Shizuoka City is a coastal city in Japan, located just an hour south of Tokyo. The city’s name, meaning “calm and serene” matches well with the tranquility and harmonious coexistence with nature. Additionally, the flag for Shizuoka city celebrates its connection to the land as it depicts Mt. Fuji tied in hand with the waves of the sea. Nestled between Mt. Fuji and The Pacific Ocean, Shizuoka hosts scenic sights for those traveling along the eastern coast of the Honshu Island of Japan. A quiet destination overshadowed by cultural titans Tokyo and Kyoto, Shizuoka offers a strong historical charm in addition to the calming, lush greenery, at only a fraction of the size and population of the more common tourist destinations. Sitting in the middle of the two former cities, Shizuoka is an ideal pit stop for those who are travelling along the eastern coast.

Coming from Osaka, I travelled to Shizuoka City in early June with plans to attend a rock concert and drive to the Aokigahara forest at the base of Mt. Fuji. I was travelling northbound on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. Sitting along the eastern coast, one of the most travelled bullet train lines in Japan. Unfortunately, due to the onset of a typhoon, my travel was delayed and I did not have sufficient time to reach Mt. Fuji. After being presented with more time in the city than I can planned, I opted to explore my surroundings and make the most out of the situation. Despite never being able to step foot at the base of Mt. Fuji, Shizuoka City was a hidden gem that captivated me and greatly enhanced my time in Japan. The nature, historical landmarks, in conjunction with the reduced footprint and population in comparison to Tokyo makes Shizuoka my favorite city in Japan.

Starting with the natural features of Shizuoka, the most iconic landmark is Mount Fuji. On clear days, the snow-capped peak is visible throughout most of the city. Located two hours out, its proximal nature makes Shizuoka a great destination for those with an interest in nature. Closer to town, the city is surrounded by smaller mountains, clean beaches and parks, and lush forests all around. A popular destination is Miho no Matsubara, a stretch of over 50,000 pine trees that border along the coast of Suruga Bay. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience at your lodging, The Nippondaira Hotel is ranked among the best in Japan for its hospitality, amenities (featuring a bathhouse!), and most importantly, the elevated views above the city that allow for the view of Mt. Fuji to be thoroughly enjoyed.

Furthermore, being incorporated in the 1885, Shizuoka has a rich cultural background. Featuring countless shrines, museums, and the notable Sunpu Castle at the city’s cultural center. The former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo shogunate, Sunpu castle offers a glimpse into the Feudal past of Japan. Today, the castle offers a lush park and botanical garden, in addition to tearooms and historical remnants of the bygone era. On the west side of Shizuoka City, Sumpu Takumishuku is a gorgeous arts and crafts center that offers hands-on workshops and art classes, as well as a showcase of historical artifacts and paintings. Proximal to the primary Shizuoka Station, multiple museums can be found—most notably being the Shizuoka City Museum of Art and the RU KU RU Shizuoka Science Museum. Both offer wonderful exhibits throughout the years with very little cost of entry. 

Most importantly for any traveler, Shizuoka City is renowned for the freshness and flavor of countless culinary treasures. On the eastern side of Shizuoka, Sunpu Bay hosts the city’s fish market, providing much of the city with fresh seafood daily. Additionally, Shizuoka features fertile lands that have been used to cultivate a delicate green tea, a practice that dates back to the 12th century. Additionally, the lands surrounding the city are ideal for strawberries and wasabi. Local cuisine is incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the city offers many local delicacies and dishes.

Despite the Charm of Shizuoka City, I did face some setbacks as a foreigner with next to zero Japanese comprehension and reading skills. The bus network, which is the most connected mode of transit in the city, is difficult to navigate, even with the help of Google Maps. The bus lines have names entirely in kanji, with nothing else to assist in differentiation. This lead to me missing a bus and having to hail a taxi as to not miss the concert I was attending. Additionally, being a smaller city with few foreign visitors, there are few establishments that have those who understand English. However, many businesses do have translation devices—it doesn't hurt to have Google Translate installed on your mobile device, ready in hand for when you need it.

To conclude, 

Shizuoka City is a haven for those seeking tranquility and cultural immersion. Hosting deep history in ancient shrines, grand serene gardens, and rich culinary offerings, Shizuoka is a hidden gem waiting for those to find it. As you wander through its vibrant streets, you'll discover a city that seamlessly blends its heritage with modern life, offering an unforgettable journey through the heart of Japan. Many who visit Japan opt to visit both Tokyo and Kyoto, and utilize the Shinkansen to travel between the two. Sitting in the middle along the rail line, Shizuoka is a perfect destination to add to your itinerary.