The Shizuoka Prefecture is located in the Chūbu region and is world-famous for Mt Fuji and green tea. If you’re considering moving to Shizuoka, this post will give you an idea of some of the activities you can get up to in the summer months.
If you’re living in Shizuoka and looking to cool down look for your nearby waterfalls, lakes, and beaches. Our post about some of the best beaches in Japan includes some Shizuoka beaches we recommend checking out.
Shizuoka Prefecture in Summer: Hamamatsu Flower Park
Visiting Hamamatsu Flower Park is one of the most colorful things to do in Shizuoka. This botanical garden is located on the edge of Lake Hamana and contains over 3000 different plant species, it’s a beautiful place to visit at the start of summer. At the tail-end of spring and the start of summer, you can view magical wisteria tunnels. Come in May and June to spot the different varieties of roses. The bushes of hydrangeas come around the start of the rainy season. After the hydrangeas come, Hamamatsu Flower Park becomes a sea of irises.
The Lake Hamana Flower Festa is a flower festival across different locations in Hamamatsu, from the start of the cherry blossoms to the end of June. Hamamatsu Flower Park is beautiful in all seasons, famous for its cherry blossom and tulips. Admission is free in July and August and costs between ¥500-1000 the rest of the year.
Check out our apartments in Hamamatsu for the opportunity to live near Hamamatsu Flower Park where you’d be able to watch how it changes throughout the seasons.
Getting to Hamamatsu Flower Park
It’s a 40-minute bus ride from Hamamatsu station on the Kazanji Onsen line.
195番地 Kanzanjicho, Nishi Ward, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-1209
Shizuoka Prefecture in Summer: Oigawa Railway
Oigawa railway is the only place in Japan running steam trains throughout the year. It’s great for families with young children, with a special Thomas the Tank Engine train from the popular children’s books and TV show. With views of vibrant green tea fields and the Oi River running through the Southern Alps, the Oigawa railway passes through an abundance of lush scenery. The bento boxes for the journey are very popular if you’re feeling peckish.
There are two lines. The Southern Alps Abt Line connects Ikawa to Senzu, highlights on this part of the Oigawa railway include the nearby ‘bridge of dreams’ – Yume no Tsuribashi – with gorgeous clear emerald water on the Sumata gorge, it’s a romantic spot for couples. The journey is just under 2 hours long and part of it is Japan’s steepest railway.
The other line is the Oigawa Main Line, connecting Senzu to Kanaya. This part of the Oigawa railway passes by the Shoigo suspension bridge and the iconic Nukuri’s tea fields.
Tickets for the steam locomotives are ¥820.
Getting to the Oigawa railway
It’s about a 1-minute walk from JR Kanaya station.
2-1112 Kanaya Higashi, Shimada-shi, Shizuoka
Shizuoka Prefecture in Summer: Fuji Q Highland
Looking for fun things to do in Shizuoka in summer? Seeking an adrenaline rush? Theme parks are always a popular activity in summer and the school holidays and Fuji Q Highland is no exception. However, Fuji Q Highland is an amusement park with a unique difference, with its impressive view of Mt Fuji.
It’s equipped for thrill-seekers with various rollercoasters. One of the Fuji Q Highland rollercoasters, Fujiyama was once the World’s tallest rollercoaster! The park also features elaborately themed rides, as well as a Thomas the Tank Engine themed area for children. There are mazes, haunted houses, and more peaceful rides for anyone seeking a milder thrill. The log flume is always a fun way to cool down from the heat too!
Admission to the park itself is free. A 1-day unlimited rides pass is ¥6000, alternatively, you can purchase tickets for individual rides.
Getting to Fuji Q Highland
Trains run to Fujikyu Highland Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line. Alternatively, most highway buses to the Fuji Five Lakes also stop by the theme park.
5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017
Shizuoka Prefecture in Summer: Kakegawa Castle
A trip to Kakegawa Castle, in Kakegawa City, is one of the most interesting things to do in Shizuoka if you like history or architecture. was first built in 1513 by Yoshitada Imagawa but was completely demolished in 1869. In 1994 Kakegawa Caste become the first to be restored using the traditional Japanese methods and wood.
The picture-perfect castle offers a great view of Kakegawa since it’s at the top of a hill. Head inside to find a bit of shelter from the summer sunshine. Admission is ¥300.
If you’re considering moving to Shizuoka, check out our apartments in Kakegawa to live near Kakegawa Castle.
Getting to Kakegawa Castle
It’s approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Kakegawa Station.
〒436-0079 Shizuoka, Kakegawa, 113-824
Living in Shizuoka has so many positives, but the highlight has to be all the nature which you can get immersed in. If you’re feeling like a challenge, Mt Fuji’s is open for climbing between July 1st and the end of August. If you’d like to find other places to go hiking, check out our post on Shizuoka’s hiking spots.
Check out our apartments in Shizuoka to live in the picture-perfect Shizuoka prefecture.