Shizuoka travel guides: Mt. Fuji’s southern side, green tea country, the Izu Peninsula coast, and hot springs between the mountains and the sea.
Two nights above Atami with our two pets, 8–10 October 2026: Angel Forest Atami's Grand cottage and its open-air hot-spring bath, Mt Fuji turning pink from Nishi-Tanna Parking on the Izu Skyline, Skyline tolls (cash only), and walk-in mikan picking above the sea.
A dawn-redwood avenue inside a municipal sports park that frames Mt Fuji between rust rows every late November - a field report from two dated visits, since no tourism page covers it.
From the dark fields at the foot of Mt. Fuji, the next meteor shower worth planning a night around is the Geminids on December 14, 2026: the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan expects about 60 meteors an hour from a…
A first-timer rescued after a night out at the 2nd station; a 58-year-old climber who didn't survive the Fujinomiya route — both in 24 hours. Five lessons on preparation, pacing and knowing when to turn back.
Vietjet's new Hanoi–Mt Fuji Shizuoka Airport flight (2026): how far the airport really is from Fuji, getting to Kawaguchiko, and where Shizuoka Airport actually shines.
Mt Fuji is a UNESCO cultural — not natural — World Heritage Site. A Fujiyoshida local explains the 2013 listing, its faith-and-art story, and the 25 component parts.
Kinomiya Kenko Pan in Atami makes kogashi manju, a roasted-barley steamed bun sold as a Kinomiya Shrine specialty. What it is, the shop's hours and how to visit.
Farmers Gotemba, the JA Fuji-Izu farm market at the foot of Mt. Fuji: highland vegetables, Shizuoka wagyu, Koshihikari rice, local flowers and a new fresh-fish counter.
Toraya Kobo is the famous wagashi house's forest workshop-cafe in Gotemba, at the foot of Mt. Fuji - a thatched gate, a bamboo garden, and freshly made seasonal sweets with tea.
Tatsumi Shokudo in Susono, at the foot of Mt Fuji: a Showa-era diner serving hearty teishoku, stewed offal and beef-with-egg, with free rice. Hours, what to order, access.
Nearly every image on Hidden Japan Gems was photographed by me on a Sony α7 across five years of walking Japan; a few licensed photos fill the gaps. Please don't re-use my photos without permission — reach out if you'd like to.
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