Located in central Honshu, Shizuoka Prefecture is famed for its majestic views of Mt. Fuji, the beautiful Suruga Bay coastline, and its tea cultivation. Conveniently positioned between Tokyo and Osaka, it offers excellent access and welcomes visitors year-round with its mild climate and rich natural scenery.

Highlights: Mt. Fuji viewpoints, Nihondaira Yume Terrace, Miho no Matsubara, Shiraito Falls, Sengen Taisha Shrine

Local Flavors: Shizuoka green tea, wasabi, fresh seafood, unagi (eel), oden, local sake

Things to Do: Hot springs, tea plantation tours, distillery visits, hiking, traditional festivals, sketching tours

As for me, I live in a tourist area and would find it hard to get by without a car, so I drive almost every day. I’ve been driving in Japan for about 15 years and currently hold a Japanese gold license, which means I’ve been accident‑free for 15 years.

Outside Japan’s major cities, having a car is practically essential. If you plan a rental car trip, make sure you have sufficient driving experience and the proper license ahead of time.

There are many rental car companies in Japan, but we recommend Nippon Rent-a-Car, which offers a 10% discount. Most major firms provide similar vehicle lineups, options, and insurance, with only minor differences in price. Nippon Rent-a-Car was the first to offer nationwide English customer service, and its multilingual support makes it convenient for international visitors.

You can book online by selecting your rental dates, vehicle type, and any options, with the estimated cost shown at checkout. Keep in mind that some options may not be changeable or refundable after booking.

Reservations can also be made by phone between 8 AM and 8 PM.

If visiting a branch in person, allow extra time to complete the contract and receive explanations about the rental.

When traveling in Japan, you’ll generally pick up your rental car at the airport or a major station in the area.

If you plan to head straight to the countryside on your arrival day it will be more convenient to pick up your car at the Shizuoka Airport rental car counter and start your trip from there. If you’re going to spend your first day exploring Shizuoka City then collect your car from a downtown rental office.

See the links below for more information on how to pick up and return your rental and about driving in Japan.

You don’t have to follow this exact route, but we’ve put together an itinerary that lets you make the most of your time. It includes whisky and sake breweries—perfect for couples or friends—and spots where you can relax while gazing at Mt. Fuji.

Clear weather doesn’t always guarantee a view of Mt. Fuji. Here are some of the best times for seeing the iconic mountain.

Shizuoka’s whisky distilleries and sake breweries are well worth a visit for anyone interested in Japanese spirits. Visitors can join tasting sessions, but drivers must refrain—Japan has very strict laws against drinking and driving.

Whisky: Among several others, Shizuoka is home to Gaia Flow Shizuoka Distillery, located in the protected mountain region of Okushizu. Using underground water from the Southern Alps, the Abe River, and the Suruga Bay watershed, it produces whisky in harmony with its natural surroundings. Paid distillery tours are available by reservation.

Sake: Fuji Takasago Shuzo has over 190 years of history and is renowned for its award-winning sake, recognized at the world’s largest liquor competitions. This traditional brewery offers free tours, also by reservation.

Miho no Matsubara is part of the Mt. Fuji UNESCO World Heritage site. This beautiful pine grove stretches along the coast of Suruga Bay, and many Korean tourists visit. The roughly 7‑km-long shoreline is lined with black pines that frame the sea and Mt. Fuji, allowing you to enjoy views of the ocean, pine trees and the mountain together.

Lake Tanuki is a scenic lake in Fujinomiya with a campground nearby, allowing you to camp in nature while gazing at Mt. Fuji. Shiraito Falls measures about 200 m wide and 20 m high, and hundreds of slender streams cascade down like silk threads. It’s a stunning waterfall that pairs beautifully with Lake Tanuki.

Located on the northwestern foothills of Mt. Fuji, this shrine is Japan’s highest-ranking Sengen shrine and serves as the head shrine for around 1,300 Sengen shrines nationwide.

If you’re heading to Shizuoka and want to visit a tea plantation, this is the place. It’s one of Shizuoka’s representative tea fields and a popular photo spot where you can shoot pictures of the tea plantations with Mt. Fuji in the background.

Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's longest wooden pedestrian bridge, this 897.4 m structure lets you stroll across and take in views of the Oi River area.
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Explore the charming Shizuoka freely by rental car and create your own special memories. A trip to Shizuoka accompanied by the grandeur of Mt. Fuji will offer small delights and moving experiences.