Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県)
Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県) is located in the Chubu region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Shizuoka and primary transport gateway at Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Atami & Mishima Stations (Tokaido Shinkansen). Spanning 35 cities, towns, and villages, Shizuoka is renowned for Southern views of Mount Fuji (Miho no Matsubara, Nihondaira, Fujinomiya), Izu Peninsula hot springs and coastline (Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Shuzenji), and Hamamatsu.
| Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県) Quick Facts | 2026/2027 Travel Reference |
|---|---|
| Region & Capital | Chubu · Capital: Shizuoka |
| Primary Rail / Transit Hub | Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Atami & Mishima Stations (Tokaido Shinkansen) |
| Municipalities Covered | 35 cities, towns, wards & villages |
| Top Sightseeing Bases | Hamamatsu (浜松市), Shizuoka (静岡市), Fuji (富士市), Numazu (沼津市), Iwata (磐田市) |
| Best Season to Visit | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Oct–Nov) |
| Signature Regional Food | Shizuoka green tea (sencha & matcha), Hamamatsu gyoza & Lake Hamana unagi (eel), Fujinomiya yakisoba, Suruga Bay sakura-ebi (cherry shrimp) & namashirasu, Shizuoka oden |
Top Cities, Towns & Sightseeing Bases in Shizuoka Prefecture
Whether you are basing in the prefectural capital of Shizuoka or planning regional day trips from Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Atami & Mishima Stations (Tokaido Shinkansen), these top municipalities in Shizuoka Prefecture offer the richest concentration of cultural landmarks, rail links, and dining:
- Hamamatsu (浜松市) — Designated major city (pop. 780,128, 1,511.17 km²) served by Hamamatsu Station (浜松駅) (1.0 km); key local sights include Hamamatsu Flower Park, Hamamatsu Fruit Park, Hamamatsu Municipal Zoo.
- Shizuoka (静岡市) — Designated major city (pop. 710,944, 1,388.78 km²) served by Shizuoka Station (静岡駅) (0.8 km); key local sights include Udo Yama (7.9 km), Miho Jinja (12.9 km), Miho Bunka Land (13.5 km).
- Fuji (富士市) — Special city (pop. 237,279, 214.10 km²) served by Fuji Station (富士駅) (2.5 km); key local sights include Sengen Kofun, a National Historic Site, Hōju Ji (1.9 km), Zuirin Ji (3.4 km).
- Numazu (沼津市) — Special city (pop. 206,818, 187.11 km²) served by Numazu Station (沼津駅) (0.9 km); key local sights include Reizan Ji (0.7 km), Hie Jinja (0.8 km), Senbonhama Kōen (1.5 km).
- Iwata (磐田市) — City (pop. 172,583, 164.08 km²) served by Iwata Station (磐田駅) (0.9 km); key local sights include Sanagi Lake (15.5 km), Awaga Dake (粟ヶ岳) (24.2 km), Kannon-zan (22.3 km).
- Fujieda (藤枝市) — City (pop. 129,637, 140.74 km²) served by Fujieda Station (藤枝駅) (2.0 km); key local sights include Tanaka Castle, Shida Gunga ruins, National Historic Site, Utsunoya Pass, a National Historic Site.
How to get to Shizuoka Prefecture
45m–1h 25m from Tokyo Station (or 1h–1h 30m from Kyoto/Osaka) directly on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari or Kodama. Once at Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Atami & Mishima Stations (Tokaido Shinkansen), JR regional lines, private commuter railways, and local highway buses connect travelers across all 35 municipalities in Shizuoka. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Shizuoka
When visiting cities across Shizuoka, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Shizuoka green tea (sencha & matcha) — regional culinary specialty across Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県).
- Hamamatsu gyoza & Lake Hamana unagi (eel) — regional culinary specialty across Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県).
- Fujinomiya yakisoba — regional culinary specialty across Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県).
- Suruga Bay sakura-ebi (cherry shrimp) & namashirasu — regional culinary specialty across Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県).
- Shizuoka oden — regional culinary specialty across Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県).
Best time to visit Shizuoka
Early February–March for Kawazu early cherry blossoms on the Izu Peninsula; October–February for crisp, unobstructed southern views of Mount Fuji.
All 35 cities & municipalities in Shizuoka Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, local landmarks, nearest rail station, food specialties, and 5 closest neighboring stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shizuoka 静岡市 | Designated major city | 710,944 | 1,388.78 km² | City guide → |
| Hamamatsu 浜松市 | Designated major city | 780,128 | 1,511.17 km² | City guide → |
| Numazu 沼津市 | Special city | 206,818 | 187.11 km² | City guide → |
| Atami 熱海市 | City | 40,524 | 61.56 km² | City guide → |
| Mishima 三島市 | City | 112,320 | 62.13 km² | City guide → |
| Fujinomiya 富士宮市 | City | 122,122 | 314.81 km² | City guide → |
| Itō 伊東市 | City | 72,038 | 124.13 km² | City guide → |
| Shimada 島田市 | City | 95,762 | 195.40 km² | City guide → |
| Iwata 磐田市 | City | 172,583 | 164.08 km² | City guide → |
| Yaizu 焼津市 | City | 120,331 | 46.01 km² | City guide → |
| Kakegawa 掛川市 | City | 118,660 | 265.63 km² | City guide → |
| Fujieda 藤枝市 | City | 129,637 | 140.74 km² | City guide → |
| Gotemba 御殿場市 | City | 88,078 | 194.63 km² | City guide → |
| Fukuroi 袋井市 | City | 85,163 | 108.56 km² | City guide → |
| Fuji 富士市 | Special city | 237,279 | 214.10 km² | City guide → |
| Shimoda 下田市 | City | 25,784 | 104.70 km² | City guide → |
| Susono 裾野市 | City | 53,740 | 138.39 km² | City guide → |
| Kosai 湖西市 | City | 44,545 | 55.08 km² | City guide → |
| Izu 伊豆市 | City | 35,911 | 363.97 km² | City guide → |
| Omaezaki 御前崎市 | City | 35,015 | 65.85 km² | City guide → |
| Kikugawa 菊川市 | City | 47,702 | 94.24 km² | City guide → |
| Izunokuni 伊豆の国市 | City | 49,711 | 94.71 km² | City guide → |
| Makinohara 牧之原市 | City | 49,726 | 111.50 km² | City guide → |
| Yoshida 吉田町 | Town (町) | 30,042 | 20.73 km² | City guide → |
| Shimizu 清水町 | Town (町) | 32,710 | 8.81 km² | City guide → |
| Oyama 小山町 | Town (町) | 19,874 | 135.74 km² | City guide → |
| Nagaizumi 長泉町 | Town (町) | 42,323 | 26.63 km² | City guide → |
| Minamiizu 南伊豆町 | Town (町) | 9,058 | 110.58 km² | City guide → |
| Kawazu 河津町 | Town (町) | 7,829 | 100.79 km² | City guide → |
| Higashiizu 東伊豆町 | Town (町) | 13,444 | 77.83 km² | City guide → |
| Kannami 函南町 | Town (町) | 38,690 | 65.16 km² | City guide → |
| Kawanehon 川根本町 | Town (町) | 7,863 | 496.88 km² | City guide → |
| Matsuzaki 松崎町 | Town (町) | 7,452 | 85.23 km² | City guide → |
| Mori 森町 | Town (町) | 19,516 | 133.91 km² | City guide → |
| Nishiizu 西伊豆町 | Town (町) | 9,154 | 105.52 km² | City guide → |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places and cities to visit in Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県)?
Top highlights across Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県) in Japan's Chubu region include Southern views of Mount Fuji (Miho no Matsubara, Nihondaira, Fujinomiya), Izu Peninsula hot springs and coastline (Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Shuzenji), and Hamamatsu. Major cities and sightseeing bases in Shizuoka include Hamamatsu (浜松市), Shizuoka (静岡市), Fuji (富士市), Numazu (沼津市), Iwata (磐田市).
How do I get to Shizuoka Prefecture and get around by train?
The primary rail and transit hub for Shizuoka Prefecture is Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Atami & Mishima Stations (Tokaido Shinkansen) (prefectural capital: Shizuoka). 45m–1h 25m from Tokyo Station (or 1h–1h 30m from Kyoto/Osaka) directly on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari or Kodama. Compare bullet-train fares with our Shinkansen Fare Calculator and JR Pass Calculator.
What local food and regional dishes is Shizuoka Prefecture famous for?
Signature regional specialties across Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県) include Shizuoka green tea (sencha & matcha), Hamamatsu gyoza & Lake Hamana unagi (eel), Fujinomiya yakisoba, Suruga Bay sakura-ebi (cherry shrimp) & namashirasu, Shizuoka oden—served at station restaurants around Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Atami & Mishima Stations (Tokaido Shinkansen), local morning markets, and izakaya in Shizuoka and Shizuoka.
When is the best time of year to visit Shizuoka Prefecture?
Early February–March for Kawazu early cherry blossoms on the Izu Peninsula; October–February for crisp, unobstructed southern views of Mount Fuji. Check month-by-month weather, cherry blossom windows, and autumn foliage dates in our Japan Seasonal Calendar.