Toro Ruins

TORO RUINS
Toro,ruins,agriculturalvillege,shizuoka,historic,Japan,sightseeing,nationalSpeialHistoricSite,

Agricultural village in Japan used to look like this.

This isn’t merely a historical place, but it goes way back to about 2,000 years ago, in Yayoi era. The Toro ruins shows that there used to be an agricultural village existed here. Shizuoka city have first found the ruins in 1943, then they have excavated and researched more after the Pacific War.

Toro,ruins,agriculturalvillege,shizuoka,historic,Japan,sightseeing,nationalSpeialHistoricSite,

Fire place, bedroom, dining, kitchen and living room are all in this one room.

They have found the ruins of houses, storehouses, and also farming tools such as spatula, stone knives. Now they are restored in this place, so you can see how the village used to look like.

You can even go into the house. (I was a bit scared though. Of course inside is so dark, no lights in Yayoi period!) Please step inside of the house, you’ll see and feel how people used to live there.

The Toro Ruins were designated as a National Special Historic site in 1953. It’s a nice park and totally free. (But they close the doors of the houses after 4:30pm. So don’t be late!) Many neighborhood kids are playing around. That’s how peaceful it is. And there’s a museum adjoining the park.

TORO RUINS
Open-Close9am-4:30pm(The houses only. The park is always open.)
Address5-10-5 Toro, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken, Japan, 422-8033
Tel+81-54-285-0476
AccessBus: JR Shizuoka Bus terminal South entrance @22, take #11 (Ishidakaido-line) , get off at "Toro-Iseki". It's the final destination. 190yen/adult, 100yen/child
NoteToro Ruins Website

Izakaya

“Izakaya” is a type of casual restaurant where people go to eat and drink. It’s the one you go when you feel like drinking mostly. Their foods are relatively reasonable in general. Some places offer “all-you-can-drink (or eat)” menus at a reasonable price. But if you go to a nice Izakaya, it might not be the same. There are so many chain Izakaya restaurants all around!

AOI BEER

Aoibeer,Shizuoka,Japanesebeer,Beer,Sake,Japan,Aoi,Beerbar,
This is not a “Izakaya” type of place. (if any of you from Aoi beer is reading this post, no offense! I just wanted to introduce you as one of Shizuoka’s popular beer place!!) But it’s a stylish and new type of beer stand.

“Aoi Beer” is Shizuoka’s local brand craft beer brewed at their own brewery, Aoi Brewing, which is the first brewery in Shizuoka city opened in 2014. And Aoi Beer Stand the standing bar run by them. The basis of their logo design is the family crest of Ieyasu Tokugawa who had chosen Shizuoka as his retreat after retirement of a general.

They have several different kinds of craft beer, pale, golden, Stout, Weizen and so on. They also sometime serve limited time kind.

So, their beer is only available in Shizuoka. Aoi Beer Stand is actually packed with people even on weekdays. There aren’t many space there, but make sure you grab a glass or two before you leave. This is something you can drink only in Shizuoka!! It’s located quite close from JR Shizuoka station.


AOI BEER STAND
Open-Close11am-11pm
Address1F Denbil, 4-6 Miyuki-cho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken, Japan, 420-0857
Tel+81-54-260-5203
AccessWalk straight to the north from JR Shizuoka station on Miyukicho st. You'll see it on your left on corner of the first intersection.
NoteAoi Brewing Website

Surprising Photos of Shizuoka

Inspiring Photos of Shizuoka

Mt.Fuji

Shrines / Temples

[Shizuoka Gokoku Shrine]

Tangible Cultural Property

[Old city hall of Shizuoka]

[The Shizuoka Bank]

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Discount Stores

Discount Stores

If you are shopping, it’s always better to shop at low-price. However, you still want the stuffs to be good value. Then try to shop at those Discount stores! We have some Discount Stores who carry stuffs from commodities to groceries! Spend less, and shop more!

 

DON QUIXOTE
 DonQuixote Shopping Shizuoka Japan Discount Store
As most of you have heard of a discount store called “Don Quixote”. This is one of the hottest shopping place for international tourists. One of the reasons for that could be they are duty-free store!

Inside of the store is like a maze. It doesn’t mean you get lost, but you get to find so many stuffs that catch your interests as you walk through the aisles. 

There is usually a Yakitori (chicken skewers) truck waiting outside at the Don Quixote in Shizuoka. That’s your first attraction (if you’re hungry). Then bicycles are very useful in Shizuoka area, so there are so many of them lining up and welcoming you at the entrance.

They would probably have everything you need. Make up stuff, clothes, electronics, video games, snacks, foods, drinks, car supplies…and what else? To find out what they really have, please actually visit one of the Don Quixote stores in Shizuoka! (lol) We have three of them.The map below is the one in our downtown area. The newest store is in the place called Yamazaki.

DON QUIXOTE
Open-Close10am-4am
Address12-2 Konya-cho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken, Japan, 420-0852
Tel+81-54-653-3811
AccessWalk straight on the Ryogae-cho st. to the North from JR Shizuoka st.
NoteDon Quixote Website


 

Chibimaruko-chan

Those of you who are interested in Japanese culture, you might have heard of the anime called “Chibimaruko-chan”. It’s a popular nationwide Manga series written and illustrated by Momoko Sakura, who has sadly passed away in 2018. It’s a simple but fun and heart warming story of her childhood. And where she was born and has grown up?

YES, in Shimizu-ku of Shizuoka-city!

It’s a story back in 80’s, so you can see how the ordinary life could be in Japan. Even though, the story is a bit out of date, people and kids love it because it’s just so ordinary and many parts of the stories could often be the cases in our real life. And “Chibimaruko-chan” has been running on TV anime nationwide since 1995! And I’m going to introduce some places to visit for “Chibimaruko-chan” fans!

CHIBIMARUKO-CHAN LAND
Chibimarukochan land Chinese Japan Shizuoka Shimizu The “CHIBIMARUKO-CHAN LAND” is located in S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA. It’s a big amusement shopping mall, so you can actually shop and have fun there. I guess it’s really a popular place for people from overseas, so they have a sign written in Chinese. (I have no idea what it says though.)

 

At the “CHIBIMARUKO-CHAN LAND“, they reproduce her neighborhood town where Chibimaruko-chan lives. So they have her house, school, stores she goes to, park, and so on. There are must-take-photo places inside of this amusement area. So if you are big fan of Chibimaruko-chan, this is “gotta go” place!

Just outside of the “CHIBIMARUKO-CHAN LAND“, they have an area where you can buy souvenirs of Chibimaruko-chan products. Some of them are only found in Shizuoka area, so make sure to check them out! (I love the handkerchiefs, personally!)

There’s also a shrine, so you can just stop there and hope your trip to Shizuoka is going to be a great one! They also have a post where you can “actually” mail from. So buy a pretty post card of Chibimaruko-chan, then write a message to your friends back home and mail it from the pink post!

Chibimarukochan land S-PULSE dream plaza Shizuoka Shimizu Japan Manga Anime

Chibimarukochan land shimizu shizuoka Japan S-Pulse dreamplaza shrine

For location info, please go check out “S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA” page!

CHIBIMARUKO-CHAN LAND
Open-Closed10am-8pm(no later than 7:30pm)
They're open all year long
Admission Fee600yen(anyone who are older than Jr.high student)
400yen(anyone who are younger than above)
Free under 2 years old.
Group of over 20 ppl discount is available.
NoteChibimarukochan land Website.

 

FIND THIS “SPECIAL” UTILITY HOLE!
Chibimaruko-chan,ulityhole,specialutilityhole,Shizuoka,Cenova,manhole,maruchan,SakuraMomoko,This is such a special “Chibimaruko-chan” utility hole that can be found in somewhere in Shizuoka city! It was donated by Momoko Sakura who is the author of Chibimaruko-chan anime. There are actually 2 of utility holes with different illustration on each one in Shizuoka city. This one is placed in Aoi-ku, Shizuoka city. And the other one can be found in Shimizu-ku. You could find this one somewhere near “Cenova” shopping mall! It’s really close from there. When you come out from the main entrance of “Cenova“, cross the street, then you should carefully walk on this stone pavement. You will fin it at your feet!!

Kiyomizu dera(Temple) in Shizuoka!?

KIYOMIZU DERA (temple)

P1040661
If you know well about Kyoto, or you are interested in Japanese temples, you might have heard “Kiyomizu temple(tera)” in Kyoto. It’s a great temple on the cliff, surrounded by green. And we, here in Shizuoka, have this in the pic. What is this? It’s called Kiyomizu san park. I think, it’s named after “Kiyomizu dera” in Kyoto. There’s a deck on the cliff just like the one in Kyoto. from the deck, you can see a city scape of Shizuoka city. And underneath of it, water is running like a big waterfall. It’s connected to the mountain back there, so you can hike up the mountain if you want to. 

It’s a quite big park. Kids are running around, there are free parking space along the street, it’s a nice place.

P1040680Next to this park, there’s actually a temple called “Kiyomizu dera“!! The principle image is “Senjyu Kannon”(the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy with a 1,000 arms!) There are not many shrines or temples that have Senjyu Kannon around here.

And this”Kiyomizu dera” is also one of the registered tangible cultural properties. They have summer festivals in July. So that might be a great timing when you should visit there! Since there’s a big park next to it, there are going to be many food stalls.

KIYOMIZU TERA (Temple)
Open-ClosedI don't think they're ever closed.
Address27-8 Otowa-cho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken, Japan 422-8006
Tel+81-54-246-9333
AccessShizutetsu Train: Either from JR Shin-Shizuoka or Shimizu get on a train, and get off at "Otowa cho" st. Only the 3rd st. from Shizuoka. 120yen/adult, 60yen/child, From Shin-Shimizu, 280yen/adult, 140yen/child.
NoteKiyomizu dera Wikipedia

Tangible Cultural Properties

There are some old historical buildings registered as Tangible Cultural Properties in Shizuoka city including old Shizuoka city hall. They are not only old, but also beautiful. Please go and see with your eyes to convince yourself why they’ve been registered as Tangible Cultural Properties.

We have “Kiyomizu dera(temple)” in Shizuoka. It’s the temple in Kyoto, is it?? Yes, but there’s one in Shizuoka and it’s also one of the Tangible Cultural Properties! Find out more here!

SHIZUOKA BANK HEAD OFFICE

OLD CITY HALL

 tangible cultural property,Cityhall,Spanish,old,Shizuoka,
This Spanish style architectural building was build in 1934! And it has been registered as a Tangible Cultural Property in 1996. On the left, you’ll see the new city right next to it. This one old is still used for city councils and a public gallery.

Shizuoka,Japan,cityhall,tangible cultural property,backward,

In front of the building, above the entrance, you’ll see Kanji writing saying “City hall of Shizuoka” in Japanese. But notice that it’s written backward! It’s usually written from left to right just like English. But this sign is written from right to left.

You can go inside during their office hours (usually on weekdays 8 to 5). The entrance part is beautiful. They have a huge doors leading to the entrance hall and stairs with beautiful stained glass at the landing.

Unfortunately, you cannot go up to the beautiful dome. But you can look at it from 360 degrees. Even though this is Spanish style architecture, you’ll see something Japanese inside and feel Showa era.

OLD CITY HALL OF SHIZUOKA
Open-Close8:30am-5:15pm(mon-fri)
Address5-1 Oote-machi, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken, Japan, 420 -0853
Tel+81-54-254-2111
AccessApprox. 10 min walk from JR. Shizuoka station. Get out the North entrance of the station and go up to North on Miyukicho st., then it'll appear on your left.
NoteCity of Shizuoka Website

 

SHIZUOKA BANK HEAD OFFICE
P1040640_Fotor
Shizuoka Bank is the biggest regional bank in Shizuoka. It’s been called as “Shizugin” by local people. Their branches are actually all over the country even outside of Shizuoka. They are one of the biggest regional banks in Japan.

Their head office is located at the end of Gofukucho street, right on the big inter section. And this building is also one of the Tangible Cultural Properties. You can easily tell why if you look at the building. It was built in 1931, and has registered as one in 1998.

shizuokabank,bank,japan,regionalbank,

At the entrance, they have a sing of “Shizuoka Bank” written in Kanji characters. Here, I’d like you to notice that they are also written backward from right to left, just like the one at the city hall above. It’s really a beautiful classic building with find designs.

Shizuoka Bank Head office
Open-Closed9am-3pm(only weekdays)
Address1-10 Gofuku-cho Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken, Japan 420-8760
Tel+81-54-254-3111
AccessWalk: Go straight to North on Gofukucho street from the North entrance of JR. Shizuoka st.
NoteShizuoka bank English Website

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See more pictures!!

Electronic Stores

Electronic Stores

Akihabara is not the only place that has electronic stores! Come and check out those electronic stores in Shizuoka! They are one of the hottest places that tourist would love to shop at. And here in Shizuoka, we have some of the biggest and popular chain stores. 

BIC CAMERA X KOJIMA 

BicCamera Kojima Shizuoka Japan
BIC CAMERA
has formed a merger with KOJIMA a few years ago, that’s why this stores has both names.They are virtually the second biggest electronic store chains in Japan now.They have two stories. One the first floor, they have liquor store, bicycles, pharmacy, besides electronics!

And on the second floor, they have Apple store, too. And most of the time, there is a bakery truck just out side of the entrance of BIC CAMERA x KOJIMA. They sell good Melon pan, which are really popular bread in Japan. So don’t forget to try that too.

BIC CAMERA x KOJIMA
Open-Close10am-9pm
Address1-1-51 Kuniyoshida, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken, Japan, 422-8004
Tel+81-54-208-5711
AccessBus: JR Higashi-Shizuoka Bus terminal North entrance, take either one #209 (Kokudo HigashiShizuoka Shimizu-line) , get off at "Kuniyoshida 1chome". Then you'll soon see it. 190yen/adult, 100yen/child
Get on @Shizutetsu train from Shin-Shizuoka station, get off at "Kusanagi Undojyo-mae" and walk to North. You'll see a railroad bridge. Go across over it, you'll soon see the building.
NoteWebsite

 

YAMADA DENKI
Yamada,Yamadadenki,Shizuoka,Japan,electronicstore,kaden,
Yamada Denki is one of the largest electronic stores in Japan. And this one in Shizuoka is actually located right next to Kojima Bic Camera above.

So you can easily compare prices of the merchandise you are planning to purchase between Yamada and Kojima Bic Camera. They would give you some discount if they know the next door give you cheaper price than they do. And vice versa. As you can see, this is a great area to shop electronics wisely.

YAMADA DENKI
Open-Close10am-9pm
Address1-1-43 Kuniyoshida, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken, Japan, 422-8004
Tel+81-54-267-3911
AccessBus: JR Higashi-Shizuoka Bus terminal North entrance, take either one #209 (Kokudo HigashiShizuoka Shimizu-line) , get off at "Kuniyoshida 1chome". Then you'll soon see it. 190yen/adult, 100yen/child
Train:Get on @Shizutetsu train from Shin-Shizuoka station, get off at "Kusanagi Undojyo-mae" and walk to North. You'll see a railroad bridge. Go across over it, you'll soon see the building.
NoteWebsite

No.1 Green Tea

Japanese Green Tea Shizuoka Cha-machi

It goes back to the “17th century” when green tea from Shizuoka were first offered to Edo Shugunate. Since then, more and more green tea dealers and wholesalers started their business in Chamachi area, in Shizuoka, which has built this “tea business area”, Cha-machi. And Cha-machi now is the “No.1 green tea wholesale business” area. Green tea from Shizuoka had been known as “Green tea for Shogun(generals)”. And they’ve started exporting them to the world in Meiji era. Still, green tea is our special product.

 

CHA-MACHI AREA
 Japanese greentea Cha-machi Shizuoka Japan
Cha means tea in Japanese. But in generally speaking, we mean “Green tea” by that. As I mentioned above, Cha-machi is an area of “green tea” business. It’s so interesting that you’ll see the signs of “Cha” all over in this area. Some places sell bags of green tea that you can buy, and some places serve you nice and excellent green tea. Those ones in the pic are just a part of them.

Try to find out how many “Cha” signs you can find in this area. It’s also interesting to stroll around this area, because most of the buildings are old. You can probably feel the history there. And, you will definitely “smell” good green tea aroma.

CHA-MACHI area
Open-CloseYou can always stroll around in this area. But most stores are probably open from 9am to 5pm during weekdays.
AddressChamachi, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-420-0021420-0031
AccessWalk straight from Gofukucho, downtown area. It's located on the extension area of Gofukucho st.
NotePlease see this Map.