Shimizu is a town in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Understand
[edit]Shimizu Town is the smallest municipality by area and the most densely populated town in Shizuoka Prefecture.
It is situated along National Route 1, offering convenient access from surrounding cities. Due to its compact size, it is easy to explore on foot.
Tokugawa Ieyasu once planned to build a secondary residence here called Izumigashira Castle, but he passed away before construction began.
Get in
[edit]By train
[edit]Shimizu Town has no railway station.
The most convenient stations depend on your destination:
- Mishima Station (JR)
- Mishima-Hirokoji Station (Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line)
- Mishima-Tamachi Station (Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line)
- Numazu Station (JR)
- Nagaizumi-Nameri Station (JR)
From these stations, access is possible by bus or taxi.
By plane
[edit]The nearest airports are:
From either airport, continue by train, bus or car.
By car
[edit]National Route 1 and Prefectural Route 144 run through the town. The nearest expressway access is via the Nagaizumi-Numazu Interchange.
Note that National Route 1 is often congested.
Parking is limited. The Kakita River Park car park (paid) is recommended.
By bus
[edit]Local buses connect the town with nearby stations. Direct long-distance access is limited.
Get around
[edit]The town is small and best explored on foot.
Local buses operate within the town.
See
[edit]1 Kakitagawa Park, 71-7 Fushimi, Shimizu-cho, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, ☏ +81 55-981-8224. 24 hours. Famous for one of Japan's largest volumes of spring water. The crystal-clear river is the town’s main natural attraction. Free.
2 Honjoyama Park, 1921 Tokura, Shimizu-cho. 24 hours. Small hilltop park with an observation deck overlooking the town. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring. Free.
3 Comprehensive Sports Park, 52-17 Fushimi, Shimizu-cho. 24 hours. Multi-purpose sports park with shaded areas suitable for summer visits. Free.
Buy
[edit]1 Sun to Moon Kakita River, 61-2 Tamagawa, Shimizu-cho. Varies by store. Large regional shopping centre with a wide variety of shops.
2 Numazu Wholesale Market Food and Travel Market, 6-5 Tabamachi, Shimizu-cho. Mon–Sat 6:00–17:00, closed Sun. Wholesale-style food market known for good prices and quality products.
3 Kameya Main Store, 815-2 Shinsyuku, Shimizu-cho. Mon–Sat 9:00–17:00, closed Sun. Specialises in wasabi and traditional pickles using local ingredients.
Eat
[edit]1 Miso Ramen Kakita River Hibari, 221-1 Hachiman, Shimizu-cho, ☏ +81 55-960-7800. 11:00–15:00, 17:30–20:30. Popular ramen shop known for rich miso broth. Limited parking available. ¥1000+.
2 Soba Restaurant Shoan (Shimizu Branch), 138-22 Doba, Shimizu-cho. 11:00–21:30. Well-known for soba and excellent tempura. Sakura shrimp dishes are recommended. ¥1000–2000.
3 Deli-Sio Kitchen, 117-11 Kumeda, Shimizu-cho. Mon–Fri 9:00–17:30. Affordable bento shop. Popular for its salt bread. Under ¥600.
Sleep
[edit]Shimizu Town has limited accommodation options. Visitors typically stay in nearby Mishima or Numazu.