When it comes to holiday destinations, Japan has it all.
Beaches and ski fields, friendly locals, a rich culture, great nightlife, delicious food… the list goes on. But while many travellers set their sights on Tokyo, the best stuff is found further afield.
Shizuoka is easily one of the best hidden gems in Japan – especially for foodies.
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Shizuoka isn’t just beautiful. It also has a great food scene. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Known as Japan’s tea capital, Shizuoka is nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
It has amazing landscapes: rolling tea-covered hills, rugged coastlines, and sweeping views of Mt Fuji. In fact, a new viewing platform overlooking Mount Fuji just opened in Shizuoka.
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But the biggest drawcard is definitely the food.
Japan’s food scene is rich and vibrant – so much more than just sushi and ramen. Foodies are already flocking to Japan for its culinary offerings, and Shizuoka is a stand-out.
Sakura shrimp is a rare local delicacy. (Getty)
Shizuoka offers an authentic and impressive variety of local specialties and seasonal flavours, thanks to a long history of food traditions in the region.
For example, it’s one of the only places in the world where you can try fresh Sakura Shrimp.
These tiny, translucent pink shrimp are a local specialty, caught only in Suruga Bay. They are delicious eaten raw, in tempura fritters (kakiage), or sun-dried.
The port of Shimizu is especially famous for its tuna, offering some of the freshest sashimi and sushi in the country.
Shizuoka is the largest producer of green tea in Japan. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Of course, no trip to the region is complete without trying some green tea.
Shizuoka is the largest producer of green tea in Japan, cultivating about 40 per cent of the country’s supply.
Travellers can visit tea farms, enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, and try unique tea-infused products like green tea ice cream, soba noodles, or even tea-flavoured cocktails.
Unagi is a famous Japanese dish. (Getty)
Unagi – or eel – is another popular local delicacy, served over rice and especially popular in the summer months.
But eel isn’t just a savoury food. Shizuoka’s iconic Unagi pie is a flaky sweet pastry infused with eel extract.
The unagi pie has become renowned in Japan for its delicate texture and unique flavour, and you can even tour the factory where they’re made.
If you love dumplings, you have to try the local iteration, Hammatsu Gyoza. They’re filled with minced pork, cabbage, leek, and served with a big bunch of bean sprouts.
Hamamatsu Gyoza are a local specialty. (Getty)Where to eat in Shizuoka
Shizuoka is also home to renowned restaurants and family-run eateries, offering a true taste of Japan off the typical tourist path.
Heaps of local breweries are also now popping up across the region, with some unique beverages on offer.
From Gotemba Kogen Beer, crafted from underground Mt. Fuji water to Shizuoka Sake, made using pristine water from mountains of the Southern Alps – you can tour different breweries and taste their offerings first hand.
The region is filled with natural beauty. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)How far is Shizuoka from Tokyo?
Shizuoka is a short one-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo. It can also be accessed by bus, which will take about three hours.
Things to do in Shizuoka PrefectureHike the trails around Mt Fuji.Enjoy fresh seafood at the Shimizu Fish Market.Visit a tea farm and participate in a traditional tea ceremony.Soak in hot springs at the Atami Onsen.Cross Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge with sweeping views of the bay and mountains.Attend the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in February/March.Cycle around Lake Hamana.Eat Unagi pie at the factory where it’s made.See Kawazu Nanadaru, a scenic walking trail connecting seven waterfalls.
The best places to visit in Japan – besides Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
AloJapan.com