Recommended sushi restaurants in Shizuoka, Japan

Recommended sushi restaurants in Shizuoka, Japan

Recommended conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Shizuoka, Japan

Characteristics of Shizuoka’s Cuisine

The Charm of Shizuoka, Cradled by Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji
Shizuoka Prefecture is a captivating region, enriched by its symbolic landscapes of Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji, along with a wealth of natural beauty and diverse industries.
Geographically, the area spans from the foothills of Mount Fuji to the coastline, offering a rich variety of landscapes. The mountainous regions benefit from abundant forest and water resources, while the coastal areas enjoy a warm climate and quality harbors. The prefecture is also well-connected through transportation networks such as the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Tomei Expressway, providing easy access to the metropolitan and Kansai areas.
Economically, agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries have developed in harmony. Agriculture is renowned for its tea, mandarins, and melons nationwide. In manufacturing, Shizuoka hosts numerous world-leading companies in sectors like automobiles, musical instruments, and electronic devices. The tourism industry has also flourished in recent years, attracting visitors to Mount Fuji, hot springs, and historical towns from both within Japan and abroad.
Thus, Shizuoka Prefecture can be described as a vibrant region, boasting a favorable natural environment and a diverse industrial base.

The Ongoing Story of Shizuoka from Ancient to Modern Times
Shizuoka Prefecture has a deep history as a place where people have lived since ancient times.
During the Jomon period, communities thrived by utilizing the rich natural environment. The Yayoi period saw the emergence of large settlements like the Toro site, thanks to advancements in rice cultivation techniques. In ancient times, the region became a crucial transportation hub with the establishment of the Suruga, Totomi, and Izu provinces along the Tokaido route.
The medieval era saw the rise of samurai clans, with powers such as the Imagawa and Takeda families ruling the area. The Sengoku period marked the construction of Sunpu Castle by Tokugawa Ieyasu, laying the foundation for the Edo shogunate. During the Edo period, commerce thrived in the post towns along the Tokaido.
Since the Meiji Restoration, Shizuoka has modernized, with industries like tea and mandarins developing. Post-World War II, industrialization progressed, making the prefecture a manufacturing hub for automobiles and electronic devices.
Tourism has also grown in recent years, with attractions like Mount Fuji, hot springs, and historic towns drawing visitors from both Japan and overseas.
Thus, Shizuoka Prefecture boasts a long history from ancient times to the present, with each era leaving its mark through cultural heritage and traditions still alive today.

The Blessings of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay in Shizuoka’s Cuisine
Shizuoka Prefecture’s cuisine has been nurtured by its abundant natural environment and history.
Tea grown with the clear water at the foot of Mount Fuji represents one of Shizuoka’s flagship products. The warm climate yields famous fruits such as mandarins and melons. Fresh seafood from Suruga Bay, including sushi and sashimi, offers a variety of flavors.
Shizuoka prospered as a post town on the Tokaido route since the Edo period, developing cuisine to entertain travelers. Traditional food cultures like “Abe river mochi” and “Yoshiwara-yaki” continue today.
Recently, creative dishes using Shizuoka’s local ingredients have also gained popularity. Enjoy the fresh and delicious cuisine blessed by Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay in Shizuoka.

Experiencing Shizuoka’s Sushi Culture with Suruga Bay’s Seafood
Shizuoka Prefecture, with its rich fishing grounds in Suruga Bay, has a long history of sushi culture.
In the Edo period, “oshizushi” was commonly prepared as offerings to Edo. Today, regional variations like Shimizu’s “Tomoe sushi” and Yaizu’s “Sakuraba sushi” continue this tradition.
Recently, “Edomae sushi” and “creative sushi” utilizing fresh seafood have become popular. Sushi featuring Suruga Bay’s red snapper and sakura shrimp offers unique flavors of Shizuoka.
Shizuoka is home to many renowned sushi restaurants, from traditional establishments to modern-style places.
When visiting Shizuoka, don’t miss out on tasting delicious sushi made with the bounty of Suruga Bay.

Unique Specialty Products of Shizuoka
Shizuoka Prefecture is known for a variety of specialty products, cultivated by its rich natural environment and history.
Tea, a signature product of Shizuoka, is cultivated with the clear waters of Mount Fuji, offering a rich aroma and deep flavor, acclaimed both domestically and internationally.
Fruits like mandarins and melons, grown in the warm climate, are nationally renowned. Shizuoka’s mandarins are particularly celebrated for their sweetness and juiciness. High-end melon varieties such as Musk and Crown melons are known for their exquisite aroma and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
Seafood from Suruga Bay, including sakura shrimp, whitebait, and red snapper, is also highly regarded for its freshness and taste. Sakura shrimp are caught in spring and autumn, enjoyed in dishes like “kama-age shirasu” and tempura. Whitebait is available as “kama-age shirasu” or raw, versatile for dishes like rice bowls or sushi. Red snapper is prized for its fatty, refined flavor, suitable for various dishes from stew to sashimi.
Other notable products include wasabi from the foothills of Mount Fuji, essential for sushi and sashimi, and Shizuoka tea-based sweets and traditional crafts.
When visiting Shizuoka, be sure to savor these specialty products, perfect as souvenirs.