Shizuoka Travel Tips

2 of 4 in Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka (静岡), nestled halfway between Tokyo and Nagoya, is the charming capital of Shizuoka Prefecture, renowned for its tea production and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. With a lively city center around Shizuoka Station and a secondary hub at Shimizu Port, the city offers a mix of urban attractions and scenic beauty.

Steeped in history, Shizuoka flourished in the early 1600s when Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, retired here at Sumpu Castle. Nearby, Mount Kunozan hosts a revered shrine dedicated to Ieyasu, making Shizuoka a fascinating blend of culture and heritage.

Getting there

Google Maps

Shizuoka is centered around JR Shizuoka Station, with easy access to the JR Tokaido Shinkansen and Tokaido Line. Trains run frequently between Shizuoka Station and Shimizu Station (10 minutes, 240 yen). A separate line, operated by Shizuoka Railways, connects Shin-Shizuoka and Shin-Shimizu Stations (20 minutes, 350 yen).

Shizuoka has a good bus system, operated by Shizutetsu, covering places not served by trains. A 1-day pass for the railway and most buses costs 1400 yen. Water buses also travel around Shimizu Port. Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport is 30 km from the city, with buses connecting it to Shizuoka Station (55 minutes, 1100 yen).