History & Culture

Located in nearly the center of the Japanese archipelago and blessed with a pleasant climate, Shizuoka Prefecture has been inhabited since ancient times.

In Shizuoka City are the Toro Ruins – dwellings of great historical importance from the Yayoi Period, which was the time that rice cultivation began (approx. 3rd century B.C.).

There are also many shrines and temples remaining throughout the prefecture.

Even today, the Mishima Taisha Shrine and the Okuni Shrine, and the Hattasan Son-eiji Temple, which is believed to dispel bad luck and evil spirits, are visited by many people offering prayers before the Gods.

Popular spots such as Hamamatsu Castle – a former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine which enshrines this shogun who once ruled the land, give you the chance to admire Japanese culture through the fascinating architectural beauty of that period.

The scenic beauty of the area attracted many cultural figures, and the ryokans and hot springs of the Izu area were particularly loved by some of the greatest writers of Japanese literature.

Izu was the setting for many famous novels such as Kawabata Yasunari’s The Izu Dancer and Ozaki Koyo’s The Golden Demon.

Another of Shizuoka Prefecture’s charms is its large number of museums boasting a wide range of genres from traditional Japanese to contemporary European art.

The Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art houses a stunning collection of Rodin’s works, and the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments displays over 1,000 articles from around the globe.

The Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum features Utagawa Hiroshige’s world-famous Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido ukiyo-e prints.

Shizuoka Prefecture has something for everyone – an exotic blend of Japanese culture, history and contemporary life that will stimulate your curiosity and capture your imagination.