Hidden Japan: Shizuoka 5-Day Self Drive Itinerary

Hidden Japan: Shizuoka 5-Day Self Drive Itinerary

Mountains to the Sea: Panoramas of Southern Fuji and the Ocean

Explore Shizuoka at your own pace with our recommended self-drive itinerary!
This route can be customised as you wish.
Most travelers transit through Shizuoka Prefecture without even knowing it when riding the bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto on their Golden Route travels!
Consider stopping off and escaping the crowds in Shizuoka Prefecture – full of picturesque tea fields, incredible natural sights and views of Mt. Fuji! Shizuoka has so much more to offer including beaches on the Izu Peninsula, fresh seafood in small fishing villages and stunning hot spring resorts!
Driving in Japan is easy for Australians!
Left-side of the road driving, safe drivers & English road signage everywhere!

Package Price Inclusions

  • Car Hire
  • 4-nights accommodation
  • Bullet train ticket from Tokyo to Atami
  • Bullet train ticket from Mishima to Kyoto

Highlights

  • See the hidden gems of Shizuoka with complete flexibility with your own rent-a-car.
  • Explore the Izu Peninsula and stay in traditional accommodation within its quaint hot spring towns.
  • Admire the many views of Mt. Fuji from tea fields, pine groves and coastal lookouts.
From $1420 per person, twin share

Suggested Itinerary

Start from Tokyo

From Tokyo, take the famous bullet train 1-hour to Atami Station in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Day 1: Atami and Ito

After exploring the retro streets surrounding Atami Station, pick up your rentacar and drive up to the Atami MOA Museum of Modern Art that houses national treasures. Next make your way down to Ito on the Izu Peninsula and visit the dramatic volcanic cliffs and crashing waves at the Jogasaki Coast before stopping off at Mt. Omuro – an inactive volcano where you can roam the grassy crater and soak up the views from the peak. This evening spend the night in a Japanese-style ryokan in the quaint coastal hot-spring town of Ito for an authentic experience to start your journey.

Day 2: The Izu Peninsula

Today explore the Izu Peninsula – a popular escape from the hustle and bustle for Tokyoites during the holidays. At the southern tip of the peninsula is sunny Shimoda – a historically important port town with a beautiful canal and hydrangea-filled park in the summer. If travelling in spring, consider stopping by Kawazu for its famous cherry blossoms enroute to your accommodation in Shuzenji, a cozy hot spring town with a beautiful bamboo grove and Zen Buddhist temple.

Day 3: Shizuoka City

Start the day by visiting the Shuzenji Bamboo Forest Path – a mini Arashiyama without the crowds! From here drive around Suruga Bay and soak up the views of Mt. Fuji towering over from one of the many viewpoints on the way to Shizuoka City. We recommend stopping by Miho-No-Matsubara, a pine grove with views of Mt. Fuji along the coastline. Just outside of Shizuoka City is Nihondaira, a plateau above the city offering incredible 360 degree views over tea fields and Shimizu Cruise Port. Spend the night tonight in Shizuoka City.

Day 4: Shizuoka’s Famous Tea Fields

A trip to Shizuoka Prefecture isn’t complete without a visit to one of its many tea farms in nearby Kakegawa – Shizuoka is home to over 40% of Japan’s tea production. Stop by Tea Museum Shizuoka to gain some insight into farming practices and the cultural significance of tea in Japan. Spend the afternoon at one of the many hidden sights nearby such as Kotonomama Hachimangu Shrine, the Hamamatsu Giant Kite Festival Pavilion or Bentenjima and Lake Hamana – a prime spot for a sunset view through the torii gate over the lake before returning to Shizuoka City for the night.

Day 5: Fuji Views

On the final day of your driving itinerary, head from Shizuoka City to Shiraito Falls – a stunning waterfall near the base of Mt. Fuji. Continue on to the Mishima Skywalk, a suspension bridge perching above the treeline offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji before dropping off your rentacar at Mishima Station.

From here we must sadly say goodbye to Shizuoka Prefecture and continue on by bullet train to Kyoto or your next destination.























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