Shizuoka Trip: Exploring Sightseeing and Cultural Experience Spots Around Mt. Fuji (Part 1)

A Spectacular Experience of Bonito Grilled Over Straw (Yaizu City)

Less than an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen “Hikari,” our group gathered at JR Shizuoka Station before heading to the neighboring city of Yaizu by bus. Our first stop was Kawanao, a bonito processing facility founded in 1877. Here, we had the chance to try the region’s specialty: bonito grilled over straw, followed by a tasting of freshly prepared tataki (chopped bonito). Yaizu holds the title of Japan’s largest port for frozen bonito landings. At Kawanao, they process and sell a variety of products, including namaribushi (boiled and smoked bonito) made from fish landed at Yaizu Port.

After learning about the bonito fishing industry from a skilled professional, we observed the process of grilling bonito over burning straw. The towering flames were truly spectacular, rising high above our heads. Soon, the air was filled with the unique, savory aroma of the straw.

The grilled fish was then cooled in the mineral-rich deep-sea water of local Suruga Bay before being filleted. The artisans’ precise knife skills were mesmerizing to watch.

The freshly prepared tataki—crispy on the outside while rare inside—was incredibly flavorful, with the rich fat melting in the mouth. Paired with ponzu sauce or salt, the taste became even more nuanced. We also enjoyed namaribushi alongside the tataki.

Strolling Along the Coast at Fishuna Park (Yaizu City)

Next, we visited Fishuna, a seaside park nearby. The park features tidal pools where visitors can interact with marine life, a fishing zone, and open spaces for various activities. A heart-shaped monument inspired by waves and bonito celebrates Yaizu’s local culture. Visitors can also capture scenic photos with Mt. Fuji in the distance. Unfortunately, during our visit, Mt. Fuji was shy and mostly hidden behind clouds. Our tour guide encouraged us to “see it with our heart’s eye”—a wonderfully optimistic perspective.

Praying for Beauty at Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine (Fujinomiya City)

After leaving Yaizu, we headed to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine in Fujinomiya City, located in the eastern part of the prefecture. Dedicated to Mt. Fuji, this sacred site is the head shrine of the approximately 1,300 Sengen shrines across Japan. The area above the eighth station of Mt. Fuji is considered part of the shrine’s grounds, with its Okumiya shrine located at the mountain’s summit.

The history of Sengen Taisha dates back to 27 BC according to legend, when the emperor at the time sought to calm Mt. Fuji’s volcanic eruptions. By the early 9th century, a grand shrine was constructed at its current location. Since then, it has attracted the devotion of many renowned samurai, including Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542–1616), the first shogun of the Edo shogunate. Of the 30 structures he donated, the Romon Gate, the main hall, and the worship hall remain today. The shrine grounds are also home to 500 cherry trees, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.

On our visit, we made a wish for beauty to the shrine’s deity, Konohanasakuya-hime, a goddess from Japanese mythology celebrated as a paragon of beauty. Visitors can write their wishes on a special paper and submerge it in the spring water flowing throughout the shrine grounds. As the paper soaks, a message from the goddess is revealed.Gazing at the crystal-clear surface of the sacred water in the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine, I felt refreshed, as if both body and mind had been purified.

Afterward, we paid our respects at the worship hall and then visited the nearby shrine office. There, we received the shrine’s beautifully illustrated goshuin seal stamp along with a special cypress storage case to commemorate the experience.

Across the street from the shrine, local food vendors offer Fujinomiya yakisoba noodles, Shizuoka-style oden, and other regional specialties. One highlight is the Mikuji Mochi, a unique sweet served with a fortune slip.

Just as we were about to leave the shrine, the clouds covering Mt. Fuji parted briefly, allowing us a glimpse of the majestic mountain at dusk. Believing this was a blessing from the shrine, we quickly captured the moment with our cameras.

Staying at Awashima Hotel, a Luxury Hotel on an Uninhabited Island (Numazu City)

With our spirits uplifted, we boarded the bus to Awashima Hotel, a luxury resort located on an uninhabited island in Numazu City. Opened in 1991, this hotel features all ocean-view suites, with most rooms offering a wonderful view of Mt. Fuji. Due to its location on an uninhabited island, the only way to access the hotel is by boat. After disembarking from the bus, we boarded a small boat and arrived at the hotel’s pier in about three minutes.

The interior of the hotel exudes European elegance, featuring a grand atrium lobby, a gallery adorned with various paintings, and a music hall with a classical atmosphere. There are also onsen facilities where guests can unwind in a large communal bath or outdoor rotenburo bath, melting away the day’s fatigue.

Dinner was served in the music hall, where we enjoyed a full-course French meal. The menu highlighted local seafood, including white grunt and flounder, offering a taste of Numazu’s coastal treasures.

As the soothing sound of waves served as my evening lullaby, I went to bed wishing for clear skies and a perfect view of Mt. Fuji the next day.

To be continued…