Shizuoka

Shizuoka Prefecture is located in the Chūbu region of Japan, along the Pacific coast. It includes the Izu Peninsula and the southern slopes of Mount Fuji, which lies on the border with Yamanashi Prefecture. The prefectural capital is Shizuoka City, and the largest city by population is Hamamatsu.

Geography and environment: The prefecture features coastal plains, mountains, and hot spring areas. Suruga Bay is a deep and productive body of water important for fisheries. The Izu Peninsula forms a prominent geographic feature with scenic coastlines and volcanic terrain. The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park extends into parts of the prefecture, attracting visitors to its diverse landscapes.

Economy: Shizuoka has a diversified economy. It is Japan’s leading producer of green tea, with extensive tea fields and processing facilities. Other key sectors include fishing, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, centered on hot springs and coastal resorts such as Atami and Ito, as well as the Mount Fuji foothills.

History and governance: The area comprises portions of the historical Suruga and Tōtōmi Provinces. The modern Shizuoka Prefecture was established during the Meiji period. The prefecture is governed as an administrative unit of Japan and includes multiple municipalities, with Shizuoka City as the capital and Hamamatsu as the largest city.

Culture and notable features: The region has a distinct culinary and cultural tradition, including prominent green tea and seafood cuisine. Notable sights include the Sunpu Castle ruins in Shizuoka City, the Izu coastline, and the southern approaches to Mount Fuji, which together support tourism and regional identity.