Last Updated: 27/02/2023
Dubbed by many as the country’s Riviera, Shizuoka seats about the middle of Japan and enjoys a massive share of the Pacific coastline. There are many cool oceanside things to do in Shizuoka as a result, including ticking the hours away in the summer sun of beautiful beaches like Shirahama.
You’re sure to appreciate the beauty of Shimizu port that stares out into the prefecture’s most prized possession: Mt. Fuji. The country’s tallest mountain also conjures many great things to do in Shizuoka, such as ATV tours in the lush fields below, hiking expeditions toward its snowed cap, and paragliding experiences, to name a few.
Within the waters of the pacific itself, you’ll find butterfly fish, turtles, dolphins, sea crabs, and much more while snorkeling and diving in Shizuoka. On the water, cruises on Lake Hamana make up soothing holiday activities, as do yoga SUP, canoeing, kayaking, and surfing the Pacific waves. Enchanting natural formations such as the Kawazu Seven waterfalls and precious traditional crafts like pottery ensure more for your vacation list!
Bringing together the best of the prefecture, here’s our round-up of things to do in Shizuoka!
1. Diving beside rainbow fish
Dive into the adventurous waters off the Jogasaki cost and admire butterflyfish playing in the field of colorful sea fans on the seabed. Night diving is a special treat!
Beginner-Friendly Underwater Diving Experience
Ito, Shizuoka
Take Diving Lessons and Obtain C Card license (2-days course)
Itō, Shizuoka
2. Snorkeling the best of Japan’s underwaters
An underwater world of Japanese horse mackerel, tropical crabs, and snails await! Explore precious corals by snorkeling in Shizuoka, home to many interesting crustaceans and plant life formed over centuries of mother nature’s nurturing!
Explore the Fascinating Marine Life of Shizuoka Sea with a Dolphin Snorkeling Experience
Shimoda City, Shizuoka
3. SUP with a touch of yoga
Gliding on a board on a SUP tour in Izu Shimoda is a soothing experience that feels like a massage by sea breezes. Take things up a notch by blending Yoga and SUP experiences!
Beginner-Friendly Stand Up Paddleboarding Experience & Snorkeling with Instructor Guide (90 minutes Course)
Shimoda, Shizuoka
Refreash Your Mind and Body with Sup Experience Under the Blue Sky and on the Calm Sea
Shimoda, Shizuoka
4. Surfing for all
From kite surfing to windsurfing and some good old-fashioned plain surfing against crashing waves, Shizuoka offers a surfing feast for those who love spending time in the water.
Private Surfing Lessons Tailored to Each Customer's Level of Experience
Shimoda, Shizuoka
5. Breathtaking Mount Fuji climbing tours
Climbing Mt. Fuji entails scaling 3,776 m of enchanting elevation. Work your way to the beautiful snowy peak, while stopping to admire the five famous Fuji Lakes!
Mt. Fuji Summit Guided Climbing Tour (Small number of participants, up-to 8 people)
Fujinomiya, Shizuoka
6. Fly in the sky with Paragliding & motor paragliding
Do you live for the heights? A motor paraglider experience among the clouds is just what the doctor ordered! The same goes for paragliding before Mt Fuji and Miho no Matsubara!
Experience a Spacial and Luxurious Motor Paragliding Flight Overlooking the World Cultural Heritage, Miho No Matsubara, Mt. Fuji, and Suruga Bay!
Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka
7. ATV Tours with Mt. Fuji views
An ATV buggy on the plains straddling Mt. Fuji is a great way to enjoy the sun and snowy peak in the distance. Don’t forget to bring your camera for the most enchanting shots ever!
8. Cycling tours in Shizuoka’s famous spots
Home to hot spring-bathing capybara and the most scenic mountain seclusions ever, you’ll never forget Shizuoka cycling. Enjoy rides by the sea and in enthralling forestry!
9. Canoeing & Kayaking tours around idyllic islands
Embrace canoeing and kayaking tours in Shizuoka, on a sea so transparent that boats seem to be floating on air. You’ll get to see the gorgeous Izu archipelago and an abundance of green peaks!
Half-day Kayaking Experience (Beginner-friendly course)
Numazu, Shizuoka
Experience Floating on The Sea Numazu on a Half-day Kayaking Tour
Numazu, Shizuoka
Private guide Kayaking experience & snorkeling 120 minutes with exclusive instructor
Shimoda, Shizuoka
10. Swimming with dolphins
With a playfulness that’s only matched by their intelligence, it’s always a good time swimming with dolphins in Shizuoka. These adorable sea mammals have plenty of tricks in store for guests!
11. Cooking classes: Special soba noodles and pizza
Shizuoka cooking classes will teach you all about authentic soba making and creating the best Tempura! You can also sign up for an Ishigama pizza baking, among other culinary experiences.
Join Japanese Cooking Class with Family and Friends. Experience Tempura, Sazae Rice, and Authentic Soba Making Using Traditional Small Bowl & Soba Set Meal
Ito, Shizuoka
12. Weaving clay into art at Pottery workshops
Learn how to work the magic of the potter’s wheel, spinning clay into beautiful vessel designs at a traditional pottery workshop. Why buy alluring earthenware when you can make them yourself?
Enjoy Pottery Experience with Your Family and Children Shaping Clay with Your Hands (Family-Friendly Course)
Ito, Shizuoka
Ceramic Pottery Experience Using an Electric Wheel (Beginner-friendly course)
Ito, Shizuoka
13. Cruising tours in picture-perfect lakes
Have you ever had dinner on the shores of a scenic lake? The cruising tours on Lake Hamana promise delightful times out at sea, entailing fun picnics and sunbathing on a moving boat.
Go on an Exciting Experience and Enjoy the Beautiful Nature Views of Lake Hamana Cruising Tour with Luxurious Lunch (Italian Cuisine)
Lake Hamana, Shizuoka
14. Shirahama beach: A summer escape into paradise
Shirahama is the highlight of beautiful Shizuoka beaches. When the summer heat proves too much, let loose in its white sands and cool down in the breezes of azure waters!
Private Surfing Lessons and Courses for Beginners and Children!
Shimoda, Shizuoka
15. Shiraito falls: Welcome to paradise
At Shiraito falls, one major stream of water rushes over a colorful forest and into a pond while little showers trickle all around as if supporting the main act. Enjoy a picturesque afternoon in nature!
16. Sumatakyo Gorge: Where wishes come true
Make a wish for a loved one on a rope bridge over the Sumatakyo gorge, as is tradition, and stop to admire the engulfing vegetation around and the crystal blue waters below the Yume no Tsuribashi suspension bridge!
17. Hamamatsu Castle: Journey back to beautiful Edo
Peeping above the vibrant summer tree line, Hamamatsu castle is a place of great beauty and history, having once been the home of the first Edo shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu.
18. Splashes of serenity at Lake Hamana
Wind in your hair, sunset on your back, and crowds of lushness to the side, cruising on Lake Hamana is as peaceful as it gets. Be sure to make time for a dip in the hidden waterfalls!
19. Oceanside scenery at Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
One thousand steps of a spiraling stone stairway stand between you and the top of the Kunozan Toshogu shrine, but it’s worth every huff because of the breathtaking views of ocean and landscape!
20. The Kawazu Seven Waterfalls
Discover the seven breathtaking cascades of the Kawazu waterfalls across a picture-perfect walking trail. The statures you’ll meet along the way depict the protagonist of a short story by a Nobel-winning writer!
21. Make flower lamps at glass workshops
From wine glasses with floral accents to ritzy Izu lamps and mosaic trays, glass workshops in Shizuoka never disappoint with their wind range of creativity. Learn how to harness the beauty of glass!
22. Nakatajima sand dunes: Gorgeous sunsets
Enjoy the waves of sand in an ocean of brown that is the Nakatajima dunes, which have become popular turtle hatching grounds in recent years. Don’t miss the gorgeous sunsets!
23. Mishima Skywalk for the brave
Towering well above the green forest around it, Mishima Skywalk ensures unobstructed views of Fuji. There are zipline adventures to try out if you feel like adding more to the experience!
24. Shimizu port: Oceanside views of Fuji
More on excellent Mt. Fuji vantage points, Shimizu port adds to the sightseeing pleasure with the country’s first sushi theme park. Nothing quite compares to the view off the pier, across the sea, and onto Fuji.
