Shizuoka Hotels

With the snow-capped peak of nearby Mount Fuji visible on clear days, the natural splendour of the area speaks for itself. A settlement for centuries, Shizuoka offers the perfect blend of Japanese beauty, history, culture and contemporary life. So put the teacup down and get exploring…

Shizuoka’s Top 10

Shizuoka History

• Kunozan Toshogu Shrine – Built in 1617, it was created as the resting place for shogun Tokugawa Leyasu.
• Grand Shrine at Mishima – Located on Tokaido Highway, the originator of the shogunate Minamoto-no-yoritomo prayed for victory at this Shizuoka shrine.
• Sumpu Castle – Built by Tokugawa Leyasu in 1586, the castle was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times.
• Shimoda – This is the site of the first American consulate in Japan.
• Seikenji Temple – Tokugawa Leyasu, the first shogun of the Edo government, was held hostage and educated here.

Shizuoka Art & Culture

• Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art – This recently renovated museum contains a variety of interesting art collections by Japanese and Western artists.
• Shizuoka Performing Arts Centre – Established in 1995 by Tadashi Suzuki, this centre features a variety of performances.
• Grand Shrine Summer Festival – Held yearly in August, participants are treated to traditional music, a firework display and a horseback archery event.
• Shichi-go-san Festival – Locals bring young children to this yearly festival, held October to November, to pray for good fortune for all kids.
• Setsubun – A yearly ritual event held in February in which evil spirits are chased away as the season changes from winter to spring.

Shizuoka Shopping

• Gotemba Premium Outlets – One of Japan’s largest outlet centres, with premium clothing, jewellery and household items.
• Sunpu-Rakuichi – Purchase a variety of folk crafts made out of bamboo by local artisans.c
• Koyame-en – A food store where you can find green tea rice crackers, green tea jellybeans and even green tea ice cream.
• Shizuoka Isetan Department Store – Located 15 minutes from the JR Station, this food store sells a variety of interesting items, such as locally made jams, sausages and cheese.
• Seiyu – An urban shopping centre that sells clothing and housewares.

Shizuoka Gay & Lesbian

• Nagoya Metro Club – This Shizuoka club holds gay and lesbian dances each month.
• Seven Street Bar – Located in Hamamatsu, this gay bar features a dance area and great drinks.
• Occur – Located in Tokyo, this is a grass-roots activist organization for the GLBT community.
• Magnet Tours – A gay-owned tour operator. Plan your vacation in Japan with their assistance.
• Crescent Moon- Located in Fukuoka, a comfortable bar to hang out and have a drink.

Shizuoka Events

In April, the colourful Shizuoka Festival brings flowers, hundreds of performers and lots of fun and games to the city.

The streets are again filled with colour in May for the Shizuoka Samba Carnival. Its parade is a real highlight.

In July, the sky lights up for the Abe River Fireworks.

Watch local dance groups compete at the Shizuoka Odakkui Festival.

The Daidogei World Cup in November is the premier event for street performers and is guaranteed to keep you entertained – step right up and gather round!

When To Go

Shizuoka experiences a typically oceanic climate.

Summers (June to August) are hot and humid, with average highs topping 30ºC (86ºF).

Although winter temperatures can drop down to near freezing, it rarely snows in Shizuoka.

Getting Around

Buy a ticket and jump on-board one of the ‘resort trains’ that are specifically designed to transport visitors to the most popular tourist destinations.

Shizuoka also features plenty of tourist buses that are a good way of getting bearings – and learning something along the way.

To take in all the coastal sights the bay has to offer, you’ll have to go by boat.

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