Shizuoka Prefecture, an introduction...
 Overview
Shizuoka
Prefecture is located approximately at the centre of Japan on the
Pacific Coast. Boasting a variety of natural environs such as beaches,
mountains, and lakes, Shizuoka is representative of Japan's rich beauty.
Majestic,
3,000 meter high mountains, such as Mt. Fuji (UNESCO World Heritage
Site) and some of the mountains which make up the Southern Alps, run
from Shizuoka's northern mountain area to the southern plains,
providing many breathtaking visitas. Shizuoka Prefecture has a warm and
comfortable oceanic climate with an average yearly temperature of
16.1°C. Although the four seasons are clearly distinguished, winters
are dry and feature many days full of fine weather. Snow is seldom seen
in the flatlands.
 Mt. Fuji (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Mt.
Fuji, with all its dignity and grandeur, has been admired by many since
ancient times, and is regarded as the spiritual home of Japan. The
expansive and graceful shape of Mt. Fuji has come to symbolize Japan
all over the world. Nothing compares to the breathtaking peak, the
highest (3,776 meters) and most beautiful mountain in Japan. In winter,
Mt. Fuji offers fabulous scenes with its white, snow-covered landscape.
In summer, mountain climbers have the chance to be mesmerized by the
awe of the rising sun.
There are many locations in Shizuoka
where people can enjoy the fascinating views of Mt. Fuji. These views
have been depicted in art for a long time. For example, the famous
Ukiyoe painter, Hiroshige Utagawa drew Mt Fuji many times in his life.
Recreation and Hot Springs
The
smooth, white sandy beaches and thrilling steep cliffs will always keep
you satisfied. After spending the day enjoying marine sports and
sampling the delicious seafoods of different areas, visitors can unwind
to the sounds of the waves and enjoy the romantic ocean sunset.
Shizuoka
Prefecture is a treasure trove of hot springs. A characteristic of
Shizuoka Prefecture’s hot springs is the open-air bath. These baths are
located outdoors and you can enjoy the sense of openness while gazing
out at the surrounding scenery.
 There
are hotels and hot springs where you can use the open-air baths without
staying overnight, a service that is called higaeri-onsen or day-trip
bathing.
Another kind of bath is the foot spa. You enjoy
these spas by removing your shoes and soaking your legs from the knee
down. Foot spas can often be found around hot spring towns and stations
and are reputed to warm the whole body.
We hope you enjoy this warming and relaxing experience.
Shizuoka Gourmet
Shizuoka
has an abundance of mouthwatering foods! Its seafood ranks at the top
of the list. Many types of fish, including maguro (tuna) and katsuo
(bonito), which are caught in Suruga Bay, are used as essential
ingredients in sushi. There are numerous eateries that offer fresh
seafood, especially around the fishing ports. Shizuoka is  well-known
for its unagi (eel) which are raised in pure water. The sweet and salty
grilled unagi is sure to rejuvenate our visitors in no time.
Approximately
half of all Japan's green tea is grown in Shizuoka, considered the best
region for green tea production in the country.
Shizuoka is
also known by some for its Japanese saké (Japanese rice wine) thanks to
its pristine water. Created through an original fermentation process,
the Japanese saké from Shizuoka is popular for its fruity and light
taste.
Join the locals and enjoy these dishes together!
Shizuoka Tourist Information (Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association)
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