The Best Time To Visit Shizuoka

Located in the central part of Japan, Shizuoka is a prefecture known for its amazing natural beauty, including Mount Fuji, waterfalls, and serene countryside landscapes. Aside from its scenic sights, Shizuoka offers a variety of festivals, traditional craft markets, and food festivals throughout the year. When it comes to visiting Shizuoka, timing is key to ensure you get the most out of your experience. In this blog post, we’ll discuss when the best time to visit Shizuoka is, and why.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a popular season to visit Shizuoka for its mild weather, blooming cherry blossoms, and various festivals. The cherry blossom season in Shizuoka typically occurs from late March to early April and attracts many visitors to parks and temples throughout the prefecture. One of the most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Shizuoka is Miho no Matsubara, a scenic pine grove that offers a spectacular view of Mount Fuji.In addition to cherry blossoms, Shizuoka offers various festivals during the spring season, including the Shizuoka Festival in April, where you can explore traditional Japanese culture, cuisine, and crafts. Another festival held in spring is the Daidogei World Cup in May, which features street performing artists from around the world showcasing their talents in Shizuoka’s downtown streets.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Shizuoka is hot and humid, but it’s also the perfect time for beach lovers to visit. The coast of Shizuoka has numerous picturesque beaches, such as Shimoda Beach and Shirahama Beach, which offer clean waters and great views. The Fujikawa International Balloon Festival is another popular summer event in Shizuoka, which happens in late July and early August. The festival features colorful hot air balloons rising over the stunning landscape of Mount Fuji.

Fall (September to November)

Fall is an ideal time to visit Shizuoka for outdoor activities and the beautiful scenery of autumn leaves. In October, you can witness the Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, where the surrounding trees of Lake Kawaguchi turn shades of red, yellow, and orange, offering incredible views. Another popular spot to view autumn leaves in Shizuoka is the Arakurayama Sengen Park, which provides an exceptional view of Mount Fuji with the trees’ colorful backdrop.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Shizuoka is relatively mild compared to other parts of Japan, and it’s an excellent time to explore the hot springs (onsens) scattered around the prefecture. Shizuoka’s hot springs are known for their healing properties and scenic views, making them a great place to relax and unwind. The Numazu Minato Matsuri, held in late January, is a favorite winter event in Shizuoka that includes traditional dance performances, food stalls, and a grand fireworks display over the port.

Conclusion

The best time to visit Shizuoka depends on your preferences and interests. Whether you prefer outdoor activities, cultural festivals, or relaxation, Shizuoka offers something for everyone. From cherry blossoms in the spring to hot springs in the winter, you’ll find plenty of reasons to visit this beautiful place throughout the year. By considering these seasonal factors, you can make the most of your visit to Shizuoka and experience everything it has to offer.

The Insider’s Guide to Visiting Shizuoka, Japan

If you are planning a trip to Japan, be sure to add Shizuoka to your itinerary. Located in the central part of Honshu Island, Shizuoka is a city best known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious food. With a combination of traditional and modern elements, Shizuoka offers a unique experience for every traveler. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best time to visit Shizuoka, what to see, eat and do while you’re there.

Brief Overview of Shizuoka

Shizuoka is the capital city of Shizuoka Prefecture and is famous for its stunning views of Mt. Fuji, tea plantations, and delicious seafood. The city is located on Japan’s Pacific coast and offers visitors a blend of modernity with historic charm. Shizuoka is home to several famous tourist attractions, including Shimizu Port, Sunpu Castle, and the scenic Miho no Matsubara beach.

The Best Time to Visit Shizuoka

If you want to visit Shizuoka when the weather is most pleasant, then the best time to visit is during the autumn season, from September to November. During this time, the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, and the autumn foliage creates picturesque views. Additionally, visiting in the autumn season allows you to participate in the major festivals that take place during this time of the year, such as the Shizuoka Matsuri and the Daidogei World Cup.

Things to See in Shizuoka

Shizuoka has a range of attractions for visitors to explore, ranging from historical sites to natural wonders. Here are some of the must-see places in Shizuoka:

Sunpu Castle

Sunpu Castle, also known as Fuchu Castle, was once the residence of the Tokugawa clan during the Edo period. The castle, reconstructed in 1950, has a museum inside which showcases the history of the castle and the Tokugawa clan. Visitors can enjoy a scenic view of the city from the top of the castle.

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Shizuoka and is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the three goddesses of the Shizuoka region and is known for its beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, and cultural significance.

Miho no Matsubara Beach

Miho no Matsubara Beach is a stunning beach located along the Suruga Bay. The beach is popular for its picturesque views of Mt. Fuji, sunset, and the pine trees that line the shore. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and seafood at this picturesque spot.

Food and Drink in Shizuoka

Shizuoka is a city celebrated for its food culture. Some of the must-try local delicacies include:

Shizuoka Oden

Shizuoka Oden, a traditional Japanese dish, is a popular winter favorite and includes a variety of ingredients such as fish ball, boiled eggs, and vegetables, cooked in a clear broth. This dish is available in most of the local restaurants and food stalls.

Shizuoka Tea

Shizuoka produces some of the finest green tea in Japan, and visitors can enjoy a cup of Shizuoka tea at the various tea houses in the city. You can also take a guided tour of the tea plantations and learn about the tea-making process.

Sashimi

Located along the Pacific coast, Shizuoka is renowned for its abundant seafood and sashimi. The seafood is fresh and served raw on a bed of ice. Be sure to try the local delicacies such as sakura shrimp, eel, and shirasu.

Cultural Experiences in Shizuoka

Shizuoka is steeped in history and culture, and visitors can experience traditional Japanese art, music, and martial arts. Here are some of the activities you can experience:

Taiko Drumming

Taiko drumming is a traditional Japanese art form characterized by the use of large drums. Visitors can take a class or attend a performance of the art form in Shizuoka.

Kendo

Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that uses bamboo swords and protective armor. Visitors can watch a Kendo match or take a beginner’s class in Shizuoka.

Museum of Art

Shizuoka possesses a rich cultural history, and the Shizuoka Museum of Art is dedicated to showcasing Japanese art, including traditional paintings, pottery, and sculptures.

Off the Beaten Path in Shizuoka

If you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary, you can venture off the beaten path and explore these hidden gems in Shizuoka.

Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum

The Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum is dedicated to the works of Utagawa Hiroshige, a famous Japanese artist from the Edo period, and showcases his woodblock prints and paintings.

Nihondaira Zoo

The Nihondaira Zoo is a small zoo located on the side of a mountain in Shizuoka. The zoo is unique in that it focuses on animals from Japan, such as the Japanese flying squirrel and the Japanese serow.

Suruga Bamboo Forest

The Suruga Bamboo Forest is a lesser-known destination in Shizuoka but is worth the visit. The bamboo groves are a beautiful sight, and visitors can walk along the bamboo paths or take a bamboo craft-making workshop.

Conclusion

Shizuoka is a city that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a rich food culture. With a range of attractions for every traveler, be sure to add Shizuoka to your bucket list. Remember to visit in the autumn season, explore the must-see places, try the local food, and immerse yourself in the culture and hidden gems of Shizuoka.