Area Characteristics
Shizuoka Prefecture which is located in the Tokai region has a long shape which extends from east to west with Mt. Fuji on the east side joined by the venerable tourist sites of Atami and Izu, and with western areas such as Hamamatsu which are filled with leisure spots such as Lake Hamana. Among these areas, Atami and Izu are close to Tokyo and have plenty of leisure facilities involving nature and onsen which are popular with couples and families. Mt. Fuji straddles the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures with 3 of the 4 climbing routes on the Shizuoka side.
Major Sites
Within the Mt. Fuji vicinity, there is Lake Tanuki which is famous as a place showing the Diamond Fuji effect, Shiraito Falls and Fuji Safari Park. Izu has many popular spots for the whole family such as Mt. Omuro, the Jogasaki Coast, Izu Shaboten Park and Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Park. In Atami, adults can also enjoy Kinomiya Shrine, the MOA Museum of Art and Kiunkaku House. There are plenty of other sightseeing spots including historical spots such as Mishima Taisha Shrine and the Mt. Fuji Asama Shrine, and leisure facilities such as the first Air Self-Defense Force theme park and Gotemba Premium Outlets.
Food
Shizuoka has plenty of famous dishes ranging from Japanese food to sweets. There are many establishments such as izakaya which serve ochawari which is a cocktail made from green tea and shochu liquor. There are other specialties from all around the prefecture such as the eel of Mishima, the wasabi of Amagi, the oranges of Mikkabi and the black hanpen fish cake of Yaizu. In addition, Hamamatsu gyoza dumplings, Mishima croquettes, Shizuoka oden, Fujinomiya yakisoba and other local dishes are also popular. You can also visit a factory to see how unagi pie, a famous Hamamatsu cookie, is made.
Transportation
From Tokyo, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to reach Atami in 50 minutes, Shizuoka in 1 hour and 20 minutes, and Hamamatsu in 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are many regular buses traveling among Gotemba, Izu, Atami and the Lake Hamana area. For other areas, renting a car is convenient. The Oigawa Railway which runs from north to south in central Shizuoka is popular as a tourist train with retro cars and the SL Thomas.
Accommodations
Plenty of hotels and ryokan are available along with onsen areas in Izu and Atami. In addition, there are also accommodations in Gotemba, Mt. Fuji, Shizuoka Station, Hamamatsu Station and Lake Hamana among other places.