Perfect for Families! Enjoy Shizuoka (Shimizu, Nihondaira, and Miho Areas)

A 2-Day, 1-Night Road Trip to Experience the Best of Shizuoka!

Discover Shizuoka City’s unique spots—featuring breathtaking views, relaxation, and gourmet cuisine—that the whole family can enjoy.

Suggested Time
One night, two days
Transport Options
By car, cable car, or on foot
Perfect for Families! Enjoy Shizuoka (Shimizu, Nihondaira, and Miho Areas)
START
Day1
About 10 minutes from the Shimizu Interchange on the Tomei Expressway

Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market

[10:30] Let’s have an early meal in Shimizu, home to Japan’s largest tuna catch!♪

Located right next to Shimizu Port, "Shimizu Fish Market: Kashi no Ichi" is a popular gourmet spot known as "Japan's first fish market where wholesalers sell directly to the public."

It bustles with crowds every day as people flock to enjoy the fresh seafood unique to Shimizu Port, which boasts the highest tuna catch volume in Japan.


If you’re looking to enjoy a meal, head to “Magurokan.”

They serve exceptionally fresh tuna delivered straight from the port in portions so generous they overflow the bowl, all at surprisingly affordable prices.

The sheer generosity and deliciousness of the dish are unforgettable once you try it.


If you’re looking for souvenirs or ingredients, head to “Ichiba-kan.”

Fresh fish, dried fish, and processed seafood products, selected by expert buyers, are packed tightly on the shelves.


"What's today's recommendation?" "What's the best way to eat this?"—  

Amid the lively calls of vendors, enjoying a conversation with the shopkeepers while you shop is one of the unique pleasures of the market.

Basic Information
Address
149 Shimazaki-cho, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Telephone Number
054-355-3575
Open
[Ichiba Hall (Retail, Restaurants)] 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (2nd Floor Shops) Business hours vary by store. Please check directly with the store. [Maguro Hall (Restaurants)] Business hours vary by store. Please check directly with the store.
Closed Days
Closed on Wednesdays and on other occasional holidays (excluding some restaurants and the ferry) Please check our website for details.
  • Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market
  • Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market
  • Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market
  • Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market
  • Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market
  • Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market
  • Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market
  • Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market
  • Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market
  • Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market
About 20 minutes

Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace

[12:00] Photo session with a 360° panoramic view

Nihondaira, which once took first place in the “Top 100 Tourist Destinations in Japan” contest. “Nihondaira Yume Terrace” is an observation facility built in 2018 at the summit (elevation approx. 300 m).


The views from the third-floor observation deck and the approximately 200-meter-long outdoor observation corridor offer a truly sublime panoramic vista. You can enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree view stretching from Mount Fuji to Suruga Bay, Miho no Matsubara, and all the way to the Izu Peninsula. Furthermore, at night, you can witness the magical twinkling lights recognized as a “Japan Night View Heritage” site.


Using the adjacent Nihondaira Ropeway, you can reach the National Treasure, Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, in just 5 minutes. As a highlight of the Shizuoka sightseeing circuit, be sure to enjoy this experience as well.

Basic Information
Address
600-1 Kusanagi, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Telephone Number
054-340-1172
Open
9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Saturdays only: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM) *The observation deck is open all day.
Closed Days
*The second Tuesday of every month and year-end (December 26–31)
  • The view from Nihondaira Yume Terrace
  • The view from Nihondaira Yume Terrace
  • The view from Nihondaira Yume Terrace
  • Nihondaira Yume Terrace
  • Nihondaira Yume Terrace
  • Tea Fields and Mount Fuji
  • Night view
  • Nihondaira in Spring
  • Nihondaira Ropeway
・About a 5-minute walk
・Just a short drive away

Nihondaira Ropeway

[12:50] A 5-minute aerial tour overlooking Suruga Bay

This route connects the summit of Nihondaira—a scenic spot that has been ranked first in the "Top 100 Tourist Destinations in Japan" competition—with Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, a historic site associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu that houses the only National Treasure building in Shizuoka Prefecture, in just five minutes.


At the shop, you can purchase Shizuoka specialties and souvenirs. Among them, the “Faucet Mandarin Orange Juice”—where mandarin orange juice flows from a faucet—is particularly striking and extremely popular.


Basic Information
Address
597-8 Kusanagi, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Telephone Number
054-334-2026
Open
Nihondaira Station 9:10 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Kunozan Station 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Closed Days
There will be a service suspension in December due to equipment upgrade work.
Take the ropeway for about 5 minutes and get off at "Kunozan Station"

Kuno-zan Toshogu Shrine

[1:00 PM] Visiting the National Treasure Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu

This shrine marks the founding of Tōshō-gū, where the remains of the late Tokugawa Ieyasu were first enshrined in accordance with his will. The main hall, entirely lacquered and painted in vivid colors, served as the prototype for the Gongen-zukuri architectural style and has been designated a National Treasure for its splendor and historical significance.


The adjacent museum houses approximately 2,000 cultural artifacts, including Lord Ieyasu’s armor and a National Treasure-designated sword. It is a sacred site representing Shizuoka, where history, breathtaking scenery, and the treasures of the ruler of the realm converge.


In addition to the ropeway route introduced here, visitors can also take the Omotesando route, which involves climbing 1,159 stone steps from the base of the mountain. Beloved for its pun “ichi-ichi go-kurosan” (literally “one by one, good job”), this path offers a sense of accomplishment amidst the tranquility. In particular, the view of Suruga Bay from the “First Gate” at the 909th step is so breathtaking that you’ll instinctively stop in your tracks to take it all in.

Basic Information
Address
390 Negoya, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Telephone Number
054-237-2438
Open
9:00 AM–5:00 PM *Ticket sales end 10 minutes before closing. *Last admission to the museum is at 4:45 PM.
Closed Days
None
  • Your Excellency
  • Toshogu Shrine in Full Bloom
  • The Three-Leafed Aoi (the Tokugawa clan crest)
  • Sculpture of a Lion
  • Omotesando Stone Steps
  • Stone Torii Gate
  • Omotesando Stone Steps
  • Temple
  • View of Suruga Bay from the First Gate
  • First Gate
Take the ropeway for about 5 minutes and get off at "Nihondaira Station"
About a 15-minute drive

Nihondaira Zoo

[3:00 PM] Experience the power and cuteness of red pandas up close at their home!

Located at the foot of Nihondaira, this municipal zoo is famous for its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji across Suruga Bay.

Many visitors are captivated by the adorable sights of a wide variety of animals, including red pandas.


The zoo is known for its “behavioral exhibits,” which recreate environments close to the animals’ natural habitats to bring out their instincts.

In the popular “Predator House 299,” you can observe polar bears swimming underwater, as well as big cats like Amur tigers and jaguars.

Both adults and children are sure to be thrilled by the chance to see the bellies and large paw pads of these predators—a sight rarely seen!


The "Flying Megadome," one of the largest flying aviaries in Japan, is another highlight.

Here, you can observe a variety of birds up close in an environment that closely mimics nature.


With extensive indoor exhibits, including “Beast House 299,” you can enjoy the park comfortably even on rainy days.

 It’s a spot where you can encounter the animals in all their vitality without worrying about the weather.

Basic Information
Address
1767-6 Ikeda, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Telephone Number
054-262-3251
Open
9:00 AM–4:30 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)
Closed Days
Every Monday (or the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday or a substitute holiday), and during the year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 through January 1)
  • Red panda
  • Amur tiger
  • Polar bear
  • Polar Bear (Underwater Tunnel)
  • Spotted Seal (Underwater Tunnel)
  • Flying Megadream
  • Main Entrance
About a 15-minute drive

[Dinner] [Accommodations] Around Shizuoka Station

[5:00 PM] Enjoy "Shizuoka Gourmet" around Shizuoka Station

After relaxing at the zoo and walking around a lot, head to Shizuoka Station by car.

Once you’ve checked into the hotel, dropped off your luggage, and taken a breather, head out to explore downtown Shizuoka!


From “Shizuoka oden” to sakura shrimp and shirasu—seafood caught in Suruga Bay—

there are plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy culinary delights unique to Shizuoka.



Day2
About a 25-minute drive from Shizuoka Station

Kunō Strawberry Coast Road (December through May)

[10:00] Enjoy some sweet Ishigaki strawberries!

Overlooking Suruga Bay, "Kuno Strawberry Coast Road" is a famous strawberry destination known for its "stone wall cultivation" method, which is rare even on a national scale.

This farming method utilizes the solar heat stored in the stone walls to produce "Ishigaki Strawberries" that are surprisingly sweet and intensely aromatic, even in the dead of winter.


The appeal of the representative variety grown here, "Akihime," lies in its low acidity and melt-in-your-mouth softness.

Due to their delicate nature, long-distance transport is difficult, and it is said that the taste of fully ripened strawberries can only be enjoyed locally.


During the season, you can enjoy strawberry picking at many farms, and the best ones to look for are those that are bright red all the way to the stem.

Be sure to visit the area to enjoy the juicy sweetness that fills your mouth—a taste unique to freshly picked strawberries.

Basic Information
Address
Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture (Furushuku, Negoya, and other areas)
Open
This varies by farm. Please check directly with the farm.
Closed Days
This varies by farm. Please check directly with the farm.
About a 15-minute drive

Miho Matsubara / Miho Matsubara Cultural Creation Center "Miho Shirube"

[11:30] To the "Original Japanese Landscape" that Utagawa Hiroshige also loved

During the Taisho era, Miho Matsubara was designated as Japan’s first Place of Scenic Beauty.

In 2013, it was also registered as a component part of the World Cultural Heritage site “Mount Fuji,” truly a pristine landscape of which Japan is proud.


The contrast created by the pine grove—estimated to contain some 30,000 trees—the blue waters and white waves of Suruga Bay, and the majestic Mount Fuji is a scene of beauty straight out of a ukiyo-e print by Utagawa Hiroshige.

As you walk through the pine grove listening to the sound of the waves, the scenery that moved travelers of old unfolds before your eyes.


The “Hagoromo Pine” is a must-see.

It is the setting for the Hagoromo legend, which depicts the encounter between a celestial maiden and a fisherman, and the row of pine trees leading from there to Miho Shrine is called the “Path of the Gods.”


In 2019, the visitor center “Mihoshirube” also opened.

Through videos and exhibits, you can easily learn about the history of Miho Matsubara and its connection to Mount Fuji.

"Why was this place selected as a World Heritage Site?"

Once you understand the reason, the pine grove and Mount Fuji will surely resonate in your heart as a scene of exceptional beauty.

Basic Information
Address
Miho, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Telephone Number
054-340-2100
Closed Days
None
About a 15-minute drive

S-Pulse Dream Plaza

[1:00 PM] Lunch and shopping at a landmark in Shimizu Port

This mixed-use commercial complex is located in the Shimizu Bay Area, the town where the J.League team "Shimizu S-Pulse" was founded.

With a diverse lineup of approximately 60 stores offering shopping, movies, dining, and events, you can enjoy products unique to Shizuoka and Shimizu.


Whether you’re savoring Shizuoka cuisine for lunch or picking up souvenirs to commemorate your trip, we invite you to spend a relaxing time here.

Basic Information
Address
13-15 Irifune-cho, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Telephone Number
054-354-3360
Open
This varies by store.

Chibi Maruko-chan Land

[2:30 PM] Let's dive into the world of Chibi Maruko-chan!

"Chibi Maruko-chan Land," located in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City—the setting for the anime "Chibi Maruko-chan"—is Japan's only permanent museum.

The Sakura family’s living room and the “Class 3-4” classroom are faithfully recreated, giving visitors the feeling of stepping right into the world of the anime.


Every corner of the park is filled with "Chibi Maruko-chan" themes.

It’s packed with attractions that will captivate both adults and children, including a fantastical zone that feels like stepping into the anime’s opening sequence, photo spots with the characters, and the “Momoko Sakura Museum,” which displays rare materials from the creator.


After enjoying the world of the anime, head to the attached shop.

It offers a wide selection of limited-edition goods and souvenirs available only here—a lineup sure to excite even those who aren’t Maruko fans.

Basic Information
Address
13-15 Irifune-cho, Shimizu Ward, Espal Dream Plaza Main Building, "SEA-side," 3rd Floor, Chibi Maruko-chan Land, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Telephone Number
054-354-3360
Open
10:00 AM–8:00 PM (Last admission at 7:30 PM)
Closed Days
None
Goal
Trip Route
  • Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market
  • Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace
  • Nihondaira Ropeway
  • Kuno-zan Toshogu Shrine
  • Nihondaira Zoo
  • Miho Matsubara / Miho Matsubara Cultural Creation Center "Miho Shirube"
  • S-Pulse Dream Plaza
  • Chibi Maruko-chan Land

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Next, let's take a look at the Itineraries

Perfect for Families! Enjoy Shizuoka (Downtown & Maruko Edition)

Perfect for Families! Enjoy Shizuoka (Downtown & Maruko Edition)

Within walking distance from the station! A suggested day trip itinerary around Shizuoka Station

Within walking distance from the station! A suggested day trip itinerary around Shizuoka Station

A Tour Featuring Views of Mount Fuji and National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties

A Tour Featuring Views of Mount Fuji and National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties

Explore by Rental Car! A 2-Day, 1-Night Model Itinerary Starting from Shizuoka Station

Explore by Rental Car! A 2-Day, 1-Night Model Itinerary Starting from Shizuoka Station

A tour featuring traditional crafts of Shizuoka and a visit to a quintessentially Japanese port town

A tour featuring traditional crafts of Shizuoka and a visit to a quintessentially Japanese port town

[Reservations Required] An Interactive Course Featuring Views of Mount Fuji and Shizuoka Cuisine

[Reservations Required] An Interactive Course Featuring Views of Mount Fuji and Shizuoka Cuisine

A tour exploring the local history and daily life of Shimizu

A tour exploring the local history and daily life of Shimizu

A Water Bus Tour of Miho Matsubara’s Spectacular Views and History

A Water Bus Tour of Miho Matsubara’s Spectacular Views and History

A Tour of Shrines and Japanese Gardens Associated with the Shogun

A Tour of Shrines and Japanese Gardens Associated with the Shogun

Perfect for Families! Enjoy Shizuoka (Umegashima Edition)

Perfect for Families! Enjoy Shizuoka (Umegashima Edition)

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Within walking distance from the station! A suggested day trip itinerary around Shizuoka Station

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A Water Bus Tour of Miho Matsubara’s Spectacular Views and History

A Water Bus Tour of Miho Matsubara’s Spectacular Views and History

Explore by Rental Car! A 2-Day, 1-Night Model Itinerary Starting from Shizuoka Station

Explore by Rental Car! A 2-Day, 1-Night Model Itinerary Starting from Shizuoka Station

A Tour Featuring Views of Mount Fuji and National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties

A Tour Featuring Views of Mount Fuji and National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties

Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace

Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace

Miho Matsubara

Miho Matsubara

Shizuoka City Food Guide: A Comprehensive Look at Everything from Oden and Seafood to Shizuoka Tea, Organized by Category

Shizuoka City Food Guide: A Comprehensive Look at Everything from Oden and Seafood to Shizuoka Tea, Organized by Category

A Tour of Shrines and Japanese Gardens Associated with the Shogun

A Tour of Shrines and Japanese Gardens Associated with the Shogun

Perfect for Families! Enjoy Shizuoka (Downtown & Maruko Edition)

Perfect for Families! Enjoy Shizuoka (Downtown & Maruko Edition)

Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market

Shimizu Fish Market: The Waterfront Market
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