Shizuoka City is an ideal getaway for adults who appreciate refined experiences and a deep sense of calm. The city’s connection to Tokugawa Ieyasu is felt everywhere, from the historic grounds of Sunpu Castle to cultural sites shaped by his legacy, all complemented by hot springs nourished by the region’s rich natural landscape.
Shizuoka truly comes alive in autumn, and locals are proud of this season's colors. Start with the rich reds and golds of Momijiyama Garden, a beautiful space that reflects the history of Sunpu Castle Town. Then head to Mount Kunō, where the national treasure Kunozan Toshogu Shrine sits against the deep blue of Suruga Bay, a view that feels almost unreal. For something more dramatic, head into the mountains to see the autumn leaves glowing around Okushizu’s famous waterfall, a scene that looks straight out of a painting.
Thanks to easy Shinkansen access from the city center, Shizuoka makes the perfect quick escape. In just one night and two days, you can step away from the rush of everyday life and enjoy an elegant, slow-paced autumn trip that refreshes both mind and senses.
Or if you opt for self-driving, we reckon you will enjoy this autumn road trip!
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Here are the things to do and experience while you are in Shizuoka City this autumn season.
Sunpu Castle Park Momijiyama Garden
This is a beautiful strolling daimyo garden created to make use of Sunpu Castle's historical background. Composed of four gardens representing Suruga's scenic spots, you can stroll through the rich nature of Mount Fuji, the water surface representing the Abe River, and the vibrant autumn foliage valley. Inside the garden, there is a modern-style tea room (standing seats), where you can enjoy tea and Japanese sweets while enjoying a peaceful time, which is another major attraction.
Location Address: 1-1 Sunpujo Koen, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City
Opening hours: 9:00~16:30 *Last admission at 16:00
Closed: Every Monday and New Year's (if it falls on a public holiday or holiday, the museum operates without any rescheduled closures)
Admission: Adults 360 JPY, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 120 JPY
Official Website: https://sumpu-castlepark.com/
Experience Autumn Art at the Serizawa Keisuke Art Museum
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| In October, osmanthus flowers bloom in the garden |
About a 10-minute drive from Sunpu Castle Park, the Serizawa Keisuke Art Museum, located in the Toro area, is hosting its 45th anniversary exhibition starting Saturday, October 10. It will introduce a variety of design projects that continue to leave a mark nationwide, including the colorful stencil dyeing works created by Living National Treasure Keisuke Serizawa.
This is a special autumn exhibition you want to visit, along with a historical stroll through Sunpu.
[45th Anniversary Exhibition] Serizawa Design Living on the Street Corner
Event period: October 10, 2026 (Sat) ~ December 13, 2026 (Sun)
Details: You can see about 300 Serizawa designs, ranging from restaurant signs and menus to tea and sake labels, curtains, and stained glass.
Address: 5-10-5 Toro, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City
Opening hours: 9:00 ~ 16:30
Admission fee: General 420 JPY, High school and university students 260 JPY, Elementary and junior high school students 100 JPY / Preschool children FREE
URL：https://www.seribi.jp
Autumn leaves viewing at Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
This is the founding of Toshogu shrines nationwide, dedicated to Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu as their deity. The luxurious and magnificent 'Shrine Hall,' featuring Gongen-zukuri style, full lacquer, and vivid colors, is designated a National Treasure as a representative building from the early Edo period. Majestic carvings and patterns that evoke the depth of history are enveloped in the soft autumn sunlight filtering through the trees and vibrant autumn leaves, radiating an even more sacred radiance.
Address: 390 Negoya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City
Visiting hours: 9:00~17:00
Admission Fee:
[Shrine Building] Adults 700 yen, Children 300 yen [Museum] Adults 600 yen, Children 300 yen
[Common] Adults 1,200 yen, Children 600 yen *Adults are high school students and older; children are elementary and junior high school students
URL：https://www.toshogu.or.jp/
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Visit Akamizu Falls
Boasting a 50-meter-long dynamic waterfall, the beautiful white waterfall is surrounded by autumn-colored trees. In mid-November, special nighttime illuminations are held to coincide with the autumn foliage season. The magical waterfall floating in the darkness contrasts with the autumn leaves, creating a miraculous and spectacular view unique to this time of year.
Location: Ukegashima, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City | Google Map here
Umegashima Konya no Sato
This is a quiet hot spring area along the Abe River, which flows through the city. The road around the tennis courts is painted bright red, and the vivid contrast with the blue sky elegantly paints the mountainside. The best viewing period is from late October to early November.
Location: Ukegashima, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City | Google Map here.
Hatanagi Suspension Bridge
This suspension bridge is located at the starting point of the 181-meter-long hiking route to the Southern Alps, about 40 minutes on foot from Numahira Gate. General vehicles are not allowed to pass beyond the Numahira Gate. While feeling the thrill, you can enjoy the deeply carved valleys and the magnificent autumn leaves unique to the Southern Alps below, making it one of the prefecture's top autumn spots.
Location: Tashiro, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City | Google Map here.
Hatanagi Daiichi Dam
Lake Hatanagi is a little-known spot for autumn foliage, heading north from Lake Ikawa toward the Southern Alps. The surrounding mountains blaze with color all at once, harmonizing with the majestic dam lake landscape.
Location: Tashiro, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City | Google Map here.
Lake Igawa
It is a famous spot for fresh greenery and autumn leaves, where the contrast between the surface of the dam lake and the autumn leaves spreads out vividly. The ferry operates on the calm waters, and the autumn leaves seen from the lake are truly exceptionally beautiful.
Location: Ikawa, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City | Google Map here.
After a long day of walking, relax at several famous onsen in the area, such as:
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| 'Yamasemi-no-Yu' |
Shimizu Nishizato Onsen Bathing 'Yamasemi-no-Yu'
This is a municipal day-use hot spring with three open-air baths and bathing rooms.
Location: 1449 Nishizato, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka, 424-0413, Japan | Google Map here.
Business hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (last order at 5:00 PM)
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM (last order at 6:30 PM)
Closed days: Every Monday (if a holiday falls on the following weekday), year-end and New Year holidays
Admission Fee: Adults 700 yen, Children 300 yen
Parking and toilets available
Website: http://www.yamaseminoyu.com/
Yunoshima Onsen
This is a lush municipal day-use hot spring bathhouse located upstream of the Warashina River. It is a sodium bicarbonate cold mineral spring characterized by its slippery water. It is effective for neuralgia, sensitivity to cold, and skin diseases.
Location: 304-3 Yunoshima, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 421-1406, Japan | Google Map here.
Admission Fee: Adults 600 yen, Children 300 yen
Parking and toilets available
Website: http://yunoshimaonsen.jp/
Kuchisakamoto Onsen
Location: 652 Kuchisakamoto, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 421-2203, Japan | Google Map here
Admission fee: Adults 300 yen, Children 100 yen
Parking and toilets available
Website: http://kuchisakamoto.jp/
National Treasure Kunozan Toshogu Shrine Special Nighttime Visit - IRODORI
This is a special nighttime viewing where the art collective "YouRuMaru" lights up the temple grounds, inspired by the sculpture of the "Baku" (Bak) at the tower gate, a symbol of Ieyasu's "wish for peace."
Location: Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, 390 Negoya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture | Google Map here.
Official website: https://www.toshogu-lightup.com/
Event period: September 19, 2026 (Sat) ~ November 29, 2026 (Sun)
[September/October] Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
[November] Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (Closed on 10/17 and 11/22-23 due to the Toshogu Shinto Shrine ritual)
Hours: 18:00~21:00 *Last admission at 20:00
How to purchase and reserve tickets:
[Advance Tickets] Please purchase via Seven Ticket or EX Travel Destination Reservation (available until the day before each event date).
[Same-day Tickets] Available at Nihondaira Ropeway Nihondaira Station.
Event Admission Fees:
[Same-day Tickets] Adults 2,700 yen, Junior High School Students 2,200 yen, Elementary School Students 1,600 yen, Infants (4 years and older) 630 yen
*Free for children under 3 years old
[Advance Tickets] Adults 2,400 yen, Junior High School Students 1,900 yen, Elementary School Students 1,300 yen *Free for children under 3 years old
Why visit Shizuoka City this autumn?
Shizuoka City is the kind of place that reminds you how restorative travel can be. With its historic charm, breathtaking seasonal colors, and gentle rhythm of life, autumn here offers a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with beauty in its most natural form. Whether you come for the culture, the scenery, or simply a moment of calm, Shizuoka welcomes you with an elegance that lingers long after the trip ends.
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