Shizuoka Prefecture is very close to Mt.Fuji,the most famous mountain in Japan.Shizuoka is also the hometown of Tokugawa Ieyasu,who unified Japan.So I’d like to introduce you to some historical spots and places where you can see Mt.Fuji.Access is via Mt.Fuji Shizuoka Airport.The Shinkansen stops at six locations:Atami,Mishima,Shin-Fuji,Shizuoka,Kakegawa,and Hamamatsu.It’s a good idea to get off near where you want to go.
1. Places where you can see Mt.Fuji
Tea fields
Shizuoka is famous for its tea.Tea fields can be found around Kakegawa and in the Motoyama region west of Mount Fuji.
Miho no Matsubara (UNESCO)
It is a scenic spot called Miho no Matsubara.There are 30,000 pine trees along the approximately 4.3miles coastline.The place has appeared in numerous works of art.
Nihondaira Yume Terrace
This is an observation facility and cafe next to the TV tower.It is a scenic spot where you can see the sea,Mt.Fuji,and the mountains.
Mishima Sky Walk
This is a pedestrian-only suspension bridge from which you can see Mt.Fuji.Admission fee is 1,100 yen for adults.
Koibito Misaki (Lover’s Cape)
This is a power spot for love where you can pledge eternal love by ringing the bell.In this area,Toi cherry blossoms bloom in February.
2. Visit Historical Sites
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
This is a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. It was built in 1617 according to the person’s will that his body be buried on Mt. Kunozan. The shrine is a national treasure.There is Tokugawa Ieyasu’s grave.
You can access it by taking tha ropeway at Nihon-daira Yume Terrace.
Seiken Temple
It was founded in the 700s. This is the place where Tokugawa Ieyasu studied hard during his childhood.
Shizuoka Sengen Shrine
This is the shrine where Tokugawa Ieyasu held a ceremony to mark his coming of age. There are many buildings within the large grounds. The main shrine will be covered with a curtain and will not be visible for five years due to construction.
Hamamatsu Castle
This is the castle where Tokugawa Ieyasu lived for 17 years.Inside the castle,there are exhibits of Ieyasu when he was young and castle town.
Mishima Taisha Shrine
This is a very famous shrine in the area.This is a shrine dedicated to the gods of warding off evil and bringing prosperity to business,and was believed ro be one in which Minamoto no Yoritomo believed.
Toro Archaeological Site
These are the remains of a dwelling from about 2000 years ago.
Toi Gold Mine
This is a gold mine that has been mined since the Edo period.There is a Guinness certified gold nugget.That’s 2.6 billion yen.
3．See the Strange Rock formations created by Nature
Dougashima Sea Cave
The cave is a natural monument,You can see it from a sightseeing boat.It’s a park where you can take a walk and enjoy the ocen view.
Tombolo of the Izu Peninsula
Tombolos are roads that appear due to the ocean tides.
4.See the heritage of the Industrial Revolution
Nirayama Reverberatory Furnaces(UNESCO)
In the Opium War of 1840, Japan had to strengthen its military power. It was created in 1853 with the arrival of Perry. A melting furnace used to melt metal and make cannons. Egawa Hidetatsu, a magistrate during the Edo period, is in charge. It was registered as a World Heritage Site due to its influence on Japan’s industrial revolution.
