Resting southwest of Mount Fuji’s iconic presence, Yaizu is a port city in Shizuoka Prefecture that runs along Suruga Bay. It is a perfect Shizuoka weekend getaway from Tokyo.
The seaside city is encircled by natural beauty, boasting mesmerizing views of Mount Fuji. The surrounding area is also home to some spectacular bridges, where you can leisurely admire mountain and river vistas.
Given its location along the ocean, the city has also long been considered one of the best seafood towns in Japan, featuring three ports—Yaizu, Ogawa, and Oigawa Port—that reel in fresh catches of bonito, tuna, horse mackerel, shrimp, white bait, and more. Here, you can sink your teeth into high-quality sushi and seafood rice bowls. Shizuoka Prefecture is also famous for its tea production—being one of Japan’s largest tea producers. Thus, Yaizu and the surrounding area are excellent places to immerse yourself in Japan’s vibrant tea culture, including sampling some of the region’s delicious tea varieties.
After appreciating the environment—from coastlines to mountains—and nourishing yourself with premium seafood and tea, relax your mind and body in the city’s natural hot springs, known for their beautifying and health benefits. With their diverse offerings, Yaizu and Shizuoka Prefecture provide a well-rounded journey for all of the senses, gracing your eyes, tastebuds, and body with extraordinary moments.
At Kamenoi Hotel Yaizu, you can enjoy a culmination of the city’s wonders, including Suruga Bay views, traditional kaiseki cuisine, and soothing hot springs. Just a roughly ten-minute drive from Yaizu Station, it serves as a perfect place to center your Yaizu adventure.
Let’s discover what Yaizu and Shizuoka Prefecture have on offer! Start planning an unforgettable Tokyo to Shizuoka day trip or longer.
Things to do in Yaizu and Shizuoka
Admire acclaimed Japanese scenery
Yaizu sits between mountains and the sea, offering captivating views of both, including the majestic Mount Fuji.
While not located in Yaizu, Nihondaira Yume Terrace in Shizuoka City is one of the area’s dreamiest observatories. This 360° open-air observation deck boasts enchanting panoramas of Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, Shimizu Port, the pine tree coast of Miho-no-Matsubara, the Izu Peninsula, the Southern Alps, and more. On Saturday, the terrace remains open until 9pm, making it a great place to marvel at the sparkling nightscape below. The facility itself beautifully blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern design, creating an architectural experience that elegantly complements the scenery. The marriage of tea plantations, urban development, ocean waters, mountains, and Mount Fuji is simply breathtaking.
From Nihondaira Yume Terrace, the Nihondaira Ropeway provides easy and scenic access to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Shizuoka. If you are feeling energized, you can choose to climb the 1,000 stone steps at the shrine’s base in lieu of the ropeway. This magnificent shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, a deity-status leader known for unifying Japan in the 17th century. The shrine is beloved for its gold-leaf adornments and vivid carvings of blue, green, red, and yellow. The encircling forest further enhances the vibrant experience, adding greenery and a sense of seclusion. It is a visual experience you will not want to miss.
In Shimada, situated northwest of Yaizu, the Horai Bridge exudes a unique atmosphere reminiscent of the samurai era. Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the “world’s longest wooden pedestrian bridge,” this historical structure straddles the Oi River and provides pleasant views of lush forests against the sky. On clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji.
Deep in the mountains of Kawanehoncho Town, north of Yaizu and Shimada, the Sumatakyo Yume no Tsuribashi suspension bridge, leads you into a surreal realm. Suspended over a radiant green-blue river and surrounded by tree-adorned mountains, this 90-meter-long wooden bridge feels straight out of a painting, and the narrow planks add a touch of adrenaline to your crossing. Near the bridge’s entrance, you can quench your thirst at Tenshi no Wakimizu, or Angel’s Spring, which provides crisp natural water. The one-way bridge only allows ten people to cross at a time. On the other end, there’s a steep, 300-step staircase, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Indulge in gourmet seafood and tea
As mentioned previously, Yaizu is a hot spot for exceptional seafood, and tuna and bonito are its main stars. The city’s premium Natural Yaizu Southern Bluefin Tuna, often called the Red Diamond, is prized for its rich flavor and beautifully marbled fat. Yaizu is also one of Japan’s top producers of bonito, making it the perfect place to enjoy fresh sashimi and warayaki katsuo tataki (bonito seared over straw flames).
Another local specialty is sakura ebi (cherry shrimp), which is an exceptionally rare species. In fact, Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture is the only place in the world where commercial fishing for sakura ebi is allowed. Fishermen harvest the shrimp under strict seasonal regulations to protect the species. The four-centimeter-long crustacean has a vivid pink color and is nicknamed “Ruby of the Sea.” Fresh sakura ebi (nama sakura ebi) quickly lose their freshness, so it is nearly impossible to taste this rare sea creature outside of the Suruga Bay area. When it is in season, it is a delicacy you cannot miss.
A local specialty that utilizes this rare shrimp is Shizuoka’s sakura ebi kakiage, beloved for its rich aroma of fresh sakura ebi and crispy, light texture. With every bite, the shrimp’s savory flavor and fragrant sweetness unfolds—creating a true gift from Suruga Bay. Enjoy it with a simple sprinkle of salt or pair it with a savory-sweet tentsuyu dipping sauce. Light yet indulgent, this regional delicacy offers an authentic taste of Shizuoka.
A great place to enjoy fresh catches and local charm is Yaizu Fish Center. About a five-minute drive from Yaizu Station, this lively seafood market sells seafood straight from local fishing ports. Here, you can satisfy your appetite with sushi, seafood rice bowls, and other casual “ocean lunches” that are unique to Yaizu. The bustling ambience, free of tourist crowds, offers both a taste of local life and the region’s freshest flavors. The culinary experience will linger in your mind long after you have left. It is a must-visit, off-the-beaten-path destination for foodies.
Don’t miss the center’s famous “mikan juice from a faucet” as well. It is a fun local favorite! Pour yourself a cup of 100% mikan juice made from Shizuoka-grown mikan (a type of mandarin orange) and enjoy the fruit’s fresh, vibrant flavor.
Tea lovers cannot miss the Tea Museum, Shizuoka in Shimada. This interactive museum takes you on a journey through the history of tea in Japan, in Shizuoka, and around the world. In addition to the three floors of exhibits, the facility also has a restaurant, cafe, and a museum shop selling tea-related goods. Outside, the tea house offers serene tea ceremonies and tea tastings, and the adjacent Japanese-style garden provides a tranquil space to clear the mind. There is also an observation terrace overlooking the Makinohara Grand Tea Plantation—the largest tea plantation in Japan—spreading across Shizuoka.
Soak in hot springs
Not far from Yaizu Station, Yaizu Onsen is one of Shizuoka’s representative hot spring areas. Its hot spring source, located 1,500 meters underground, is rich in minerals and is considered a chloride spring, which has a deep moisturizing effect on the skin. After bathing, you will find that your body feels warm long after the soak. The spring is also said to soothe fatigue, making it a perfect way to end a day of sightseeing. You can enjoy this healing hot spring at numerous accommodations, including the aforementioned Kamenoi Hotel Yaizu, day-trip facilities, and free footbaths in Yaizu. In some open-air baths, you can even admire Mount Fuji, as any heaviness in your mind and body floats away with the hot spring steam.
Where to stay in Yaizu
If you are looking for convenience, stunning ocean vistas, delectable seafood, and rejuvenating hot springs, Kamenoi Hotel Yaizu is the place for you. After exploring Yaizu and beyond, this hill-perched hotel offers you a relaxing stay with sweeping views of the cityscape and Suruga Bay below. At Kamenoi Hotel Yaizu, your Japan adventure does not stop, it flourishes.
Accommodating guest rooms
Kamenoi Hotel Yaizu is home to a variety of guest rooms, including multiple rooms that were renewed in July 2025. The room types can accommodate two to five people, making them cozy options for everyone—from couples to families. Lounge in a south-facing room for ocean views, a west-facing room for dreamy sunsets, or a north-facing one for seasonal mountain beauty. The minimalist rooms, featuring natural hues, wooden accents, and oceanic pops of blue and green, are perfect places to reminisce over your day with friends, family, or your significant other. Some of the popular room types include:
- Ocean-view rooms: Sit beside wide windows and enjoy the shimmering blue waters of Suruga Bay and Yaizu’s dazzling nightscape right from your room.
- Forest-view rooms (west-facing): Unwind as you watch the sun set over the trees, bathing the landscape in golden light.
- Family rooms: Enjoy spacious accommodations that everyone can enjoy, including small children.
- Special Japanese-Western room with a private open-air bath (ocean view): This luxurious space offers panoramic views of Suruga Bay. Relax in a serene room that blends elegant Japanese and Western designs, complete with a private open-air bath. Please note that the guest room’s open-air bath does not use natural hot spring water.
Mouthwatering seafood
As one of Japan’s leading fishing ports, Yaizu is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly tuna and bonito. Kamenoi Hotel Yaizu takes full advantage of its prime location, showcasing seasonal seafood sourced locally, so you can savor the natural umami of each ingredient. From sashimi and sushi to grilled fish, you can enjoy a range of dishes that epitomize the city’s culinary legacy.
For dinner, satisfy your seafood cravings with a kaiseki meal (multi-course, traditional Japanese meal) centered on Yaizu’s fresh catches. Each dish, artistically prepared by the head chef, beautifully highlights the delicate flavors of the local bounty. Some standouts include southern bluefin tuna, bonito, and golden-eye snapper (kinmedai). The stylish dining space evokes the brilliance of the sun and moon alongside modern aesthetics, providing a dining experience that is visually pleasing and unforgettably delicious.
Breakfast offers an equally memorable Japanese meal set, featuring Yaizu specialties, like grilled tuna collar, tuna with grated yam (maguro tororo), and Shizuoka-style udon noodles. This well-balanced meal allows you to sample the region’s flavors, inviting you to start the day the local way.
If you are feeling peckish before bedtime, Kamenoi Hotel Yaizu also offers complimentary, late-night Dandan noodles from 9pm–10:30pm. Every month, the hotel serves either spicy Sichuan, black sesame, or white sesame noodles.
Natural hot springs
Sourced 1,500 meters underground, the hotel’s high-quality hot spring water rests at an invigorating 50℃ (122℉). It is both gentle on the skin and has a high moisturizing effect, offering a healing and utterly relaxing soak. On the top floor, the hotel has a large public observation bath with wide windows that overlook Suruga Bay and Yaizu. As you sink further into the steaming waters, the gentle meeting of the ocean and city will lull you into a state of contentment.
Onsite facilities
Kamenoi Hotel Yaizu has numerous facilities that cater to its guests, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone.
The Kids Park is an indoor play area where little ones can challenge their minds and bodies in a cushioned space full of fun obstacles and toys. It is a perfect place for energized children to enjoy a rainy day. For adults, the souvenir shop provides a fun space to peruse local specialties and souvenirs unique to Yaizu and Shizuoka Prefecture. Some popular items include sakura shrimp rice crackers, Shizuoka-style tea sweets, and wasabi-flavored snacks.
Two-day itinerary in and around Yaizu
If you are looking for some inspiration to start planning your adventure in Shizuoka Prefecture, check out our sample itinerary below.
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive at Shizuoka Station and rent a car. Visit Nihondaira Yume Terrace, and then take the ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine.
- Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood at Yaizu Fish Center.
- Afternoon: Visit the Tea Museum, Shizuoka, join a tea ceremony, and then stop by Horai Bridge.
- Evening: Check into Kamenoi Hotel Yaizu and relax with a hot spring soak followed by a traditional kaiseki dinner.
Day 2:
- Morning: Start the day with breakfast at Kamenoi Hotel Yaizu.
- After checking out, take a mountain drive (about two hours) to Sumatakyo Gorge.
- Lunch: Enjoy a local meal in Sumatakyo.
- Afternoon: Explore the Yume no Tsuribashi suspension bridge (about 90–120 minutes roundtrip on foot from the parking area).
- Evening: Return the rental car at Shizuoka Station.
Yaizu: One of Shizuoka’s best-kept secrets
Follow the path less traveled to Yaizu, where natural beauty and soothing hot springs meet some of the country’s freshest seafood. The city and surrounding area offer a memorable experience of Japan’s local day-to-day wonders, and Kamenoi Hotel Yaizu brings these charms to the forefront of your stay. At the end of your trip, the healing waters, seasonal flavors, and ocean vistas will leave you feeling thoroughly rejuvenated.
Access to Yaizu
Shizuoka Station is easily accessible from Tokyo and Osaka via the shinkansen, taking one and two hours, respectively. From Shizuoka Station, Yaizu Station is a short 15-minute train ride via the Tokaido Line. If you plan on renting a car, it is best to do so at Shizuoka Station.
From Yaizu Station, Kamenoi Hotel Yaizu is about a ten-minute car or taxi ride. Alternatively, the hotel offers a free shuttle service that departs from Yaizi Station’s South Exit. No reservation is required and the shuttle runs numerous times a day. Please visit the hotel’s access page for more details.
If you are looking for a leisurely way to explore the local Yaizu area, you can rent bicycles at the Yaizu City Tourism Association in front of Yaizu Station. With the station as your starting point, you can reach several Mount Fuji viewing spots, including Yaizu Port (6 mins), Hamatome Beach (8 mins), Fishuna Waterside Park (13 mins), Ogawa Port (15 mins), Ishizu Coastal Park (25 mins), Wadahama Beach (30 mins), Discovery Park Yaizu’s rooftop (30 mins), and Shizuhama Air Base (35 mins). Please note that the minutes reflect the travel time from Yaizu Station to the destination.
