With Hulu’s acclaimed series, “Shogun,” shining a light on Japan’s feudal age, Shizuoka emerges as a destination for history fans. Shizuoka Prefecture, located along the famed “Golden Route” between Tokyo and Kyoto, is ideal for anyone interested in learning about Japan’s Shogun era. Moreover, it will captivate you with its scenery as you learn about this storied past and culture.
In this historical part of Japan, the legacy of the country’s illustrious Shoguns comes to life among the calmness of the landmark sites and nature. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of Minamoto Yoritomo — the courageous leader whose determination lightened Japan’s first Shogunate. They can also uncover the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the revered Shogun whose reign shaped the course of Japanese history. All in all, Shizuoka plays an integral role in the significance of Shoguns.
Explore Shizuoka’s Attractions
Travelers should make their way to the city of Shizuoka. Here, the last Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, sought refuge from the chaos of a changing world. For a truly authentic experience, order a Kaiseki meal at his 19th-century retirement mansion, Fugetsuro. The house, just a short walk from the Shizuoka bullet train station, reveals a lot about the last Shogun. And, of course, one can’t talk about Shizuoka without mentioning its green tea, which is considered among the finest in Japan. The region’s hills are covered in colorful tea farms, where the craft of tea cultivation has been refined over decades.
Visitors can take tea plantation excursions, pick tea, and enjoy the rich aromas of freshly brewed local tea. The Nihondaira area is ideal for expeditions, with views of Mount Fuji, the ocean, and endless tea plantations. Moreover, hot springs, a rocky shoreline, and beautiful waterfalls make the Izu Peninsula wonderful for anyone seeking relaxation and a return to nature. Meanwhile, the Oigawa Railway offers a nostalgic journey back in time, with its steam locomotives chugging through the heart of Shizuoka’s countryside, past mountains, and alongside rivers.
Adventure and Food
Adventure seekers will find their haven in the Southern Alps, where trails lead through untouched wilderness. Paragliders often grace the sky over this area, and the rivers are perfect for rafting. At the same time, surfers and sunbathers are drawn to the Izu Peninsula’s beaches. And that’s not all. Shizuoka’s culinary scene reflects its natural bounty. The prefecture is renowned for its seafood, with Suruga Bay offering some of the richest catches in Japan.
From succulent sakura shrimp to the prized Shizuoka wasabi, grown in the crystal-clear waters of the area’s mountain streams, the local cuisine will water your mouth. As the day wanes, there’s no better place to unwind than at one of Shizuoka’s many onsens (hot springs). The town of Atami, known for its hot spring resorts, provides a perfect setting for relaxation.