How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
1. Fuji-Q Highland
A popular theme park near Mount Fuji. Avoid peak seasons for smaller crowds and cheaper prices.
- Peak Season Avoidance: Visit during off-peak times (usually early spring or late autumn) to avoid large crowds.
- Discounted Tickets: Buy tickets online in advance for a discount, and consider combo passes for multiple attractions.
- Local Restaurants: Explore local restaurants outside the park for authentic dining experiences.
2. Shizuoka Sake Breweries
Many sake breweries in Shizuoka offer tastings. Visit small, family-run breweries for a more authentic experience.
- Family-Run Breweries: Seek out smaller, family-owned breweries for a more traditional and intimate experience.
- Tasting Fees: Compare prices of different breweries to ensure you get the best value for your money.
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours or days to avoid long lines and enjoy a quieter experience.
3. Shizuoka City Samurai Residence
A popular samurai residence in Shizuoka city. Avoid weekends and holidays for a peaceful visit.
- Weekday Visits: Visit during the week to avoid large crowds and longer wait times.
- Guided Tours: Take a guided tour for an in-depth understanding of the samurai culture.
- Local Eats Nearby: Explore local restaurants nearby for a taste of Shizuoka cuisine.
4. Izu Peninsula Beaches
Beautiful beaches in the Izu Peninsula are crowded during summer. Visit off-season or explore less popular beaches.
- Off-Season Visits: Visit during autumn, winter, or spring to enjoy the beaches without large crowds.
- Less Popular Beaches: Research less crowded beaches that offer the same beautiful scenery.
- Local Attractions Nearby: Explore nearby attractions for a well-rounded trip.
5. Shimizu Port
A busy port with numerous shops and restaurants. Explore local areas nearby for unique experiences.
- Local Exploration: Venture into local neighborhoods to find hidden gems and authentic experiences.
- Avoid Peak Hours: Avoid peak shopping hours (usually late afternoon) for a less crowded experience.
- Street Food Sampling: Try local street food from smaller stalls instead of touristy restaurants.
6. Oshino Hakkai
A popular spring water source with eight ponds. Visit early in the morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
- Early Morning/Evening Visits: Visit at sunrise or sunset for a peaceful and beautiful experience.
- Off-Season Visits: Visit during autumn, winter, or spring to avoid large crowds.
- Local Food Nearby: Explore local restaurants nearby for a taste of Hakone cuisine.
7. Shizuoka Green Tea Fields
Beautiful green tea fields are popular for photography. Visit during the growing season for a more authentic experience.
- Growing Season Visits: Visit during the spring or autumn when the tea leaves are vibrant and the fields are in bloom.
- Local Tea Shops: Visit local tea shops to purchase fresh, high-quality green tea.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours or days to avoid large crowds and long wait times.
8. Sengen Shrine
A popular shrine at the base of Mount Fuji. Visit during off-peak hours or days for a peaceful experience.
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid large crowds.
- Local Food Nearby: Explore local restaurants nearby for a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Hiking Tips: Ask for hiking tips at the shrine or nearby tourist information center before embarking on a climb.
9. Shizuoka Castle
A popular castle with beautiful views. Visit during off-peak hours or days for a peaceful experience.
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid large crowds.
- Local Food Nearby: Explore local restaurants nearby for a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Guided Tours: Take a guided tour to learn about the castle's history and architecture.
10. Miho-no-Matsubara Pine Tree Row
A popular row of pine trees along the coast. Visit during off-peak hours or days for a peaceful experience.
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid large crowds.
- Local Food Nearby: Explore local restaurants nearby for a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Sunrise/Sunset Viewing: Visit at sunrise or sunset to witness the beautiful changing colors of the sky.
11. Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
A popular shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Visit during off-peak hours or days for a peaceful experience.
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid large crowds.
- Local Food Nearby: Explore local restaurants nearby for a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Guided Tours: Take a guided tour to learn about the shrine's history and architecture.
12. Kawazu Nanadaru Falls
A popular waterfall with seven cascades. Visit during off-peak hours or days for a peaceful experience.
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid large crowds.
- Local Food Nearby: Explore local restaurants nearby for a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Hiking Tips: Ask for hiking tips at the falls or nearby tourist information center before embarking on a hike.
13. Izu Wan Seafood Market
A bustling seafood market in Shizuoka. Visit during off-peak hours for a less crowded experience.
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak shopping hours.
- Local Food Tips: Ask for recommendations from local vendors for the freshest and best seafood.
- Bargaining Skills: Use your bargaining skills to get the best prices on fresh seafood.
14. Fujieda Sengen Shrine
A popular shrine dedicated to the protector of Mt. Fuji. Visit during off-peak hours or days for a peaceful experience.
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid large crowds.
- Local Food Nearby: Explore local restaurants nearby for a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Hiking Tips: Ask for hiking tips at the shrine or nearby tourist information center before embarking on a climb.
15. Shizuoka Loop Bus
A popular tourist bus that offers a scenic tour of Shizuoka. Purchase discounted tickets online or take the local train for a more authentic experience.
- Discounted Tickets: Purchase tickets online in advance for a discount.
- Local Train Alternative: Consider taking the local train for a more authentic and less touristy experience.
- Flexible Itinerary: Plan your own itinerary by combining the bus with local trains and walks.