Why do the Japanese love Mt. Fuji? It is not just because it is the highest peak in Japan. The magnificent summit reaching above a lush, green, forest; the mysterious silhouette reflected in the water; the mountain’s changing visage through the seasons shows the real beauty of nature. No matter how often you see it, it never fails to impress.
Just one hour from the congested metropolis, Shizuoka prefecture offers visitors a microcosm of the Japanese archipelago. Majestic mountains and sparkling rivers, as well as waterfalls and ocean, green hills and quaint mountain villages await the visitor to this prefecture. Come and see a field of magenta azalea in Spring, cumulus clouds gathered over a rice fields in Summer, bright red maple leaves highlighting a forest in Autumn, and the snowy landscape of Mt. Fuji in Winter. Four distinct seasons makes a visit to Shizuoka rewarding at any time of year.
Mt. Fuji in Woodblock Print
Katsushika Hokusai the foremost figure in woodblock prints, is famous for his 36 Views of Mt. Fuji-Japanese in the Edo period had a strong reverence for Mt Fuji. Hokusai used ML Fuji as a motif in the soul of Japan.
Miho-no-Matsubara, and, naturally, Mt. Fuji, Shizuoka City
One of the “New Three Views of Japan”; along its seven kilometers of coastline, 54.000 pine trees grow, including an ancient tree to which tradition says an angel floated down. From the water’s edge, the view of Mt. Fuji is a sight to behold. The vista at night is exceptionally beautiful as lights from low lying cities and towns glitter like a million stars. 35 minutes by bus from Shizuoka Station.
Access – From JR Shimizu Station (JR Tokaido Main Line), approximately 25 minutes by Shizutetsu bus for Tokai University Miho Aquarium.
Satta Pass, Shizuoka City
The view of Mt. Fiji and Suruga Bay from this pass is stunning, and remains as periled in the 53 Stations of the Tokaido. You can view a landscape largely unchanged from when painted by master ukiyoe artist Utagawa Hiroshige.
Access – From JR Okitsu Station (JR Tokaido Main Line), an approximately 30 minute walk.
Lake Tanuki, Fujinomiya City
View the beauty of Mt. Fuji reflected in the lake. Enjoy the outdoors at the many campsites and boating areas, surrounded by the pristine beauty of nature.
Access – From JR Fujifnomiya Station (JR Tokaido Main Line) approximately 45 minutes by Kyuka Mura Fuji Fujikyu Shizuoka Bus.
Fuji River, Fuji City
One of Japan’s three fastest-flowing rivers. With abundant, fast flow, the view of Mt. Fuji towering over the fiat, downstream riverbed of the Fuji River is one of Shizuowka’s celebrated views
Access – From JR Shibakawa Station (JR Tokaido Main Line), an approximately 5-minute walk.
Abe Pass, Shizuoka City
Border with Yamanashi Prefecture Continuing up the trail, the magnificence of Mount Fuji opens up ahead of you. The forest road can be traveled by car, and you can enjoy the beauty of azaleas in May, and the foliage in the autumn.
Access – From JR Shizuoka Station (JR Tokaido Main Line), approximately 2 hours by bus.
Asagiri Highland, Fujinomiya City
Be amazed by the sight of Mt. fuji looming above. May through August experience frequent mists in mornings and evenings, and the name of the plateau means morning mist.
Access – From Tomei Fuji IC, approximately 45 minutes drive on Route 139.
Sun-dried Cherry Shrimp, Fuji City
During the spring and autumn catches, enjoy the vast, red expanse of Cherry Shrimp drying in the sun. This scene of shrimp drying in the sun, together with the backdrop of Mt Fuji is popular with photographers
Access – From JR Shin – Kambara Station (JR Tokaido Main Line), an approximately 10 minutes by taxi.
Mt Fuji and tea plantation, Fuji City
Tea gardens covering the foothills of Mt. Fuji in early spring. Uncluttered by power lines and other intrusions, the natural open scenery is a magnet for people who love taking photos.
Access – From Tomei Fuji IC, approximately 20 minites.
The Birth of Mt. Fuji
Mt Fuji was born around 100.000; years ago. At first a small voicano, repeated eruptions built it a up into the prominent landmark we know today dwarfing older volcanoes such as Mt. Komitake, Mt. Ashitaka, and Mt. Hakone.
Heiwa Park, Gotemba City
This features slupa honoring the Buddha’s bones, and cherry blossom viewing in spring. The nearby magnificence of Mt. Fuji makes this a must-see spot.
Access – From Gotemba Station an approximately 10 minutes by taxi.
Cape Ose, Numazu City
A promontory that thrusts out 800 meters into Suruga Bay. This features Ose Shrine, which was established approximately 1,500 years ago, with a juniper grove that is designed as a natural treasure.
Access – From JR Numazu Station (JR Tokaido Main Line), approximately 1 hour by bus.
Katsuragi-yama Panorama Park, Izunokuni City
Ascend the mountain on the 1,800-meter ropeway, and enjoy a 360′ panorama of Mt. Fuji. Suruga Bay and the Amagi mountain range. This is the perfect place from which to view sights such as the Katsuragi shrine, and Hyakutia-jizo.
Access – From Izuhakone Railway Izunagacko Station, approximately 10 minutes by bus.
Senbon-Matsubara, Numazu City
A nature park with a large grove of pines, backing onto Suruga Bay. One of Japans 100 most beautiful white-sand beaches. The combination of beautiful pines, the splendor of Mt. Fuji, and the sun setting over the sea is truly-outstanding.
Access – From JR Numazu Station (JR Tokaido Main Line), approximately 15 minutes by bus.
Mizugatsuka Park, Susono City
Around 1,500 meters above sea level. Looking out at the Hoei vent, you can gaze upon the grandeur that is Mt. Fuji. In winter in particular, the all-encompassing snowscape and the beauty of Mt. Fuji ate sights to behold.
Access – From JR Iwanami Station (JR Tokaido Main Line), an approximately 30 minutes by taxi.
Kumomi Coast, Matsuzaki Town
One of Japan’s prominent beauty spots, with cliffs eroded by the sea, and a wind-beaten store. Also famous as a marine sports shore. On clear days, you can gaze upon the magnificence of Mt. Fuji.
Access – From lzu kyuko Rendaji Station approximately 40 minutes to Matsuzai, Bus Terminal, then change buses, for another 20 minutes.
Southern Japan Alps
The Southern Japan Alps National Park is a great place to view these majestic peaks, which can be seen across the entire northern park of the prefecture. More Details: Southern Alps/ Minami Alps (Minami-Arupusu-shi) – Shizuoka City Mountain Area
Nihondaira
The plateau at Nihondaira is a favorite of all Japanese. It’s panoramic vista looks out on the port of Shimizu. More Details: Nihondaira Area, Shizuoka City (Shizuoka-shi)
Shiraito Falls
The cascading “Falls of White Thread” have been named by the Environmental Agency as among the clearest in the country. The water originates in collected rainfall and melted snows of nearby Mt. Fuji, and is transported by channels formed of solidified lava from ancient eruptions. 40 minutes by bus from Fujinomiya Station. Also See: Shizuoka Flower and Water Scenes
Enshunada (Enshu sea), Hamamatsu City
On the Pacific Ocean side, the sands of these expansive dunes are lined with beautiful patterns etched by the wind. These dunes, the spawning place of loggerhead turtles, are actively protected by environmentalists and ecologists. Nature-loving volunteers protect the eggs of these rare turtles which return only in 15-year cycles.
Fig: Enshunada (Enshu sea) Beach and Enshunada Kaihin Seaside Regional Park
Enshunada (Enshu sea) Kaihin Seaside Regional Park is is 670 hectares covering a total length of about 15km around the sand dunes that is intended to correspond to the wide variety of recreational demand of the local residents. During Hamamatsu Kite-Fighting Festival & The Float Parades during May 3–5 each year, more than 100 kites are flown in the sky over the Nakatajima Dunes, one of the three largest sand dunes in Japan, which overlooks the Enshunada Sea.
Address and Contact – Enshunada Kaihin Park 1706 Enoshimacho, Minami-ku, Hamamatsu City (Hamamatsu-shi), Shizuoka Prefecture 430-0844, Japan TEL: 053-442-6775 FAX: 053-442-6778
Website: http://www.enshunada.com/
Hamanako, Hamamatsu City
Lake Hamana is the center of many leisure and recreational activities. The hotels, inns and hot springs attract visitors to the spa at Kanzanji. From your hotel window you can view the fireworks display, one of the most spectacular in Japan, it’s held here on July 27 and 28.
Nearby are Hamamatsu Castle within Hamamatsu Castle Park, the amusement park “Pal Pal”, the Hamamatsu Flower Park and Hamamatsu Fruit Park and Hamamatsu Zoo. Enjoy the panorama surrounding lake from the ropeway that carries you to the top of Mt. Okusayama. Lake Hamana is also famous for its marine sports. Here you can rent various types of motor boats and sailboats and can enjoy cruising in the breezes that brush the lake.
Abundant tasty shellfish can be gathered at Bentenjima from April through August. You can see the words of poets praising the beauty of Hamanako engraved in stone along the cycling route on the east side of the lake. Bicycles can be rented at Kanzanji or Nagisaen. During spring through summer you can have great fun digging up clams from sand under the shallow pools of water that fringe Lake Hamana.
Also visit Wotto-Hamanako Aquatic Experience Center (Hamanako Taiken Gakushu Shisetsu Wotto) research the rich biodiversity and fishery resources in Lake Hamana, Miyakoda River, Enshunada Sea and its local livelihood. There is a event you could to talk to divers while they`re feeding fishes in a fiver-meter-depth aquarium. Observe aquatic life at lab and Hands on activates such as feeding eels, making hourglass, and making net fishing bag are also available. Also See: Lake Hamana: Mt. Fuji Tour Routes, Lake Hamana Hot Springs Spa, Lake Hamana Tour boats
Hamanako Pal Pal Amusement Park and Kanzanji Ropeway on the Lake Hamana 1891 Kanzanjicho, Hamamatsu City, Nishi Ward, Shizuoka Prefecture 431-1209, Japan Tel: 053-487-2121
E-mail: p…@entetsu.co.jp
Pal Pal Amusement Park Website: http://www.pal2.co.jp/
Kanzanji Ropeway Website: http://ropeway.entetsu.co.jp/
Wotto-Hamanako Aquatic Experience Center 5005-1 Maisakacho Bentenjima, Hamamatsu, Nishi Ward, Shizuoka Prefecture 431-0214, Japan Tel: 053-592-2880 Fax: 053-592-2722
Email: uxo…@orange.ne.jp
Website: http://www.orange.ne.jp/~ulotto/
Hamamatsu Visitors and Convention Bureau 696, Itaya-machi, Naka Ward (Naka-ku), Hamamatsu City (Hamamatsu-shi), Shizuoka Prefecture 430-7717, Japan Phone: +81-53-458-0011 Fax: +81-53-458-0013
E-mail: i…@hamacon.net
Website: http://hamamatsu-daisuki.net/hamacon/en/map/index.html
Access – From JR Hamamatsu approximately 45 minutes by bus.
