Shizuoka Prefecture is located in the Chubu region on the east coast of the main island of Japan, Honshu. It is bordered by the prefectures of Yamanashi, Nagano, Aichi and Kanagawa. With an area of 7,779.41 km² and a population of about 3.7 million, Shizuoka is the ninth largest prefecture in Japan.
History
Shizuoka Prefecture has a rich history dating back to the Jomon era, about 10,000 years ago. The prefecture was also an important place during the Sengoku period, a period of civil wars in Japan that lasted from the late 15th century to the early 17th century. Shizuoka was the site of many fights between local feudal lords for the control of the region. During the Edo period, which lasted from 1603 to 1867, Shizuoka was an important center of tea and silk production.
Geography
Shizuoka is a diverse prefecture in terms of geography, with mountains, plains, rivers and coasts. The prefecture is dominated by Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan, which is located on the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi. Mount Fuji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction. The prefecture also has many other outstanding natural sites, such as Yoshida Gorge, Ashi and Tanuki Lakes, and Shiraito Waterfalls.
Culture and tourism
Shizuoka is a prefecture rich in culture and heritage. The prefecture is known for its production of green tea, especially Shimizu area tea. Visitors can visit tea plantations, tea museums and traditional tea houses to learn about tea culture in Japan. The prefecture is also known for its production of wasabi, a plant used to make a hot sauce used in Japanese cuisine.
Popular tourist sites in Shizuoka include Sunpu Castle, a historic castle that was the residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years. Visitors can also visit the Atami Hot Springs, a popular spa since the Edo era.
Shizuoka Prefecture is also a popular place for outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing and surfing. The mountains of the prefecture offer many opportunities for hiking and climbing, with marked trails leading to the summit of Mount Fuji. The prefecture’s beaches are popular for surfing and swimming in summer.
Economy
Shizuoka is a prosperous prefecture with a diversified economy. The production of tea, wasabi and agricultural products is an important source of income for the prefecture. Shizuoka is also known for its manufacturing industry, especially for the production of optical instruments, such as lenses and telescopes. The prefecture is also a center of automobile production, with plants of Toyota and Suzuki.
Transportation
Shizuoka Prefecture is easily accessible by public transportation. The Tokaido Shinkansen main line connects Tokyo and Osaka and passes through the prefecture, with stops in Shizuoka and Hamamatsu. Shizuoka and Mt. Fuji-Shizuoka airports are options for domestic flights, while Chubu International Airport is located nearby in Aichi Prefecture.
