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Like Yamanashi, Shizuoka is a prefecture dominated by Mount Fuji’s snow-capped silhouette. With the mountain to the north and the sea to the south, it’s a holiday destination that offers some of Honshu’s best coastal scenery. The Izu Peninsula is a resort hotspot, packed with a plethora of stunning natural attractions, while the prefecture’s eponymous capital, Shizuoka, has a range of historic sites. Whether you relax in the balmy climes around Suruga Bay or head north to locations like Mount Warusawa, Shizuoka is a prefecture with plenty to offer for holidaymakers.
It ranges from startling clear to haze-faded and almost invisible, but Mount Fuji is Shizuoka’s central attraction, and one that no serious traveller can miss. This iconic mountain is a deeply sacred site for the Japanese, and has played a major role in both the geological and spiritual history of Honshu. If you make the ascent, you’ll get to see Fuji’s largest Shinto shrine, Fujisan Hongu Sengen. Nearby, check out other great places like the sacred Shiraito Falls, family-friendly Fuji Safari Park and Asagiri Plateau.
Shizuoka is also famous for its excellent selection of beaches and oceanside experiences. Miho no Matsubara, for example, has black shores ringed by dense groves of pine trees; in the background, Fuji looms, and the beach has become famous for this unique, striking tableau. Near Izu Kogen, the Jōgasaki Coast offers travellers the chance to explore some of Japan’s most famous cliffs, while Dougashima pairs beautiful views with seaside onsen.
Like anywhere in Japan, Shizuoka has a diverse range of ancient sites open to tourists, and it’s likely your holiday will include a spot or two of temple-hopping. Exploring Shinto shrines is a great way to expand your understanding of Japanese culture – check out locations like Mishima Taisha, Kinomiya-jinja and Kunōzan Tōshō-gū. Alternatively, visit a couple of Shizuoka’s castles. Both Kakegawa and Sunpu Castle have been reconstructed using traditional building techniques, and are definitely worth a look.
Are you looking for a seaside vacation with a Japanese twist? Book your Shizuoka holiday with Club Wyndham today.
