28 Best Things to Do in Shizuoka: Top Sights and Experiences

Beating in the heart of Honshu, Japan’s main island, Shizuoka Prefecture offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and rich culinary traditions. From the towering presence of Mt. Fuji to the scenic coastal and mountainous landscapes, Shizuoka is a place where culture and nature converge.

The answer is undoubtedly yes. Beyond its breathtaking views, Shizuoka is renowned for its exceptional green tea and world-class seafood, including local delicacies like eel and sakura shrimp. The region is also steeped in history, with landmarks such as Sunpu Castle and the historic Tokaido Road that once linked Kyoto and Tokyo.

What truly sets Shizuoka apart is its food culture, which invites you to experience Japan through hands-on workshops, tours, and tastings. Whether you’re grinding yams to make tororo, crafting shrimp tempura, or exploring the art of sake brewing, each experience is a chance to dive into the time-honored traditions that shape Japanese cuisine.

The following curated experiences will take you on a journey through Shizuoka’s culinary landscape, introducing you to the how and why behind its flavors. Get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable food-focused adventure that showcases the beauty and flavors of Shizuoka. 

Based on a local's recommendations, we gathered the top twenty-eight things to do in Shizuoka.

Shizuoka is often overlooked, but it’s a food lover’s hidden gem. With fresh seafood from Suruga Bay, crystal-clear mountain water, and fertile tea fields, the region offers some of Japan’s purest and most flavorful ingredients—all within close reach. What sets Shizuoka apart is its understated food culture: simple, refined, and shaped by generations of local knowledge. It’s a place where every bite feels deeply connected to the land, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic, grounded culinary experiences.

Imagine beginning your journey by shaping warm rice into onigiri, listening to shrimp tempura sizzle as it turns golden, and finishing with a quiet cup of Japanese tea.

This private workshop introduces the foundations of Japanese home cooking — simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

It grounds you in the fundamentals of Japanese taste before moving deeper.

Step into Mariko-juku, a former Edo-period post town, and grind yams by hand to make tororo. The tactile rhythm reveals how effort and texture shape flavor.

It shifts the focus from what people eat to how food was prepared and shared in the past.

Soy sauce is the backbone of Japanese cuisine. In this workshop, you’ll learn how fermentation, aging, and time create depth and umami.

The aroma inside the brewery alone explains so much about Japanese flavor.

In the fishing town of Yaizu, step behind the counter and learn how to fillet mackerel before turning it into sushi.

This experience brings you closer to Japan’s seafood culture — honest, skilled, and deeply respectful of ingredients.

The smoky aroma of bonito flakes is unmistakably Japanese.

Here, you’ll discover how katsuobushi is smoked, fermented, and transformed into the foundation of dashi.

It’s a quiet lesson in what umami truly means.

Taste sake and wine side by side with local dishes, and explore how the same water and climate can produce entirely different expressions.

It bridges Japanese and Western palates in a natural, approachable way.

Shizuoka’s tea culture goes far beyond matcha.

Discover gyokuro — one of Japan’s most prized green teas — through visits to tea fields, factories, and tea rooms.

With each sip, time seems to slow.

At the foot of Mount Fuji, tour a sake brewery that uses crystal-clear spring water. Learn how water and fermentation shape each brew, then enjoy a premium tasting.

Every glass reflects the land it comes from.

Walk in the footsteps of Tokugawa Ieyasu before sitting down to a refined French fusion dinner made with Shizuoka ingredients.

It’s where history and modern gastronomy meet at the same table.

End your journey on the water.

A private cruise through Shimizu Port offers sweeping views of Mount Fuji — a quiet moment to reflect on everything you’ve tasted and learned.

Shizuoka City’s fresh and delicious seafood is caught daily in the nearby Suruga Bay. Sakura shrimp are a seasonal delicacy and are only available for a short period in the spring, typically from March to June. Suruga Bay is the deepest bay in Japan, so the seafood caught here might be strange-looking but oh-so delicious! 

We recommend this nigiri sushi-making class for a hands-on experience like no other. 

Matcha is a uniquely Japanese flavor and can be found across the country in various forms. In Shizuoka, they have taken this to the ultimate level, taking pride in offering matcha in unheard-of combinations, dishes, and snacks like Oreos, potato chips, and pretzel sticks. First, we recommend you get a comprehensive idea of what matcha is and how it is processed in this ultimate Shizuoka tea farm tour. Then, strike out on your own to try the very best matcha products in Shizuoka. Our personal recommendation is Nanaya Gelato, which offers seven levels of matcha intensity in its ice cream.

Looking for more tea farm tours? Check this list of farm tours and farm stays around Japan.

Takiya-Ryo is a unique fishing experience offered in Hamamatsu City. This traditional fishing method has been locally practiced for over a century, and visitors can join in from mid-May to late September. The boat sails after sunset, and participants try to fish using spears (they are more like giant forks). They are welcome to take home their catch or enjoy them on a nearby raft, where the staff will cook and serve them as tempura, miso soup, and more. This exceptional seafood experience on the lake is not to be missed!

Atami is a popular hot spring resort town in the west of Shizuoka and an easy train ride from Tokyo. The town is situated along the coast, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Atami has a long history as a resort town, dating back to the Edo Period. The hot springs in Atami are said to have therapeutic properties and are popular among locals and tourists who come to soak in the mineral-rich waters. Some hot springs also offer outdoor baths with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Atami offers lots to see and do, making it perfect for a Shizuoka day trip from Tokyo or a weekend stay. 

Keen to visit Atami? See our tips on booking a ryokan (traditional inn) in Japan. 

Driving along the Izu Peninsula is a must-do activity when in Shizuoka. The scenic drive offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline, charming seaside towns, and hot spring resorts. It is recommended to take at least a full day to explore the area.

Many people head to the Jogasaki Coast, known for its dramatic cliffs from a volcanic eruption 4,000 years ago. Along the way, Mt. Fuji remains ever-present, making every stop feel spectacular. At the end of your drive, stop for a wasabi kaiseki meal and one night stay at a traditional onsen. Treat yourself, you deserve it. 

Go for the cherry blossoms. Stay for the stars. Kawazu is a small town located on the Izu Peninsula. During February and March each year, visitors can see the early-blooming Kawazu cherry trees, which feature bright pink blossoms. Kawazu Sakura blooms much earlier and longer than usual, allowing visitors to enjoy this iconic Japanese experience fully. When darkness falls, seven stars shine brightly in the night sky, forming a hexagon shape known as Winter’s Diamond.

Miho no Matsubara is a beautiful and iconic pine grove. It has been designated a national scenic spot and a source of artistic inspiration. The panoramic views of Mt. Fuji from this location are unparalleled. It’s also popular for picnics and enjoying the sunset. We recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is best and the crowds are fewer. Don’t visit at midday, as there is no shade available on the shore unless you bring your own.

Just a short drive from Fujinomiya City, Lake Tanuki is a beautiful lake offering a range of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at the lake, including camping, fishing, boating, and hiking along the surrounding trails. The Diamond Fuji experience is particularly stunning when viewed from Lake Tanuki. Diamond Fuji is a phenomenon that occurs when the sun rises or sets directly above the peak of Mt. Fuji, creating a diamond-like sparkle on the summit.

Try this glamping eco-tour option if you want a more upscale experience.

Let's address the elephant in the room. By elephant, I mean the towering volcano. Mt. Fuji is Japan's tallest peak and is one of Japan's three sacred mountains. It's also an active volcano, so while climbing Mt. Fuji is a popular activity, it's important to remember that it is physically demanding and potentially dangerous. The official climbing season is from early July to mid-September, when the weather is relatively stable, and the mountain huts are open. The climb to the summit takes around 5-7 hours, and most climbers start in the early morning hours to reach the summit in time for sunrise.

Yume no Tsuribashi, which means "Dream Suspension Bridge," is a pedestrian suspension bridge in Yaizu. The unbelievably turquoise-colored waters, caused by mineral deposits in the surrounding mountains, make it seem like a fairytale. It sways slightly as people walk across it, adding to the thrill of the experience. Although not as easily accessible as other places on this list, it’s well worth the effort.

Kakegawa's Bird Park is a popular attraction in Kakegawa, Shizuoka. The park is home to over 1,200 birds, including the emu, the secretary bird, and the shoebill stork. Visitors can enjoy various activities, including feeding and interacting with some of the birds, watching bird shows, and taking photos with the park's resident parrots. One of the park's highlights is the bird tunnel, a walkway that allows visitors to get up close and personal with dozens of birds flying freely overhead. This is probably my favorite place in Shizuoka.

This museum is dedicated to the works of the famous Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige. He is known for his depictions of landscapes and cityscapes during the Edo period. Located on the Tokaido Road, the museum displays images of the 53 stops for travelers during that time. The museum features a collection of over 1,000 prints, as well as exhibits about his life and techniques. Visitors can also take part in hands-on workshops to learn about woodblock printing. More information.

The Tokaido Road is a historic and cultural travel route that played a significant role in Japan's history, connecting the political capital of Kyoto with the commercial center of Edo (now Tokyo). Today, walking along the Tokaido Road is a unique way to experience Japan's rich history and culture. The road has historic landmarks, traditional buildings, and stunning natural scenery. Today, visitors can walk along a section of the road in Shizuoka and see some of the traditional structures and landscapes preserved over the years.

Sunpu Castle is a reconstructed castle from the Edo Period. For 17 years, it was the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, including the main keep and surrounding gardens. The castle also has a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits from the Edo period. There are many hands-on activities, like a virtual reality experience and a wearable replica of Tokugawa’s armor. You can pretend that you have time-traveled back to the Edo Period. More information.

This ancient shrine, dedicated to Mt. Fuji, dates back to the 6th century. It is within walking distance of Sunpu Castle and is the site of the Hatsukae Festival, which features the ancient Chigomai dance. The Chigomai dance was performed by children for Tokugawa Ieyasu. Since then, the dance has been passed down through the ages and is an integral part of the festival, which runs from April 1 to 5 annually.

Riding an old steam train is a unique and charming experience in Shizuoka. The Oigawa Railway offers a scenic train ride that takes you through the beautiful countryside, with stunning views of mountains and valleys. The train also offers a range of themed rides, such as the "Thomas the Tank Engine" and "Moomin" trains, which are especially popular with children.

Gotemba Premium Outlets is a large outlet shopping mall located in the city of Gotemba, at the base of Mt. Fuji. It is one of the largest outlet malls in Japan, with over 200 stores offering discounted prices on a wide range of international and domestic brands. The mall's location at the base of Mt. Fuji provides visitors with stunning views of the iconic mountain. You can shop til you drop. Alternatively, try Gotemba's zen experience with this curated tour and explore its hidden gems. Try them both, we won't judge.

The time you need to experience Shizuoka fully depends on your interests and the specific activities you want to do. If you want to climb Mt. Fuji, for example, you may need several days to prepare and complete the hike. If you want to explore the city of Shizuoka and nearby attractions, you can see most of the main sights in a few days. Overall, a trip of around 3-5 days is a good amount of time for any major city in Shizuoka.

A Shizuoka trip is worth it, especially if you're interested in experiencing a more rural and traditional side of Japan. You have twenty possible answers if you're ever asked, "What is cool about Shizuoka?"