Shizuoka: Where Green Tea Meets Wasabi – A Foodie’s Dream?

If you think Shizuoka is just a pit stop between Tokyo and Kyoto, think again! This charming prefecture is a culinary haven where you can sip the best green tea, dab fresh wasabi on sushi, and snack on sakura shrimp—all while gazing at Mount Fuji. Oh, and did we mention wasabi ice cream? Let’s dive into the must-try foods, fun activities, and unforgettable experiences waiting for you in Shizuoka.

1. Shizuoka Green Tea – A Sip of Serenity

Shizuoka produces nearly 40% of Japan’s green tea, making it the ultimate destination for tea lovers. From rolling hills covered in vibrant tea bushes to tea-picking tours, there’s no better place to embrace your inner tea connoisseur.

• Must-Do: Visit tea plantations in Makinohara or join a tea-picking tour in spring. Many farms also offer tea-tasting sessions where you can learn to appreciate the subtle differences between matcha, sencha, and gyokuro.

• Fun Fact: Shizuoka’s green tea is packed with antioxidants, so you’re basically getting healthier with every sip.

• Pro Tip: Bring home some freshly packaged green tea as a souvenir—it’s the gift that keeps on giving!

2. Fresh Wasabi – The Real Deal

Shizuoka is the birthplace of wasabi cultivation in Japan, and it’s famous for producing the freshest and highest-quality wasabi in the world. The cool, clear mountain streams of the Izu Peninsula create the perfect environment for wasabi farming, a practice that has been perfected here for centuries.

A Brief History of Wasabi in Shizuoka

• Wasabi cultivation in Shizuoka dates back to the early Edo Period (17th century). It’s said that wild wasabi was first domesticated in Utogi, a small village near Shizuoka City - Initially used as a medicinal herb, wasabi gained popularity as a condiment when sushi became a staple in Japanese cuisine during the Edo Period. Its antibacterial properties made it the perfect pairing for raw fish. Shizuoka’s farmers perfected the art of growing wasabi in flowing spring water, a technique still used today to maintain its signature fresh and spicy flavor.

Why Shizuoka Wasabi is Special

• Pristine Conditions: The wasabi plants thrive in clean, cold water from the mountains, which gives them their smooth, aromatic spice.

• Hand-Cultivated: Wasabi farming requires a lot of care and attention. Farmers in Shizuoka take pride in their centuries-old methods.

• Health Benefits: Fresh wasabi is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it both tasty and good for you.

Must-Visit Spot: Daiō Wasabi Farm

• Located in the Izu Peninsula, this famous wasabi farm offers guided tours where you can learn about the cultivation process, walk through the picturesque fields, and even try your hand at grating fresh wasabi.

Unique Eats: After the tour, treat yourself to wasabi ice cream, wasabi beer, or even wasabi-flavored snacks.

How to Enjoy Fresh Wasabi

• Fresh wasabi is grated on a sharkskin grater (oroshi), which creates a creamy paste that’s worlds apart from the fake green paste you’ve had before.

• Try it on sushi, in soba noodles, or even on a simple bowl of rice to fully appreciate its flavor
  

3. Sakura Shrimp & Shirasu – Ocean’s Delights

Shizuoka’s coastal location means the seafood is always fresh, and the local specialties sakura ebi (cherry shrimp) and shirasu (whitebait) are not to be missed.

• Where to Go: Numazu Port for sushi, sashimi, or seafood rice bowls loaded with sakura shrimp or shirasu.

• Seasonal Tip: Sakura shrimp is best enjoyed in spring or fall when it’s freshly caught.

4. Things to Do in Shizuoka

Beyond the delicious food, Shizuoka offers stunning sights and fun activities that make it worth the trip.

• Explore Mount Fuji: Take in breathtaking views from Miho no Matsubara beach or hike around the foothills.

• Visit Nihondaira: Ride the ropeway to Kunōzan Toshogu Shrine for panoramic views of the region.

• Strawberry Picking: Amaou strawberries are sweet, juicy, and perfect for a winter visit.

• Ride the Oigawa Railway: This vintage steam train is a charming way to see the countryside.

• Relax at Izu Peninsula Hot Springs: Soak in a hot spring while enjoying ocean views.

5. Practical Tips for Travelers

• Best Time to Visit: Spring for sakura shrimp and tea-picking tours, winter for strawberries and hot springs.

• Getting There: The Tokaido Shinkansen makes Shizuoka easily accessible from Tokyo or Osaka. Local buses and trains connect you to attractions.

• Souvenir Ideas: Stock up on green tea, wasabi products, and sakura shrimp crackers to share (or keep for yourself).

So my beautiful friends...

Whether you’re here for the tea, the wasabi, or just to prove you’ve been somewhere besides Tokyo, Shizuoka has something to delight your senses. Trust us, you’ll leave with a full stomach, a peaceful mind, and a suitcase full of green tea.

So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Shizuoka today and discover why this little slice of heaven deserves a big spot on your Japan itinerary.