When I think of Shizuoka...

As today is Shizuoka Citizen’s Day, I found myself thinking about what I personally associate with Shizuoka. It probably won’t come as a surprise that the first thing that came to mind was Mt. Fuji. But right behind it came green tea, and then a flood of happy memories from numerous trips there. From the very first time I visited it, until present day, Shizuoka has always been my favorite prefecture.

Home to Shizuoka City (the prefectural capital) and Hamamatsu (the largest city), the prefecture has a population of about 3.77 million. Its symbols; Sweet osmanthus, azalea, and the elegant Japanese paradise flycatcher, reflect the region’s rich natural character. Shizuoka is also defined by iconic landscapes: Mt. Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, Miho Pine Grove, Suruga Bay, and countless tea fields all serve as visual emblems of the prefecture’s identity.

For me personally, I have a soft spot for Gotemba, a fifth station of Mt. Fuji. I also really like Atami for the retro hot spring town vibe and Shuzenji for accessible mountain scenery. Shimoda is one of the most beautiful places for beaches in all of Japan. You will find plenty of articles on City-cost about the stunning tea plantations in the prefecture, as well as one of the most spiritual shrines I have ever visited: Okuni Shrine (pictured).

There is so much more to Shizuoka than what I’ve mentioned here, this is simply what came to mind instantly, shaped by my own experiences and memories. Every corner of the prefecture seems to offer something beautiful, calming, and / or meaningful. On Shizuoka Citizen’s Day, it feels fitting to highlight some of the many gems of 'Mt. Fuji country'.