Shizuoka travel guide: Izu, Fuji, central and western areas

Explore Shizuoka's four official regions, from Izu's coastline and hot springs to Mount Fuji, tea-producing central areas and Lake Hamana, with links to transport and detailed guides.

Last checked:

  • Shizuoka
  • Independent travel

Shizuoka Prefecture extends a long way from east to west, from the Izu Peninsula to Lake Hamana. Do not assume the whole prefecture can be covered in a day. Following the Shizuoka tourism association’s four official areas, this page groups the prefecture into types of trip and links to transport information. The official page does not list the municipalities within each area or how many attractions can be visited in one day, so neither is included. Return to the Chubu travel guide.

Key points

  • Four official areas: Izu, Fuji, Central and Western
  • The prefecture has rail, bus and boat transport, with different networks by area; see Shizuoka transport
  • Decide which area you want to visit before choosing where to stay

Four areas

Area Features in official information Representative attractions Specialities
Izu () Hot springs, geological attractions, seafood and marine activities Ryugu Sea Cave, Shuzenji Onsen town, Izu Panorama Park, Mishima Taisha Shrine, Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace, Mishima Skywalk, Mount Omuro and Jogasaki Coast Not listed on the official page
Fuji () Views of World Cultural Heritage Mount Fuji, religious history, spring water and outdoor activities Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, Lake Tanuki, Asagiri Highland, Mount Fuji World Heritage Center and Fuji Safari Park Fujinomiya yakisoba, whitebait rice bowls and Ashitaka beef
Central () Nature from central Shizuoka through Oku-Oi, the Southern Alps and Makinohara Plateau, along with seafood and traditional crafts Nihondaira Yume Terrace, Kunozan Toshogu, Miho no Matsubara, Oku-Oi Kojo Station and Sumatakyo Yume Suspension Bridge Sakura shrimp, tuna, bonito, Shizuoka oden and Shizuoka tea desserts
Western () Lake Hamana, manufacturing, historic temples, shrines and castles Kakegawa Castle, Hamamatsu Castle, Kanzanji Onsen town (Kanzanji Ropeway) and Hamamatsu Flower Park Lake Hamana eel and Hamamatsu gyoza

Choose based on your travel goals

What you want Start with Points to note
Mount Fuji views and World Heritage Fuji area The official page does not state where Mount Fuji is visible from and does not guarantee weather
Coast and hot springs Izu area Izu Kyuko serves the east coast; Tokai Bus is the main option on the west coast
Tea and seafood Central area See Shizuoka transport for access to Miho no Matsubara
Lakes and eel Western area Kanzanji Onsen town has a ropeway; the official page does not give ticket prices

Transport within the prefecture

The Shizuoka tourism association’s official transport page lists:

  • JR Central: Tokaido, Gotemba and Minobu lines; there are 6 Shinkansen stations in the prefecture
  • Izu Kyuko: Izu east coast, with 16 stations from Ito to Izukyu-Shimoda
  • Other lines: Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line, Shizuoka Railway, Oigawa Railway, Tenryu Hamanako Railway, Enshu Railway and Gakunan Railway
  • Boats: Mt. Fuji Suruga Bay Ferry

Details: Shizuoka transport and Transport across Chubu.

Feature articles

Notes

  • The official regional information does not identify each area’s member municipalities; for instance, this page does not classify Shuzenji or Atami by area
  • Fees and hours vary by date; each article includes official sources and dates checked
  • For information applicable nationwide, see Japan travel essentials

Sources

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