The south coast of Japan: add Shizuoka to your list
If you’ve ever dreamt of a food tour through Japan, you’ve likely pictured steaming bowls of ramen and perfectly crisp tempura.
But what if we told you that some of the country’s most unique and unforgettable culinary experiences are waiting for you in the Shizuoka Prefecture? This is a destination that every true foodie needs to have on their travel list!
Located along Japan’s stunning south coast, Shizuoka is uniquely positioned between the Kanto region (around Tokyo) and the Kansai region (around Osaka). This special location means its culinary culture is a fantastic blend of influences from both, creating a diverse food scene that captures Japan’s rich history. Get ready to explore a world of fresh, flavourful meals that make Shizuoka a must-visit foodie paradise.
If Japan’s not your thing, then why not consider Egypt?
A Feast of Fresh Seafood
Shizuoka’s food culture is deeply connected to its beautiful natural surroundings, especially the abundant Suruga Bay. The coastline provides an incredible supply of high-quality, fresh seafood, and there’s no better place to experience it than the Shimizu Fish Market. The menu here changes daily based on the morning’s catch, offering everything from succulent tuna and snapper to mackerel and delicate whitebait. Each fish is expertly prepared to bring out its best flavour, respecting both the species and the season.
Eel, or unagi, is a true star in traditional Japanese cuisine and a particular specialty of Shizuoka. Eel farming began in Lake Hamana over 120 years ago, and today the Hamamatsu region is filled with incredible eel restaurants. You can try it prepared Kanto style (steamed then grilled with a light sauce) or Kansai style (simply grilled with a rich, flavourful sauce). Either way, it’s typically served over a bed of fluffy rice for a truly classic dish.
The Heart of Green Tea Culture
Did you know that Shizuoka produces nearly 40% of all of Japan’s green tea? It’s no surprise, then, that its tea sweets and brewing workshops are considered among the best in the world! You can immerse yourself in the local tea culture by participating in a green tea harvesting experience, where you’ll learn about the region’s traditions and even pick your own leaves.
For another fantastic experience, join a traditional tea ceremony hosted by a tea master. The Tea Museum in Shimada hosts these beautiful ceremonies on-site, giving you the chance to taste some of Japan’s finest teas in a serene and authentic setting. It’s a wonderfully calming and insightful way to connect with this important part of Japanese culture.
Rare and Wonderful Delicacies
Shizuoka is also home to some of the world’s most sought-after delicacies. Have you ever heard of Sakura Shrimp? These tiny, beautiful shrimp are found in only two places on the entire planet: Shizuoka’s Suruga Bay and Taiwan. They are harvested just twice a year, from late March to early June and from late October to late December, making them an incredibly rare treat. You can enjoy them raw, deep-fried, or cooked in rice to experience their famous delicate sweetness.
Another local delicacy you absolutely must try is Hamamatsu’s iconic Unagi Pie. Don’t let the name fool you! This is a flaky, sweet pastry infused with a hint of eel extract. As the original Japanese confectionary to contain eel, the Unagi Pie has become famous across Japan for its delicate texture. The Unagiepie Factory even attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year for tours!
Locally Brewed Sake and Beer
The craft beverage scene is booming across Shizuoka, with numerous local breweries creating original drinks from unique ingredients. You can sip on Gotemba Kogen Beer, which is crafted using pristine underground water from Mt. Fuji, or try Numazu Craft, brewed with water from the Kakitagawa River. Each beer offers its own distinctive flavour profile.
Shizuoka Sake is just as special, made using pure water from the mountains of the Southern Alps, which gives it a clean, crisp taste. Many of these breweries offer tours, giving you a fantastic opportunity to sample their beer and sake firsthand and learn about the brewing process.
Shizuoka’s Top Restaurants
With access to such incredible produce, it’s no wonder Shizuoka is home to some of Japan’s finest restaurants.
If you’re looking for a premium Kaiseki feast (a traditional multi-course dinner), head to Tenryuzen Miyoshi in Hamamatsu City. Here, they use local, seasonal ingredients and modern cooking techniques to serve iconic Japanese dishes like sashimi, hotpot, grilled wagyu, and tempura.
Over in Ito City, the newly opened Kitchen 218 takes its inspiration from the nearby dormant volcano, Mt. Komuro. The restaurant specialises in Yogan-yaki, which is steak grilled on actual lava stones! It’s a dining experience you won’t forget.
Also on the beautiful Izu Peninsula, Mikuni Izukogen is a Mediterranean restaurant with a menu designed to reflect the sea, sun, and land. The chefs carefully select local ingredients to match the seasons, featuring freshly harvested vegetables and seafood to create stunning Mediterranean flavours with a Japanese twist.