Although some might not recognise the name Shizuoka, most should instantly recognise it. The Japanese Prefecture of Shizuoka is home to the iconic Mount Fuji. In this travel feature, we’re looking at some of the new things visitors can experience, along with some fantastic new places to stay.
About Shizuoka, Japan
This Japanese Prefecture is a place steeped in history and is known for its onsen hot springs, huge choice of traditional ryokan inns, and in what will come as excellent news, for food fans, is regarded as a gourmet paradise. Its natural environment makes it the ideal place to produce some of Japan’s best food and drink. It’s somewhere visitors will be able to experience incredible fresh seafood, traditional wasabi and some excellent green teas.
Given the regions natural beauty, spectacular coastline, lakes and mountains, it’s no wonder that Shizuoka has been labelled “Japan’s Riviera”. It is also a UNESCO Global Geopark, and all this is just a one hour ride from Tokyo on the bullet train.
New Accommodation:
New luxury camping and ecotourism site opens in the foothills of Mount Fuji
Mt.Fuji Satoyama Vacation is a new luxury glamping site in rural Fujinomiya, offering guests all-inclusive camping escapes away from the city. Boasting impressive views of Mount Fuji and surrounded by nature, the site is home to spacious yurt style tents furnished with comfortable beds, handmade furniture and heaters powered with solar energy.
Communal areas include a social lounge, cafeteria serving local farm produce and washrooms. The site is run by En-Ya Mt.Fuji Ecotours, an eco-friendly local business specialising in sustainable tourism experiences that support the local community. Image courtesy of Mt.Fuji Ecotours.
Newly opened Curation Hotels celebrate Japan’s traditional crafts and architecture
Just 45 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo, in the coastal onsen resort town of Atami, Curation Hotels are a new collection of beautifully restored traditional Japanese homes available for private holiday rental.
These comprise of a luxurious Tonoya-an – a folk house with three bedrooms that is over 87 years old, Suto Suien (above) – a villa with three bedrooms which is also over 87 years old and Momoyma-Gaen (above) – a building which is over 45 years old with four bedrooms that was shortlisted in the Hotel & Property Awards 2021.
All have been exquisitely renovated to combine traditional architecture and crafts with modern contemporary design to offer guests a truly unique stay and luxurious experience—image courtesy of Curation Hotels.
Private cottages with views of Mount Fuji welcome guests in onsen resort town Gotemba
Popular resort town Gotemba, known for its winter illumination events, has welcomed the opening of Yagi no Oka Cottage – a series of 15 spacious and modern two-story holiday homes surrounding a pond nestled in the foothills of Mount Fuji.
The cottages were built using sustainable local materials and will allow guests can enjoy the natural surroundings of the area as well as local onsen facilities, restaurants, and impressive night-time light and water shows—image courtesy of Tokinosumika.
New Experiences:
New ridge walk experience with 360° views of Mount Fuji and Shizuoka’s spectacular coastline
The Komuroyama Ridge Walk “Misora”, which offers spectacular 360° views across ocean and land, has opened on the summit of Mt. Komuro within the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park – known for its impressive displays of gorgeous azaleas in spring.
The loop-shaped promenade, at 321m above sea level with a total length of 166.3m, provides vistas of Mount Fuji, Sagami Bay, the Boso Peninsula, the Seven Islands of Izu and the Amagi Mountain Range. An onsite café with an observation deck serves a delicious selection of refreshments—image courtesy of Tokai Jidosha.
Izu Panorama Park reopens with new additions offering stunning views of Suruga Bay
Standing 452m above sea level, the Izu Panorama Park has reopened to visitors with new additions to the site’s already popular ropeway and sky garden experiences. The new AO Terrace, which overlooks Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay, includes a large observation deck with comfy sofas, private booths with daybeds and three stunning reflective pools of water for guests to relax and unwind beside.
The park’s newly opened Torattoria Izu Paradiso restaurant also serves a delicious menu of Italian inspired cuisine—Image courtesy of Izu Panorama Park.
Virtual tour of Fujinomiya showcases the gateway to Mount Fuji
Explore Shizuoka’s guided virtual tour of Fujinomiya – the gateway to Mount Fuji – is now available on YouTube. Viewers can experience the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, take a peek inside the Mt.Fuji World Heritage Centre, discover the beauty of Shiraito Falls and learn more about the region’s famous Fujinomiya Yakisoba noodles. Image courtesy of Tourism Shizuoka Japan.
We hope you found this guide to what’s new in Shizuoka informative, you can read more travel guides, hotel reviews and features here.
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