The eastern area of Shizuoka Prefecture, about an hour's ride on the bullet train from Tokyo, has a number of fascinating attractions that are still unknown to many foreign visitors to Japan.
We'd like to introduce some of the best ways to spend your time in Mishima, Izu-Nagaoka, and Shuzenji.
Mishima : Following the spring water from Mt. Fuji
～Genbe River Walk and Mishima Taisha Shrine～
The eruption of Mt. Fuji, which occurred about 10,000 years ago, formed the ground of Mishima City. The area around Mishima City is constantly gushing with snowmelt and rainwater from Mt. Fuji, which flowed out of the gaps in the large amount of lava flow that was discharged at that time.
Why don't you take a stroll around Mishima Station, following that spring water? The very clear and clean spring water will soothe your body and soul.
The Genbe River is an irrigation canal about 1.5 km long that runs through the city, and the source is the subsoil water of Mt. Fuji outpouring from Rakujuen, the municipal park located just in front of JR Mishima Station.
The water of the river will be about 15 to 16 degrees Celsius throughout the year and feels cool in summer and warm in winter. When strolling along the river, bring sandals and a towel, and ease your feet in the spring water.
After walking along the Genbe River, take a short break at a Japanese confectionery shop in the shopping district, or treat yourself to a refreshing serving of “Wasabi ice cream”.
At the end of the tour, visit Mishima Taisha Shrine to pray for the safety of your journey. In springtime, cherry blossoms bloom all over the temple grounds, and in autumn, the fragrance of the 1200-year-old kumquats wafts through the air.
[Learn More!]
Explore Shizuoka
https://exploreshizuoka.com/shizuoka-post-type/explore-mishima-city-of-water/
Shuzenji : Take a rickshaw tour of a tranquil hot spring resort
Shuzenji Onsen is the oldest hot spring in the Izu Peninsula, and has been selected as one of the 100 best hot springs in Japan. You may know “Shuzenji” for being the setting for the internationally acclaimed "Izu no Odoriko," a novel by Yasunari Kawabata, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. At Shuzenji Onsen, you can take a rickshaw ride to explore the city. No need for language support, for the rickshaw driver is fluent in English. Enjoy an entertaining ride with your cheerful rickshaw driver!
The rickshaws were renovated from those made in the Showa era (Over 70 years ago) . A comfortable ride is guaranteed as the driving technique of the driver is superb!
The driver will take you on an hour’s tour of Shuzenji's popular and hidden spots with very detailed explanations. You can also get detailed answers to your questions at any time.
[Learn More!]
@matsuzaki_kurumaya by instagram
https://www.instagram.com/matsuzaki_kurumaya/
Izu Nagaoka : A spectacular view of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay from the Fujimi Terrace
From the Fujimi Terrace in Izu Nagaoka, a breathtaking view of the entire Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay can be enjoyed.
About 5 minutes’ cable car to the top of the mountain will lead you to a modern Japanese café with relaxing sofas admiring the majestic view. The Fujimi Terrace also offers a premium lounge (advance reservation and extra charge required). How about some Japanese sweets while relaxing on a private sofa bed?
Izunokuni Panorama Park
https://www.panoramapark.co.jp/en/
[Access to each location by train]
Mishima : Approximately 60 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet trainenglish/traffic/
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4,600 JPY per person (Kodama, reserved seat)
http://mishima-kankou.com/
Izu Nagaoka : 20 minutes from JR Mishima by IzuHakone Railway
330 JPY per person
https://izunotabi.com/%E3%82%
Shzenji Onsen : Approximately 40 minutes from JR Mishima by IzuHakone Railway
520 JPY per person
http://www.shuzenji.info/english/