General Info

Shizuoka, located roughly in the center of Japan and only an hour from the capital by bullet train, is a city surrounded by the green of tea and basks in the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji. To the north, we have the tip of the Aka-ishi Mountain Range, commonly called the Southern Alps, and to the south is Suruga Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Shizuoka is lucky to be surrounded by such an abundance of beautiful natural scenery. The area that Shizuoka City administrates is approximately 1,389 sq.km, making it the largest county in the nation, but with only 5% of it actually inhabited, with a population of about 720,000 people, it is a very compact town.

The people of Shizuoka are known for being friendly and easy-going, but it also has a passion for soccer. Shizuoka is home to the Japan League team, the Shimizu S-Pulse, and has produced a lot of professional players.

Culture and History

A long time ago the city of Shizuoka was known as "Fuchu", and was a major center of culture and political power from the beginning of the Edo Era in the 17th century. From this place, the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and his successors issued orders to the daimyo, or great lords, and ruled the country. There are many structures of historical significance left from that time connected to Tokugawa Ieyasu, especially the remains of Sumpu Castle, Sengen Shrine, Mt. Kuno Toshogu Shrine, and one of the most famous temples of the Tokaido Road, Seikenji.

The Greatest Source of Japanese Tea

Probably the most representative product of Shizuoka City is green tea. Shizuoka is proud to have the largest and highest-producing tea fields in the country. This is not only because of the ideal environment for the cultivation of tea, but also due to the tireless efforts of the people involved in the tea industry.

The tea raised in this warm locale is well known for its mellow flavour and aroma. Our green tea is good for the health, and is enjoyed by many people both here and abroad.

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The Hundred Year Old Port that Never Sleeps

Of course, tea can't leave an island country without ships and a port, so a hundred years ago the Shimizu Port was built with authorization to ship goods to other countries. With its primary cargo being tea leaves, Shimizu port has developed into and international trading port. Because there are constantly container ships sailing in and out, and round-the-clock loading and unloading operations, it is often called "the Port that Never Sleeps." With Mt. Fuji in the background, it is counted among the "The Great, Beautiful Ports".

The Greatest Haul in Japan

Shimizu Port is proud to handle the largest amounts of maguro tuna in Japan. In October, 2007, the First Shimizu Port Maguro Festival was held, comprising of taste testing, maguro cooking contests, and panel sessions and lectures on tuna and sushi.

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Hobbies

This city has long been known as a major maker of dolls and models, originally from wood, and now plastic in the modern era. Every May, visitors from across Japan and around the world converge for the Shizuoka Hobby Show.

City as Stage

In Shizuoka, there are many events held throughout the year. In spring, when the cherry blossoms are blooming, we have a parade re-enacting the "flower viewing" by the shogun of four centuries ago. In the summer, more then 10,000 fireworks light up the night sky at the Abekawa Fireworks Show, and every fall, hundreds of thousands of people come to watch street performers from around the world show us their art in the annual "Daidogei World Cup in Shizuoka". Performers from Australia, America, Europe, and many other countries gather together every year to compete in this big contest.

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