You know all about the bright lights of Tokyo and the traditional wonders of Kyoto, but do you know about Shizuoka, Japan’s best-kept secret? You probably know its most iconic landmark but not its other treasures. Read on to discover why Shizuoka prefecture is a must-do on any Japan itinerary.
For a journey beyond the ordinary, Shizuoka, a 7,777-sqkm2 prefecture on Honshu Island, is the destination your clients don’t know they need on their itinerary. But they do! Wow your clients with all the reasons why this ‘new’ destination is worth their travel time.
Shizuoka is not new, of course. Travellers have been inspired to journey there for centuries to reach the trails to Japan’s most legendary natural wonder: Mt. Fuji. But to journey to the prefecture for Mt. Fuji alone is an opportunity wasted; there’s so much more to uncover!
Despite offering a fabulous blend of tradition and modernity, Shizuoka is an often-overlooked destination waiting for discovery by savvy Australian travellers (who found it thanks to their savvy Australian travel agent).
Uncover a whole new world
Have you ever driven a route so many times that you think you know it, only to find that when you walk through the same area, you discover a whole new world?
Shizuoka is like that. It’s the destination many travellers have passed on the Shinkansen bullet train (of course they have, it’s so perfectly located between Tokyo and Kyoto), but never gotten off to discover what’s actually there.
Until now.
On the Shinkansen Tokaido line, six stations connect visitors to the joys of Shizuoka. Only one hour by train from Tokyo and 1.5 hours from Kyoto, the ease of travel and accessibility makes it a worthwhile addition to any itinerary. Both for newbie Australian travellers and old-timers seeking something new to discover.
Access nature’s harmonious gifts
The harmony of Shizuoka starts with its aesthetically-pleasing balanced conical volcano, Mt. Fuji on the prefecture’s northern border. As visitors arrive in town, the landmark steals breaths and captures the imagination. That’s not the only place where harmony resides here, however.
Across all four regions – central, western, eastern (Izu), and northeastern (Fuji) diverse natural beauty prevails. Expect glowing reports from your clients as they travel to Shiraito Falls, the largest waterfall in the Mt. Fuji foothills or Lake Tanuki, where Mt. Fuji’s reflection doubles its beauty.
There’s also the prefecture’s serene tea plantations (perfect for green tea fans), and you’ll want to ensure they have time to explore the delights of Ito City in the coastal Izu region.
Culinary delights
It’s a rare traveller headed to Japan who isn’t looking forward to the foodie highlights. Holding its own as a gastronomic haven, Shizuoka delights with its fresh seafood and unique local dishes, like kuro hanpen (black fish cakes) and Hamamatsu gyoza. It’s also home to world-renowned green tea!
This is a destination where every morsel is savoured with those little groans of delight humans make when something is next-level delicious.
Traditions without the hordes
Exploring Japan’s cultural wonders is as imperative as taste-testing every type of cuisine and immersing oneself in the country’s only-in-Japan attractions. For many, however, exploring the historical sights of Tokyo’s quirkiness or Kyoto’s ancient temples comes at the cost of large crowds.
Shizuoka has ancient sites, traditional tea ceremonies, and diverse cultural festivals to enjoy without the hustle and bustle. Must-see historic attractions include Kakegawa Castle, Kinomiya Shrine, and Ryotanji Buddhist temple.
Adventure unlocked
The Izu peninsula is a top spot for adventure enthusiasts. With craggy mountains, a 270-kilometre-long coastline, and gushing waterfalls to discover, it’s an idyllic natural playground.
From hiking Mt. Fuji and the popular Kawazu Nanadaru trail to surfing the reef and beach breaks on the Izu peninsula (yes, really) to its reputation as a top cycling destination, Shizuoka delivers the thrills.
To complement any adventure activity, the region’s mineral-rich hot springs enrich and rejuvenate weary bodies.
Seasonal wonders
As you know, Japan has four distinct seasons. With that come seasonal highlights to include in any itinerary.
Cherry blossom season is a major drawcard to Japan, and Shizuoka’s blooms are among the best. Kanogawa Sakura Park is a prime place to see them, not only because there are 450m of cherry trees along the Kano River but because Mt. Fuji will be in the background. The result is a *chef’s kiss* I-went-on-holiday-to-Japan photo.
The same spot is great for fall-and-Fuji photos, too. Other prime places to see golden and red leaves include Sumatakyo Gorge in the southern alps and Amagi Mountain Range that boasts Izu’s highest peak.
There’s winter fun to be had, too. While the prefecture doesn’t have the big resorts found further north, there is a ski field that opens as early as October at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
To learn more
Take a deeper dive into all things Shizuoka at exploreshizuoka.jp/en/.
Got a question? Contact Rita (rita@nouvellevaguemarketing.com) or Caroline (Caroline@nouvellevaguemarketing.com)
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