Shizuoka Prefecture

Kawazu Zakura offers a breathtaking early cherry blossom experience, with thousands of vibrant pink trees lining the Kawazu River. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, local street food, and the unique combination of cherry blossoms with bright yellow canola flowers, making it a memorable day trip from Tokyo.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a sprawling region encompassing Mt. Fuji, the Hakone area, the Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands. Visitors can enjoy stunning natural beauty, diverse activities like hiking, boat rides, and hot springs, and cultural sites, though clear views of Mt. Fuji are highly weather-dependent.

Perched on a hillside overlooking Atami, the MOA Museum of Art offers a unique blend of architectural marvel, breathtaking sea views, and a curated collection of Japanese and Eastern art. Visitors consistently praise the dramatic escalator entrance and the serene atmosphere, making it a memorable experience beyond just the exhibits.

The Izu Teddy Bear Museum offers a charming collection of teddy bears from around the world, including historical pieces and interactive displays. A significant draw for many visitors is the dedicated Studio Ghibli exhibition, often featuring beloved characters like Totoro. It's a delightful, albeit compact, experience for fans of plush toys and animation.

Izu Granpal Park offers a mix of daytime activities and a highly praised evening illumination show, making it a versatile destination. Visitors consistently highlight the stunning light displays and a variety of attractions suitable for different age groups, though many note the additional costs for individual rides.

Izu Shaboten Park offers a distinctive blend of a zoo and a botanical garden, renowned for its free-roaming animals and extensive cactus collection. Visitors consistently praise the close-up interactions with capybaras, monkeys, and peacocks, making it a memorable experience for all ages.

Atami holds a fireworks festival almost every month of the year, and in summer several times a week. The most spectacular are the early-December winter show and the summer festivals, when up to 5,000 shells can be launched in one evening. The best view of the fireworks is from the main beach of Atami Sun Beach — a perfect way to end your trip before taking the shinkansen to Nagoya.