When it comes to Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it the majestic and enchanting sacred Mount Fuji, the mysterious and bountiful Izu Peninsula, the romantic Kawazu cherry blossoms, or the mouthwatering unagi pie and delicious sakura shrimp? Actually, these are just a few glimpses of Shizuoka's colorful facets! Located between Tokyo and Osaka, Shizuoka boasts an exceptional geographic location for transportation and top-tier natural blessings.

Today, the JoyJapan special correspondent has put together this article for everyone.[Comprehensive Guide to Free Travel in Shizuoka Prefecture and Around Mt. Fuji]From transportation at Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport, the breathtaking views of Fujinomiya, the ukiyo-e scenery of Nihondaira, and shopping at Gotenba Outlets, to local top-tier tuna rice bowls and tea ice cream, this allows you to easily plan the most authentic in-depth journey to Shizuoka!

✈️ 1. Regarding "Shizuoka Prefecture" and Transportation Guide

Shizuoka Prefecture borders Suruga Bay and is located between Tokyo and Osaka; it has long been one of Japan’s most important transportation hubs. The prefecture is primarily divided into the Izu region, the area around Mount Fuji (eastern part), Shizuoka City (central part), and the Hamamatsu and Oigawa River basin (western part).

Speaking of Shizuoka, the most famous thing is undoubtedly "Mt. Fuji," the symbol of Japan! The entire Shizuoka Prefecture is lush and green with fresh air, making it perfect for travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and truly relax.

Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport ➔ City and Shinkansen Connections

Upon arriving at the international departure hall on the first floor of Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport, walk straight to the exit of the terminal building, where you will see the bus timetable in multiple languages. The instructions for taking the bus to major downtown stations are as follows:

Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Shizuoka

If you depart from other cities within Japan, taking the JR Tokaido Shinkansen is extremely fast: it takes about 1 hour from Tokyo, about 1.5 hours from Nagoya, and about 2 hours from Osaka to reach Shizuoka! It is perfect for combining Tokyo's metropolitan shopping with Shizuoka's stunning natural scenery in your travel plans.

🗻 2. Classic Mt. Fuji Surroundings Guide: Fujinomiya Area

The melted snow and clear springs from Mount Fuji and Mount Aitaka nourish the entire Fujinomiya area. Here, picturesque waterfalls, crystal-clear ponds, lush green tea fields, and vast highlands intertwine to create a stunning landscape.

📍 Asagiri Highlands and Paragliding Experience

At an altitude of about 300 to 1,000 meters, Asagiri Plateau is a fantastic place to view Mount Fuji. Gentle calves and lambs stroll leisurely on the grass across the ranches. For those seeking thrills, you can also sign up for a paragliding experience to soar high above and look down at the breathtaking panoramic view of Mount Fuji!

📍 Wedding Photo Shoot at the Foot of Mount Fuji

Many newlywed couples make a special trip to the foot of Mount Fuji for destination wedding photography. Dressed in pristine white traditional Japanese bridal attire or romantic Western-style wedding gowns, with Mount Fuji or the Shinkansen as a backdrop, they capture eternal, beautiful memories.

📍 Lake Tanuki: A scenic spot for the breathtaking "Diamond Fuji"

Lake Tsunuki is about 8 meters deep and has a circumference of 4 kilometers; visitors can go kayaking, rowing, cycling around the lake, or camping.Every year, around April 20 and August 20, the sun rises exactly from the center of Mount Fuji’s summit, creating the dazzling “Diamond Fuji”;If the lake’s surface is as calm as a mirror, you can even capture the spectacular sight of “Double Diamond Fuji” created by the reflection in the water!

📍 Shiraito Falls (Shiraito no Taki)

Listed among Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, the Shiraito Falls resemble thousands of delicate white threads cascading down a sheer cliff tens of meters high. It offers a cool respite in the summer and is breathtaking in the autumn when intertwined with fall foliage, leaving visitors reluctant to leave.

📍 Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center & Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine

The World Heritage Centre was designed by architect Shigeru Ban, and its wooden inverted-Fuji-shaped building has a striking visual impact. Inside the pavilion, visitors follow a spiraling slope upward, and from the top floor, they can look straight out at the real Mount Fuji through massive glass windows. Nearby, visitors can also explore the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, which is the head shrine of nearly 1,300 Sengen shrines across Japan and the center of Mount Fuji worship.

📍 Sake Pilgrimage: Fujitakasago Shuzo & Fujinishiki Shuzo

The clear, soft melted snow of Mt. Fuji nurtures top-quality sake. Founded in 1820, "Fujitakasago Brewery" passes down centuries-old yamahai brewing techniques, while "Fujinishiki Brewery" offers tours by reservation where you can taste sweet and smooth sake, making it an excellent souvenir!

📍 Fujinomiya Yakisoba, Runagawa Cherry Blossowns, and Obuchi Sasaba Tea Plantations

At “Miyayokocho,” located in front of the Asama Grand Shrine, you can enjoy “Fujinomiya Yakisoba,” a local B-class gourmet dish known for its chewy, springy texture and rich flavor.In spring, the delicate pink cherry blossoms along the Junigawa River (Ryogen-en) create a picturesque contrast with Mount Fuji; meanwhile, “Oofuchi Sasaba” is a photographer’s paradise—free from power lines—where you can capture breathtaking views of the lush green tea fields against the backdrop of Mount Fuji!

🛍️ 3. Shopping Paradise: Gotemba Premium Outlets & HOTEL CLAD

Gotemba Premium Outlets, the largest outlet mall in Japan, features over 290 international luxury and fashion brands, including the popular "HILL SIDE" area! While shopping, you can just look up and see the majestic Mount Fuji right before your eyes.

Tired of walking, you can stay directly connected at HOTEL CLAD or experience the Konohana no Yu day-use hot springs. The sodium bicarbonate hot spring here is known as a skin- beautifying "hot spring of beauty," and soaking in the baths while enjoying the sunset over Mt. Fuji is the ultimate luxury!

🖼️ 4. Shizuoka’s Nihondaira Area: It’s like stepping into the world of ukiyo-e

Located on a hilltop along the coast of Suruga Bay, Nihondaira was ranked first in Japan's Top 100 Tourist Sites and is even a certified Japan Night View Heritage site! Across Suruga Bay, you can enjoy distant views of Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, and the Southern Alps.

Nihondaira Yume Terrace

by the world-renowned architect who designed the New National Stadium for the 2020 Tokyo OlympicsKengo KumaDesign! A regular octagon building made from Shizuoka local wood, where the second-floor tearoom allows you to enjoy Shizuoka sencha tea while taking in the view of Mount Fuji outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.

📍 Nihondaira Hotel

Hailed as a "scenery art museum," this top-tier hotel features an entire wall of unobstructed, giant floor-to-ceiling windows and a sprawling lawn, offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay.

Nihondaira Ropeway ➔ Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

Taking the cable car across the canyon takes about 5 minutes to reach "Kunozan Toshogu Shrine." Dedicated to the legendary Sengoku-period warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu, its gorgeous Gongen-zukuri architecture has been designated as a National Treasure of Japan!

📍 S-Pulse Dream Plaza Chibi Maruko-chan Land & Satta Pass

Since the author, Ms. Sakurako, is from Shimizu, Shizuoka, this area is home to the only “Chibimaruko-chan Land” in all of Japan! You can also ride the Shizuoka Railway’s “Chibimaruko-chan-themed train.”Nearby “Satto Pass” is a famous, treacherous stretch of the Tōkaidō Road immortalized by the ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige; from here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the flowing traffic in the distance.

🐟 5. Shizuoka Local Delicacies: Shimizu Port Tuna Donburi, Evening Tea, and Tea Ice Cream

Shimizu Port boasts the highest tuna catch in all of Japan! We recommend the highly popular restaurant "Shimizuko Minami," located near Shizuoka Station. Order the limited-edition Special Bluefin Tuna Rice Bowl, piled high with meltingly tender seared and freshly sliced tuna fatty belly!

As Japan's top tea-producing region, Shizuoka has pioneered "yoicha"—tea leaves steeped in vodka or gin—as well as "cha-gouri" (tea shaved ice), which takes the whole country by storm in the summer. Visit "Chagama" or the shaved ice specialty shop "chuan" to savor rich and creamy Shizuoka matcha and hojicha shaved ice, bringing your Shizuoka trip to a perfect close!

Information and images courtesy of: Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport / Shizuoka Prefecture Tourism Association / Nihondaira Yume Terrace / Compiled by the JoyJapan Editorial Department