Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Prefecture stretches about 155 kilometers east–west along the Pacific Ocean, bordered by Aichi to the west, Nagano and Yamanashi to the north, and Kanagawa to the east. The southern half of the prefecture is dominated by the Akaishi Mountains, part of the Japanese Alps, while the northern border includes the southern slopes of Mount Fuji, which is shared with Yamanashi Prefecture. The climate is generally mild and sunny, with the Kuroshio Current warming the coast; however, inland mountainous areas experience heavy snowfall in winter. The region is also prone to seismic activity, lying near the Suruga Trough, a potential source of a major Nankai megathrust earthquake.¹

Shizuoka's economy is diverse, with a strong agricultural base and a significant manufacturing sector. The prefecture is Japan's largest producer of green tea, particularly in the Makinohara Plateau and Kawane areas, and also yields mandarin oranges, wasabi, and strawberries. The Pacific coast supports a major fishing industry, especially for sakura shrimp and shirasu (whitebait). Manufacturing is concentrated in Hamamatsu, home to musical instrument makers such as Yamaha and Kawai, as well as motorcycle and automotive parts manufacturers like Suzuki. The prefecture also hosts a major industrial cluster in the eastern region around Fuji City, producing paper and chemicals.²

Historically, Shizuoka was divided into several provinces, including Suruga, Tōtōmi, and Izu. During the Edo period, the Tōkaidō road connected Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto, passing through Shizuoka with post towns such as Kanaya and Shimada. The area was a stronghold of the Tokugawa shogunate; after the Meiji Restoration, the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, was retired to Shizuoka. Culturally, the prefecture is known for its traditional crafts, including Suruga lacquerware and Oya stone carving. The city of Shizuoka hosts the annual Shizuoka Festival, and the prefecture is also famous for its connection to the martial art of iaido, with the sword school of the same name originating there.³

Beyond its famous tea and Fuji views, Shizuoka holds several niche distinctions. The Izu Peninsula, part of the prefecture, is a geologically active area with hot springs and a unique ecosystem, including the Jōren Falls, one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls. The prefecture is also home to the rare and endemic Shizuoka blind salamander, found only in limestone caves in the Abe River basin. In the city of Hamamatsu, the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments houses a collection of over 1,300 instruments from around the world. Additionally, Shizuoka is a pioneer in renewable energy: the Omaezaki Wind Farm, one of Japan's largest, supplies power to thousands of homes. The prefecture also has a unique culinary tradition of eating wasabi roots raw, and it hosts the annual World Tea Festival, attracting tea enthusiasts globally.

Chūbu region

Central region of Honshu, Japan, encompassing Shizuoka and neighboring prefectures.

Suruga Bay

Deep bay on the Pacific coast of Shizuoka, known for its biodiversity and depth.

Kuroshio Current

Warm ocean current that flows along the Pacific coast of Japan, moderating climate.

Nankai megathrust

A major subduction zone fault off southern Japan, capable of producing large earthquakes.

Tōkaidō

Historic coastal road connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto, passing through Shizuoka.