Shizuoka
Shizuoka (静岡) is the capital city of Shizuoka prefecture in Japan's Chubu region. In 2005, Shizuoka absorbed the neighboring city of Shimizu (清水).
Get in
Shizuoka is a stop on the Tokaido Main Line and Tokaido Shinkansen Line between Tokyo and Osaka, and on the Tomei Expressway.
By plane
- 1 Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ IATA) (Makinohara and Shimada). Fuji Dream Airlines is based at the airport, operating flights to Sapporo, Fukuoka and Kagoshima. All Nippon Airways operates flights to Sapporo and Okinawa. International flights operate to and from Taiwan and several cities in China.
Buses run from Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport to the Shizuoka train station in about an hour at a cost of ¥1000. While the airport was built right over the Tokaido Shinkansen line, there is no train station serving the airport.
The nearest major airports are Haneda and Narita Airports in Tokyo, and Chubu International Airport in Nagoya. It takes approximately two hours to reach Shizuoka from Haneda or Chubu on the fastest train services, a little longer from Narita.
By train
- The Tokaido Shinkansen runs one Hikari train per hour which stops at Shizuoka (and pauses for about 5 minutes while faster Nozomi trains barrel through the station). It is one hour from Tokyo (¥6350), 50 minutes from Nagoya (¥6350), 90 minutes from Kyoto (¥10240), and 1 hr 45 min from Shin-Osaka (¥10880) using this train.
- All-stopping Kodama trains take a bit longer, and the same prices are charged for normal reservations. However, you can take advantage of the Puratto (Platt) Kodama Ticket, which offers a discount for Kodama services if you purchase at least one day in advance. You get a reserved seat and a coupon for a free drink (including beer) which can be redeemed at a "Kiosk" convenience counter inside the station. With this ticket a trip to Shizuoka costs ¥4600 from Tokyo (90 minutes), ¥4600 from Nagoya (80 minutes), ¥7600 from Kyoto (2 hr 15 min) and ¥8100 from Shin-Osaka (2½ hr). Kodama trains run once an hour from Shin-Osaka and Kyoto; twice per hour from the other cities. All Kodama trains can be used, except for early morning departures.
- Standard local trains from Tokyo take about 3 hr 15 min at a cost of ¥3350, requiring at least one change of trains at Atami or Numazu.
- Wide View Fujikawa limited express trains make several daily round-trips to Shizuoka from Kofu on the Chuo Line. The ride, in train cars with larger windows, costs ¥4620 and takes about 2 hr 15 min.
- Hamamatsu can be reached by either Shinkansen (30 minutes) or regular JR (1½ hours).
You can ride all of these trains for free with the Japan Rail Pass.
By bus
From Tokyo, JR/Shizutetsu Sunpu Liner buses run every 1-2 hours from the Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku), arriving at the Shizuoka train station in 3 hours (¥2930). These buses make a 20-minute rest stop at the Ashigara Service Area on the Tomei Expressway.
Some buses between Tokyo and Nagoya only stop at the Shizuoka interchange of the expressway, on the outskirts of the city. Local buses run frequently to Shizuoka station from another bus stop close to the interchange in 15 minutes.
Get around
The Shizutetsu train line runs from Shin-Shizuoka station in the Cenova shopping mall to Shin-Shimizu station. It is worth noting that none of the stations are integrated into the JR train system. However, Shizutetsu Buses do operate service from Shizuoka station to the Cenova mall. Shizutetsu buses can be used to get anywhere in the city.
See
- 1 Miho no Matsubara (三保の松原). A spot on the Miho peninsula with pine trees and views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. One of Japan's New Three Views.
- 2 Nihondaira (日本平) (35 min by Nihondaira Line bus from Shizuoka Station; also accessible by ropeway from the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine). A 308-meter hill in central Shizuoka, with good views of Mt. Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, Shimizu Bay and more.
- 3 Kunōzan Tōshō-gū (久能山東照宮). The original burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Dynasty. (His remains are now entombed at Nikko.) Most structures here date from 1617.
- 4 Sunpu Castle (駿府城 sunpu-jō) (a few blocks up the main street from the north exit of the subway station, with several arrow signs pointing the way). The castle has not been restored, but the restored guard house is very interesting. The original castle was started in 1585 by Ieyasu Tokugawa, one of the founders of the Edo government. In 1607 Lord Ieyasu retired as shogun and started repairing and expanding the original castle. The tower and other buildings that now exist were constructed following blueprints from the 1630s. There is a lifelike statue of Tokugawa and many small replicas of the castles and surrounding buildings, as well as a small but beautiful display of dolls. Nearby is a children's park and a garden with a tea ceremony available. Certainly a place to explore if you have a couple of hours or more to spare. ¥200.
- 5 Abe Falls (安倍の大滝). A popular waterfall, considered to be one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls.
- 6 Shizuoka City Toro Museum (登呂博物館). 09:00-16:30. A recreated Yayoi Period village with an accompanying museum with exhibits, artifacts, and information about the Yayoi Period. In addition, they offer a variety of experiences where visitors can try their hand at performing various tasks in the Yayoi way. ¥300. (the recreated village can be viewed for free).
- 7 Togetsubo Saiokuji Temple (吐月峰柴屋寺). A Muromachi Period temple known for its garden.
- 8 Shizuoka City Museum of Art (静岡市美術館). Features a variety of special exhibits along with its own permanent exhibits.
- 9 Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art (静岡市東海道広重美術館). Utagawa Hiroshige is one of Japan's most renowned ukiyoe artists, and among his most famous works were those of the 53 stations of the Tokaido Road. Six of the stations are located within present-day Shizuoka City, and the museum is located where Yui Station (Yui-shuku) once stood. The museum focuses on the entirety of the collection, not just those in the city, as well as other works by Hiroshige. This was the first art museum built in Japan dedicated to Hiroshige's works. ¥520.
- 10 Shizuoka Sengen Shrine (静岡浅間神社). It was originally called Kanbe Shrine and served as the tutelary shrine of the former Suruga Province and was later made a Sengen Shrine (shrines dedicated to the worship of Mount Fuji). Tokugawa Ieyasu had the shrine rebuilt near Sunpu Castle for easy access. Over 26 of the structures are designated National Important Cultural Properties.
- 11 Jirocho Residence (次郎長生家). This is the former residence of local yakuza member, Shimizu no Jirocho. He inherited a rice-selling business after the death of his uncle but later started a gambling business and built up enough influence to take territories along the river and around Shimizu port. Although the port was already bustling, his contributions helped further develop the local area and industry.
Do
There is a rotenburo (unisex communal bath) for those brave enough to try it in beautiful surrounds on the coast called Fujiyoshi Onsen.
Buy
Each Saturday there is a flea market at the shrine in central Shizuoka. The vendors sell mainly Japanese knick knacks such as tea sets, lacquerware and the like. You can haggle about 30% off their asking prices without working too hard, or try for more if you`re especially stingy.
Eat
Near the port, we can eat fresh fish, such as sushi.
- 1 Taigetsuro (待月楼). Lunch 11:00-14:00, Dinner 17:00-20:00 (Reservations required for dinner). In business since the Taisho era, this is one of the premier restaurants to try Shizuoka's tororo-jiru (mountain yam soup). It's located in the historic Mariko area, a former station (Mariko-juku) along the Tokaido Road.
- 2 Steppin' Cafe (ステッピンカフェ). A popular burger joint. They have a signature "Steppin Burger" but also have over 15 other burgers, including avocado burgers, teriyaki burgers, and Shizuoka Maguro Burgers.
- 3 Unaji (鰻魚治), 2-23 Minamicho Suruga-ku. A restaurant specializing in Shizuoka's famous eel (unagi) dishes.
Drink
Shizuoka Cola is a unique locally made tea-flavored cola, using Shizuoka's famous tea.
- 1 Freakyshow Bar (フリーキーショウ) (near the Gohuku-cho area, a 10-minute walk from Shizuoka Station), ☏ +81 54-273-5588. One of the finest local places to drink in downtown Shizuoka. The bar often features local live entertainment on weekends but has limited seating so arrive early. The menu is not typical of most Japanese izakaya instead focusing on a more eclectic mix of western and European fare. All menu items and drinks are reasonably priced with no tax or cover charge. Recommended are the Godzilla Burger and White Russian. The proprietor, Toshiyuki Kosaka, is also reasonably fluent in English so foreigners visiting the area will have little trouble communicating with the staff.
- 2 Hippy Shake (ヒッピーシェイク) (A short walk from either JR Shimizu or Shin-Shimizu.), ☏ +81 54-364-1748. Caters to foreigners, giving them discounts or sometimes free food. It's got great atmosphere and an inventive menu of original cocktails. Drinks ¥500.
Sleep
Budget
- 1 Shizuoka Orange Hotel (オレンジホテル) (near Shizuoka Station.), ☏ +81 120-19-5100, +81 54-283-5100, fax: +81 54-284-3308, orangehotel@star.ocn.ne.jp. This is a barebones but reasonable business hotel. Breakfast is available in the restaurant on the ground floor. Singles ¥5250-5500, twins ¥8500.
- 2 Yasouya-Furyu (野草や＆風流), Makigaya 140-14, Aoi Ward (6 km from the city center), ☏ +81 54-659-0285. A backpacker's hostel. ¥2500.
Mid-range
- 3 Associa Shizuoka Terminal (アソシア), 56 Kurogane-cho (1 minute walk from Shizuoka Station.), ☏ +81 54 254-4141, fax: +81 54-255-3721. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Non-smoking rooms available. Singles from ¥11,200, Twins from ¥15,600. Discounts for JR Pass holders.
- 4 Hotel Dorf Shizuoka (ホテルドルフ静岡), 2-23-6 Takajo (7 minute walk from Shizuoka Station.), ☏ +81 54-251-5000, fax: +81 54 253-3000, dorf@quartz.ocn.ne.jp. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 11:09. In-room LAN, non-smoking rooms, and shuttle bus service to the station are available. Singles ¥7000-8300, doubles ¥11,000-13,000, twins ¥15,000, triples ¥21,000.
- 5 Hotel Garden Square Shizuoka (ホテルガーデンスクエア静岡), 11-1 Koyamachi, Aoi Ward (3 minute walk from Shizuoka Station.), ☏ +81 54-252-6500, fax: +81 54-252-8411, info@gardensquare.co.jp. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Modern hotel with minimal, well designed rooms. Free in-room internet access. Singles ¥6800-7800, doubles ¥9700-11,000, twins ¥11,700-12,800.
- 6 Sun Palace Hotel (サンパレスホテル), 11 Minami-cho, Sugura Ward (Take the train station's south exit and go down the main street two blocks. The hotel is next to the Shizuoka Bank.), ☏ +81 54-282-2277. Check-in: 15:30, check-out: 11:00. Clean and nice mid-range business hotel. Has a laundry room. Singles ¥6800, doubles ¥7300, twins ¥8000, triples ¥13,000.
Splurge
Go next
- Mount Fuji, the iconic Japanese volcano
- Fujieda
- Fujinomiya
- Kawanehon
- Yaizu
- Shimada
- Kakegawa
- Numazu
- Shibakawa
| Routes through Shizuoka |
| Nagoya ← Kakegawa ← | W  E |
→ Shin-Fuji → Tokyo |
| Hamamatsu ← Kikugawa ← | W  E |
→ Fuji → Tokyo |
| Hamamatsu ← Fujieda ← | W  E |
→ Shin-Fuji → Gotemba |
| Hamamatsu ← Kikugawa ← | W  E |
→ Fuji → Tokyo |