Things to do in Shizuoka
Discover the best attractions and experiences Shizuoka has to offer
Historic Monuments
From feudal castle ruins to industrial-age furnaces, Shizuoka’s historic sites blend past and scenery.
Sunpu Castle Ruins Park
Ruins of the former Sunpu Castle set in a pleasant park with gates, moats, and viewpoints over Shizuoka.
Kakegawa Castle Ruins Park
Historic castle grounds in Kakegawa with remnants, gardens, and a sense of old feudal Japan.
Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace
A preserved Edo-period furnace site that offers insight into early industrial-era Japan.
Museums
Art, culture, and local history come alive through Shizuoka’s varied museums.
Shizuoka City Museum of Art
A prominent city museum showcasing modern and contemporary works by local and national artists.
Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art
A regional museum featuring classical and contemporary pieces with rotating special exhibitions.
MOA Museum of Art (Atami)
A hillside museum in Atami with Japanese and East Asian artworks and scenic gardens.
Religious Monuments
Shizuoka’s spiritual sites range from ancient shrines to mountain temples.
Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha
The main shrine at the base of Mt. Fuji, venerating the sacred mountain and offering striking approaches.
Kinomiya Shrine (Atami)
A historic shrine in Atami famed for its ancient pine tree and serene forest setting.
Shizuoka Sengen Shrine
A branches-and-borders Shinto shrine aligned with Mt. Fuji worship traditions in Shizuoka.
National & Theme Parks
Natural beauty and wildlife parks showcase the dramatic landscapes of Shizuoka’s coast and mountains.
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Expansive cross-prefectural park featuring Mt. Fuji views, coastlines, and volcanic landscapes.
Fuji Safari Park
Drive-through wildlife park where you can see animals up close in a natural setting.
Izu Shaboten Zoo
Popular family-friendly attraction in Ito with a zoo and botanical gardens.
Neighborhoods
Explore distinct areas that give a taste of local life and stunning scenery.
Nihondaira (Shizuoka City)
A scenic hillside area with walking trails, tea fields, and sweeping views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Shimizu (Shizuoka City)
Coastal district known for its port, seafood spots, and the Miho no Matsubara outlook nearby.
Atami
Popular hot-spring town with oceanfront promenades, pearls of culture, and hillside viewpoints.
Free Things to Do
Budget-friendly ways to enjoy Shizuoka’s scenery and historic spaces.
Miho no Matsubara coastline
A famous pine grove along the coast with Mt. Fuji views on clear days; perfect for a scenic stroll.
Sunpu Castle Ruins Park
Open grounds and gardens ideal for a relaxed walk and photos, with little or no entry cost.
Nihondaira scenic area (hikes and viewpoints)
Free trails and vistas above Shizuoka City offering spectacular overlooks and fresh air.
Gastronomy
Taste the region’s famous tea, seafood, and eel dishes.
Shizuoka green tea and tea sweets
Savor fresh green tea, matcha desserts, and tea-flavored treats from local farms and tea houses.
Unagi dishes (eel on rice)
Shizuoka is renowned for unagi; try an unagi don with rich, charcoal-grilled eel.
Fresh seafood from Shimizu Port
Sample sashimi or sushi featuring the day’s catch from one of Japan’s great fishing ports.
Saba-zushi and other local seafood specialties
Try regional mackerel sushi and other coastal specialties crafted with regional flair.
Nightlife
Evenings range from relaxing hot-spring vibes to waterfront views and casual bars.
Atami Onsen town by night
Evening strolls along the streets lined with hot-spring inns and glowing signs.
Shimizu waterfront night views
Coastal lights and harbor views offer calm, scenic nighttime scenery.
Bars and casual eateries in Shizuoka City center
Relaxed spots to enjoy local drinks and light bites after a day of sightseeing.
Entertainment
Cultural venues host performances, exhibitions, and community events.
Shizuoka Performing Arts Center (SPAC)
A cultural venue offering contemporary theater, dance, and performing arts.
Live music and small venues in central Shizuoka
Casual evening gigs and performances in intimate settings around the city.
MOA Garden and seasonal events (Atami's outdoor programs)
Seasonal events and garden displays that pair with art collections nearby.
Sports
Active pursuits outdoors showcase Shizuoka’s natural playgrounds.
Jogasaki Coast Trail (Ito)
A rugged coastal hiking trail with dramatic cliffs and ocean views.
Surfing along the Shizuoka coast (Shimizu/Ito)
Coastal waves offer accessible surfing for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
Nihondaira hikes and viewpoints
Gentle to moderate hikes with rewarding views of Shizuoka and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji.
Off the Track
Discover lesser-known experiences that reveal local flavor and scenery.
Tea plantation visits (Makinohara area)
Walk through rolling tea fields and learn about Shizuoka’s famous green tea production.
Yaizu Fish Market early morning visit
Experience a lively market atmosphere and watch fishermen bring in the day’s catch.
Kawazu Nanadaru Waterfalls hike
A scenic waterfall route along the Kawazu area, great for a refreshing afternoon hike.