SHIZUOKA

C I T Y O F NATURAL FLAVOURS

Shizuoka is well known for its spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.  e majestic mountain is a symbol of

Japan recognised the world over, and has adorned Japanese art, literature and poetry for several millennia.

Shizuoka is also blessed with bountiful forests and seas.  e vast expanses of nature surrounding the city deliver you to another time and place, letting you enjoy a relaxing and healing experience while forgetting about your everyday troubles. Be sure to visit the nearby green tea  elds to get a taste of authentic, delicious Japanese tea.

ABOVE: Nihondaira Yume Terrace

SPEED THROUGH TO SCENIC MT. FUJI Few sights are more arresting than the magni cent view of Mt. Fuji from Miho-no-Matsubara across the blue ocean and green pine trees.

Nihondaira Yume Terrace, located around 40 minutes by bus from Shizuoka Station, is built on a hilly altitude of 300 metres and comprises a three-story observation facility, 200 metre-long observation corridor and 1,200sqm garden.  e digni ed octagonal architecture, in harmony with the natural scenery overlooking Mt. Fuji, was designed by KUMA Kengo, renowned for his work on the New National Stadium for the Tokyo Olympics.

His wooden construction techniques and designs provide relaxed terrace views of Mt. Fuji, which can be savoured with a refreshing cup of Japanese tea.  rill seekers can jump on the ropeway and take in the scenery from the air on their way to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, a national treasure.

BULLET TRAINS CONNECT REGIONS No trip to Japan is complete without a ride on Shinkansen (bullet train), which shoots travellers around the country at over speeds of 270kmh.  e train’s rounded, bullet-like design reduces air resistance and noise – allowing you to simply to savour the views or work on your laptop in comfort. Refreshments include bento boxes stocked with fresh produce and aromatic tea.

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT:

Shinkansen travels at over speeds of 270kmh; Yamaha Motor Company Museum; grab a cup of green tea in Nihondaira

As you visit Shizuoka, you will see the beautiful Mt. Fuji and terraced green tea  elds approaching – but remember to snap your photos quickly!

YAMAHA HITS THE RIGHT NOTE  e chances are you know the name Yamaha, either for outstanding musical instruments or reliable, wellbuilt motorcycles.

Yamaha Corporation was established in 1887, when YAMAHA Torakusu began producing Japan’s  rst pianos and reed organs.  e company has grown today into the world’s leading maker of pianos, and produces a wide range of other products, including audio equipment and semiconductors.

An o -shoot of Yamaha Corporation, the now independent Yamaha Motor Company, boasts the second-largest sales of motorcycles in the world. Yamaha Corporation and Yamaha Motor Company are both located in Shizuoka, where you can learn all about these two manufacturing giants.

First, visit the Communication Plaza, a corporate museum owned by Yamaha Motor Company, which exhibits the historical development of their motorcycles and production techniques.

You’ll be amazed at the scope of Yahama Motor Company’s products, including marine motors, jet skis, wheelchairs, and you can test drive your skills on the museum’s thrilling and realistic ride simulators.  en venture to Yamaha Corporation’s Innovation Road, a “reservations only” museum with 12 speci c display areas introducing the process of making musical instruments, development of each instrument over the years, and new technology set to play a part in creating superior music today.

You are welcome to try out many of the instruments and enjoy the interactive displays, while virtual concerts held at the museum also hit a sweet note for music-lovers.

UNWIND WITH GREEN TEA Green tea is the iconic drink of Japan, beloved from the time it was imported from China by Buddhist monks over 1,000 years ago.  e area of Shizuoka started growing tea about 800 years ago and now accounts for approximately 40% of all green tea leaf production in Japan. You can visit one of Shizuoka’s most famous and scenic tea producing districts, Nihondaira.  ere, you’ll  nd one of the most stunningly scenic spots in all of Japan: a tapestry of terraced green tea  elds,

glossy in the sunlight, backed by the magni cence of Mt. Fuji.

Even today, some tea is harvested by hand, a technique that ensures ideal selection for quality and  avour control – at Nihondaira Ochakaikan, you can attend a workshop on how to hand-pick tea leaves.  e  elds’ fresh scent, the sound of birds singing, and the unique texture of new tea leaves combine to appeal to all your senses. Wrap up the workshop with a cup of premium Shizuoka tea inside a cozy tea house.  e teahouse, built in the traditional Japanese architectural style, o ers an authentic green tea experience.  e sta will teach you how to properly steep, pour, and fully enjoy the aromatic and delicate taste of Shizuoka’s tea, with its vibrant green colour.