A few weeks ago, my in-laws invited us on a short trip to Shizuoka. My father-in-law loves fish, so naturally, seafood was one of the highlights of this getaway. Our family doesn’t really follow a strict itinerary—we usually pick a few places we want to see and leave room for flexibility. That’s what makes traveling together fun!
We left Gifu around 9 a.m. on a Sunday morning and made our first stop in Hamamatsu for a special lunch. Hamamatsu is famous for eel, so of course, we had to try it. The grilled unagi was soft, flavorful, and absolutely worth the stop.
Kakegawa Kachōen – Birds, Flowers, and Family Fun
After lunch, we headed to Kakegawa Kachōen (Kakegawa Bird & Flower Park). The name might be a mouthful, but the experience was wonderful!
The park is filled with colorful hanging flowers that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a painting. There are ponds with fish, and of course, lots of birds—some of which roam freely around the area. We even caught a live bird show, which was fun and exciting.
For an extra fee, you can feed certain birds, which is a great activity for kids. There are also play areas, a few small shops selling plants and garden decorations, and of course, a souvenir shop and food court. It’s one of those places where both kids and adults can enjoy themselves.
Shizuoka Sengen Shrine
From there, we continued on to Shizuoka City and stopped by the Shizuoka Sengen Shrine. By the time we arrived, it was already around 4:30 p.m., so the grounds were fairly quiet. That actually worked in our favor—taking photos was easy without crowds in the way. The peaceful atmosphere gave us a chance to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the shrine.
Dinner at an Izakaya
We checked into our hotel, the Toyoko Inn, conveniently located on the south side of Shizuoka Station. After a short rest, we headed out for dinner at a nearby izakaya.
This was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Izakaya dining is all about sharing food, enjoying drinks, and chatting with family. My father-in-law was especially excited for the sashimi, and the fresh cuts didn’t disappoint. The night ended with lots of laughter (and maybe a little too much sake for my in-laws—we joked about how they’d feel the next morning!).
Morning Walks & Miho no Matsubara
The next day, my husband and I, being early risers, took a quiet walk around Shizuoka Station before breakfast. It’s always nice to see a city wake up in the morning.
After breakfast, we checked out and drove to Miho no Matsubara. Even though Mount Fuji was shy that day and hidden by clouds, the pine grove and ocean view were still breathtaking. The breeze, the wide sandy shore, and the calm atmosphere made it a memorable stop.
Nihondaira & Kunōzan Tōshōgū Shrine
Our next destination was Nihondaira, where we took the ropeway up to visit Kunōzan Tōshōgū Shrine. The shrine is historically important, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the architecture is stunning.
It was quite a climb with many stairs, which was tough for my in-laws, but we took it slow and managed together. The views from the top were beautiful, and it was rewarding to experience the blend of nature, history, and spirituality all in one place.
We considered visiting the Nihondaira Yume Terrace as well, but with all the stairs and walking, it would have been too much for my in-laws. Instead, we decided to save it for another time.
Lunch at Sawayaka
By then, it was almost lunchtime, and in Shizuoka, that means only one thing: Sawayaka. This restaurant chain is famous for its juicy hamburg steaks made with 100% beef.
It was peak time, so we waited about 35 minutes, but the system was well-organized—you can check your waiting number and even pass the time elsewhere if you like. Honestly, the wait was worth every minute. The hamburg steak was juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Definitely a must-try if you’re ever in Shizuoka!
Yaizu Fish Market – Ending on a Fresh Note
Before heading home, we stopped at the Yaizu Fish Market. This was the highlight for my father-in-law, who was determined to find high-quality tuna. The market had a lively atmosphere, and we managed to get a really good deal. It was the perfect way to wrap up the trip.
Our Shizuoka trip was short but full of great memories—delicious food, beautiful scenery, cultural sights, and lots of family bonding. Traveling with my in-laws reminds me that itineraries don’t have to be packed or perfect. Sometimes, the best trips are the ones that leave room for spontaneity, laughter, and shared meals.
Shizuoka has so much to offer, from nature to history to incredible local food, and I can’t wait to return again someday—hopefully with a clear view of Mount Fuji next time.
🗺 Quick Travel Guide to Shizuoka
🚗 How We Traveled
- Departed from Gifu by car (about 3–4 hours to Shizuoka).
- Stopped in Hamamatsu and Kakegawa along the way.
🏨 Where We Stayed
- Toyoko Inn Shizuoka-eki Minami-guchi – Budget-friendly, very convenient location near Shizuoka Station.
🍴 Must-Try Foods
- Unagi (Eel) in Hamamatsu – Famous for rich, grilled flavor.
- Sashimi at an Izakaya – Fresh, local seafood (tuna is especially good).
- Sawayaka Hamburg Steak – 100% beef, juicy and worth the wait!
📍 Highlights from Our Trip
- Kakegawa Kachōen – Bird & Flower Park, fun for families.
- Shizuoka Sengen Shrine – Peaceful, historical shrine.
- Miho no Matsubara – Scenic pine grove and ocean view (with Mt. Fuji on a clear day).
- Nihondaira Ropeway & Kunōzan Tōshōgū Shrine – Stunning views and history.
- Yaizu Fish Market – Great for fresh seafood and local finds.
✨ Travel Tips
- Keep your schedule flexible—traffic, weather, and family pace can change plans.
- For Sawayaka, arrive early or prepare for a wait (but it’s worth it!).
- Miho no Matsubara is less crowded in the mornings.
- If traveling with older family members, allow extra time for stairs at shrines.
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