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Area Guide
From the east, Shizuoka Prefecture is divided into four areas Izu Area, Fuji Area, Central Area and Western Area.
Eastern Area (Izu)
From long ago the Izu Peninsula has been known throughout Japan as a hot spring area and is home to many traditional and prestigious hot spring ryokans.
It has a varied coastline and looking out over the vast ocean while enjoying a soak in a hot spring bath is one way to enjoy the breath-taking scenery.
You can also enjoy a stroll though the forests of Central Izu which has many places and ryokans known as being favorites of some of the greatest writers of Japanese literature.
Famous novels such as Kawabata Yasunari’s The Izu Dancer were set in this area.
Eastern Area (Fuji)
Spread around the foot of Mt. Fuji, this area enjoys all the blessings of Japan’s most famous mountain and boasts a wealth of activities from climbing Mt. Fuji in the summer to paragliding and horse-riding.
With natural scenery such as volcanic caves and waterfalls created by the spring water of melted snow from Mt. Fuji, an outlet shopping mall and the Fuji Speedway where the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix is held, this area has a wide variety of things to see, do and enjoy.
Another of the area’s delights is the local beer and whiskey made from Mt. Fuji spring water.
Central Area
Located around Shizuoka City, this area is rich in both culture and history.
With historical sites related to the famous shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and art museums displaying ukiyo-e, it is the perfect place to experience Japanese culture.
The area is also blessed with outstanding scenery.
You can take a steam locomotive train ride along the Oi River and admire the seasonal contrasts of the mountains as you cross the valley.
The area around Cape Omaezaki is popular for bathing and marine sports such as surfing.
Yaizu Fishing Port and Shimizu Port boast the largest catch of tuna and bonito in Japan and here you can enjoy the freshly caught delights of the sea.
Japan’s largest tea growing area Makinohara is also in this region.
Western Area
This area is the birthplace and home of world class companies such as Yamaha and Honda and boasts many top brands leading the way with cutting edge technology.
One of the main draws of this area is being able to feel the pride of these companies of being Number One and the Only One and their never-ending challenging spirit.
Other charms of the area include the hot springs and marine sports at the scenic Lake Hamana, and sampling eel, globefish and soft-shelled turtle.
