sunpu Castle. There are various kinds of local cuisine to try and the locals are all welcoming to visitors.

Fujinomiya is a wonderful city located in the south of the prefecture. It is centered around Funjinomiya Sengen Shrine and has become a great stop for people looking for a taste of Japan. You can start your climb of Mt. Fuji from the 5^th station located there. They also have the Shiraito Falls for anyone looking for the natural beauty of Japan. You can access the Five Fuji Lakes easily from this area as well. Fuji Safari Park is one of the best zoos that you can visit in the country and is great for any family outing. The Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center is located there and is a great sight to see. It has many artifacts from around the world and is used for events around the year.

There are various sports teams in the prefecture and they hold games around the year. They have any sport for any taste. The stadiums and courts are all well built and maintained and offer some of the best sporting events in Japan.

Yearly Events

Like the other prefectures of Japan, Shizuoka holds many festivals and yearly events. Some festivals well-known around the country and garner large crowds. The fertility festival is one of the more popular with travelers and out of town people. It is held in June and has been thought to help newly-wed couples trying to have children. June also sees one of the area’s largest fireworks festivals. The Yoshiwara Gion festival has been held for the past 300 years. The Matsukawa Tub Boat Festival in July is also popular with visitors to enjoy tubbing in costumes. The Atami Kogashi float festival is very popular and features many colorful boats that light up against the night sky. The Mt. Fuji Taiko Festival shows off the popular Japanese tradition of taiko and the many groups who practice the art. It is one of the best gatherings of taiko artists in the area.

Travel

Traveling to Shizuoka is easy to do. Some many buses and trains make their way to Shizuoka. It is a popular spot to stay and rest while traveling to other parts of Japan. Most trains from Tokyo and Nagoya will eventually make their way to the city as well. Buses from other parts of the country will go there and can be easier to use and figure out. Many tours that plan to travel to Mt. Fuji will stop in different areas of Shizuoka to eventually arrive at the mountain. You can find different ways to get to the area with very little problems.

It is a great prefecture and offers many kinds of activities for travelers to enjoy. You will get the traditional facets of Japanese culture mixed with modern times. If you plan to visit the country it should be a stop on your itinerary.