Shizuoka

Shizuoka is the capital of Shizuoka Prefecture and a Pacific coast city on Suruga Bay in central Honshu, set between the sea and the foothills of the Southern Alps. It is widely known for sweeping views of Mount Fuji, one of Japan's leading green tea regions and the deep-water fishing port of Shimizu.

The city's history is closely tied to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who built Sunpu Castle and spent his final years here; he was first enshrined at Kunōzan Tōshōgū, a richly decorated hillside shrine overlooking the coast. Nearby, Shizuoka Sengen Shrine preserves centuries of local Shinto tradition, while the pine-lined beach of Miho no Matsubara forms part of the Mount Fuji World Cultural Heritage site.

Shizuoka is made up of Aoi, Suruga and Shimizu wards, each with a distinct character. The Nihondaira plateau offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay, and the Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art displays ukiyo-e woodblock prints from the old Tokaido route that passed through the region.

The city blends port, manufacturing and tourism economies, with Shimizu Port handling substantial cargo and seafood landings, including high-quality tuna. Local food culture ranges from Shizuoka oden and fresh sakura shrimp to the region's renowned green tea, while events such as the spring Shizuoka Festival and portside attractions draw visitors year-round.

For travellers, Shizuoka offers an accessible base between Tokyo, Nagoya and Mount Fuji, with a compact centre, efficient transport links and enough culture, scenery and cuisine to suit both short leisure stays and business trips.