SHIZUOKA CITY KANKO NAVI

　Until the Edo period, Shizuoka City was known as “Sunpu,” an abbreviation of “Suruga no Kuni Fuchu” (the provincial capital of Suruga Province). The etymology of “Suruga” is still preserved in the Indonesian language, and there is a theory that it means “paradise.” Perhaps the people of ancient times saw this land as a paradise on earth.

　The more I learn about Shizuoka City, the more I realize that this place is still a paradise today. A prime example of this is Miho no Matsubara, located on the eastern side of the Miho Peninsula, which forms the natural harbor of Shimizu Port. It is also famous as the setting for the Legend of the Feathered Robe. Since ancient times, dating back to the Man’yōshū era, the longing for this land has inspired waka poetry, Noh plays, and paintings.

　Even today, it seems that anyone who stands in this pine grove feels “something special.” Standing here, one begins to think that perhaps the legend of a celestial maiden descending from the heavens might actually be true.

　Miho Matsubara was registered in 2013 as a component part of the World Cultural Heritage site “Mount Fuji.” We hope to preserve this precious heritage for generations to come.

Miho Shrine, whose sacred tree is the Hagoromo Pine, is mentioned in historical records dating back to the Heian period. It is located near the Miho Matsubara Tourist Bus Parking Lot.

The "Path of the Gods" stretches from the front of Miho Shrine to Matsubara. It is the route taken by the eternal deities descending from Haguruma Shrine, a branch shrine of Miho Shrine, and features a 500-meter-long avenue lined with massive pine trees estimated to be about 200 years old.

Miho Matsubara, the setting of the Legend of the Feathered Robe. Both the pine grove and the sea are so beautiful, it’s truly moving. Seeing this, I can’t help but believe the legend is true.

The "Feather-Robed Pine," said to be where a celestial maiden once descended. It looks as if it is still waiting for a celestial maiden to hang her feathered robe upon it.

The legendary landscapes that captivated both Japan and the world have borne fruit in the realm of art and culture and have become part of the World Heritage List.

Every October at the Hagoromo Festival, people dressed as the fisherman from the Hagoromo legend make an appearance.

At the Hagoromo Festival, a Takigi Noh performance is dedicated to honor Madame Hélène, a French dancer who passed away while dreaming of this land.

A charming walking path through the pine grove. I could walk here forever, bathed in the dappled sunlight.

Led by local residents, activities such as pine tree planting and the preservation of pine groves are also being carried out.

I went for a ride on a rental bike. The Miho Peninsula is popular with people who enjoy marine activities such as fishing, swimming, and canoeing.

The Shimizu Lighthouse, affectionately known as the "Miho Lighthouse," is located nearby. Built during the Meiji era, it was Japan's first reinforced concrete lighthouse. At the very top sits a weather vane shaped like a celestial maiden.

An information center that showcases the charm of Miho Matsubara through exhibits and videos: the Shizuoka City Miho Matsubara Cultural Creation Center "Miho Shirube."