Text area from here.

Transportation

Modes of transport within Shizuoka

The main railroads in Shizuoka are the JR (Japan Railway) Tokaido Shinkansen and the Tokaido Main Line that traverse the prefecture from east to west.

The Tomei Highway Bus makes several runs in a day.

Other modes of transport between the numerous tourist attractions in Shizuoka include "resort trains" (special trains that run in the popular tourist areas), steam locomotives, round-trip buses, and ropeways.

These modes of transport, each unique in their own way, will make your journey more enjoyable.

Some of them are explained in detail below.

Central Japan Railway Company (JR Tokai)

The JR Tokaido Shinkansen that makes stops at stations in Shizuoka are the Hikari and Kodama trains.

The stations that Hikari trains stop at differ by train, so be sure to check in advance.

Relevant links

JR Central (English)
Japan-guide.com (English)

Tomei Highway Bus

The Tomei Highway Bus makes several runs a day between Shizuoka and Tokyo, and Shizuoka and Nagoya.

Fares are cheaper than the Shinkansen and reservations are not required.

Relevant links

Japan-guide.com (English)

Resort trains

"Resort trains" run exclusively between the popular tourist destinations.

The most typical "resort train" is the Izukyuko Line (Resort 21) that runs to and from Atami Station and covers the eastern part of the Izu area.

Relevant links

The Izukyuko Line (Japanese only)

Steam locomotives / Abt system railway

The Oigawa Railways operates steam locomotives to transport tourists in the inland regions of Central Shizuoka.

The trains make one round-trip a day (two on weekends in the spring and summer time) between Kanaya and Senzu, with the journey one way taking approximately one hour and twenty minutes.

The company also operates, on a daily basis, Japan's only (and one of the world's few) Abt system railway between Senzu and Ikawa Stations.

The train ride offers a panoramic view of the scenic beauty of Okuoi.

Relevant links

Oigawa Railway Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)

Tour boats / Ferries

Tourists can also enjoy pleasant boat rides in Shizuoka.

The Suruga Bay Ferry makes round trips between Shimizu Port and Toi Port in the Izu area, taking approximately an hour each way.

Tour boats also operate in many other locations in the Izu area, and on the Lake Hamana in Western Shizuoka.

Relevant links

Izu Cruise Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)
Izuhakone Railway Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)
Heda Unsosen Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)
S-Pulse Dream Ferry Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)
Dogashima Marine Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)
Hamanako Yuransen Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)
Fujikyu Marine Resort Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)

Sightseeing buses

Tourist buses are an effective means of transport for sightseeing in Shizuoka.

Operated by bus companies and by railroad companies, they offer half-day trips (approximately 3 hours) and full-day trips (7 ? 8 hours).

Details can be obtained at the Tourist Information Center in front of stations or at the bus companies' sales offices.

Relevant links

Izuhakone Railway Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)
TOKAI-BUS Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)
Shizutetsu Justline Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)
Ensyu Railway Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)

Take a ropeway ride

Numerous ropeway services operate in Shizuoka.

These include the Nihondaira Ropeway in Central Shizuoka operating between Nihondaira and Kunozan; the Kanzanji Ropeway in Western Shizuoka operating between Kanzanji and Okusa; the Katsuragi-yama Panorama Park Ropeway in the Izu area operating between Izunagaoka Spa and Katsuragi-yama; and the Shimoda Ropeway operating between Shimoda and Mt. Nesugata.

Each of these offers a 3 - 7 minute (one-way) aerial view of the area.

Relevant links

Shimoda Ropeway (Japanese only)
Katsuragi-yama Panorama Park Ropeway (Japanese only)
Hakone Jukkoku Pass cable car (Japanese only)
Nihondaira Ropeway (Japanese only)
Kanzanji Ropeway (Japanese only)