Must-Visit Attractions in Yaizu City! 10 Spots You’ll Want to Visit Again

Located in central Shizuoka Prefecture, Yaizu City is a port town facing Suruga Bay. It boasts the highest volume of tuna and bonito catches in the nation. Not only is it known for its fresh fish and seafood processing industry, but it is also blessed with high-quality water resources, making agriculture thrive as well. Tourist farms where visitors can enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits on-site are particularly popular among tourists.

Not only is the number of tourists increasing, but the population of Yaizu is also growing. This is likely due to the rich natural blessings that make Yaizu attractive, with its fertile land producing crops and its ocean providing abundant seafood. When visiting Yaizu, one would definitely want to enjoy these “gifts of nature.” Here, we introduce Yaizu's must-see attractions, brimming with charm.

1. Don't miss the "Ōkuzure Coast"

If you're visiting Yaizu City, you won't want to miss the view of the Pacific Ocean from Suruga Bay. The best spot to witness the stunning seaside scenery in Yaizu is the Ōkuzure Coast.

The Ōkuzure Coast stretches about 4 kilometers along the cliffs of Suruga Bay. Waves crash violently against the steep cliffs, sending up sprays of water as if climbing the rocks. Lafcadio Hearn, born in Greece and later a naturalized Japanese citizen, had deep ties to Yaizu City and is said to have loved this coastline dearly.

You can also enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the Izu Peninsula across Suruga Bay. Although the coastline is too rugged for walking along the water's edge, the scenery can be fully enjoyed from Prefectural Route 416.

2. Sapporo Brewery Shizuoka Plant Biotope Garden

Yaizu sightseeing isn’t just about the ocean. At the Sapporo Brewery Shizuoka Plant, you’ll find a biotope garden maintained by its employees. This natural area features over 70 species of trees. Crayfish, crucian carp, and medaka thrive by the water, while thrushes occasionally descend to the surface of the pond.'

This biotope garden is truly an oasis where you can observe nature's ecosystem firsthand. By the way, do you know what "biotope" means? "Bio" means "living things," and "tope" means "place," combining to form a term that signifies a habitat for living organisms.

3. "Aquas Yaizu" to Relax a Tired Body After Sightseeing

Why not refresh your tired body after sightseeing with a spa experience featuring the deep-sea water of Suruga Bay?

Aquas Yaizu features water drawn from the ocean's depths. Known as deep-sea water, this mineral-rich seawater comes from regions far below the ocean surface, untouched by sunlight. The deep-sea water of Suruga Bay is renowned for originating from Japan’s deepest waters. Because it flows in isolated depths, it remains pure, free from contamination, and low in bacteria. It’s also rich in nutrients, providing excellent relaxation benefits.

On the second floor, there is a pool, along with facilities such as a sauna and a training room. The first floor offers relaxation rooms and spaces where you can enjoy treatments. On the third floor, there’s a pleasant terrace with a panoramic view of the vast ocean.

4. A Nostalgic Stroll Through "Hanazawa no Sato Hanazawa no Sato"

Just a 10-minute taxi ride from JR Yaizu Station lies Hanazawa no Sato, a charming historic village with longhouse-style residences, watermills, and charcoal kilns. The walking paths here evoke a sense of nostalgia for visitors. This village, often called the "Tokaido of the Nara Period," offers a glimpse into Japan’s ancient past. During the Nara and Heian periods, it served as a critical link between Yaizu and Shizuoka.

Hanazawa no Sato also offers three scenic hiking trails, one of which provides breathtaking views of Suruga Bay. This panoramic vantage point is a must-see highlight for visitors.

5. Exhibition of Various Works: "Yaizu Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum"

Visit the Yaizu Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum. You can learn about famous British fantasy literature authors of the late 19th century, such as their historical backgrounds, relationships with other writers, and their connections with illustrators. It was thrilling to see spiritual and fairy photographs that Conan Doyle was reportedly fascinated with — this was my first time seeing such exhibits!

As mentioned earlier, Yaizu City holds a special connection to Koizumi Yakumo. Located just a 5-minute bus ride from Bus Stop No. 4 at the South Exit of JR Tokaido Line's Yaizu Station, the Yaizu Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Museum features items he used during his stay and showcases works inspired by the city of Yaizu.

6. For Special Souvenirs: "Food Sample Experience Workshop Aoi"

If you're looking for a unique souvenir, head to the "Food Sample Experience Workshop Aoi," located about 20 minutes by taxi from JR Yaizu Station.

Food samples are said to have originated in 1903, created for restaurant displays in department stores. At the workshop, you can make not only food samples but also items like keychains. The courses are reservation-only and range from simple to advanced. Participants can create sweets keychains, tempura, hamburgers, or pasta food samples. Be sure to give it a try!

7. Feeling Hungry? Let’s Go to “Yaizu Sakana Center”

When you get hungry during sightseeing in Yaizu City, head to "Yaizu Sakana Center" to savor fresh seafood. With over 70 shops located near Yaizu Port, this market lets you fully enjoy freshly caught seafood. Many visitors come from afar just to taste the delicacies offered here. It’s a must-visit spot when in Yaizu.

In addition to fresh fish, the center offers a wide range of items such as delicacies, dried goods, dried fish, and simmered dishes, making it an excellent place to shop for souvenirs. By the way, some stores offer discount coupons, so it’s worth checking the official website in advance.

8. Converse with the Starry Sky at “Discovery Park Yaizu Astronomy Science Museum”

Why not have a dialogue with the starry sky during your trip to Yaizu? The Discovery Park Yaizu Astronomy Science Museum features a giant telescope. In addition to exhibits on celestial bodies and space, hands-on events are occasionally held. The planetarium allows visitors to enjoy the breathtaking star-filled sky and powerful space visuals.

On Saturdays and Sundays, stargazing sessions are held in the evening, where you can search for constellations in the night sky and dream of the universe. The Science Show is a highlight of the experience corner, offering kids a chance to discover the wonders of science firsthand. There are also other fun sections like riddle-solving and craft corners.

9. Learn Local History at the "Yaizu City Historical and Folklore Museum"

If you want to learn about the history of Yaizu, this is the place to go. Located about 5 minutes by bus from Yaizu Station and close to the Yaizu Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Museum, the Yaizu City Historical and Folklore Museum offers insights into the history of Yaizu City, which has thrived on fishing since ancient times.

The museum's exhibits are divided into the Fishing Corner and the Folk Tools Corner. In the Fishing Corner, you can see a model of the fishing boat Daigo Fukuryu Maru. The fishing tools used in the past are also worth a look. In the Folk Tools Corner, items such as chests, televisions, and washing machines used from the Edo to the Showa periods are on display. A rare wooden refrigerator is also on view, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of the common people of the time.

10. Experience Spiritual Renewal at "Daikakuji Zenshuin"

Home to Japan’s tallest Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon), Daikakuji Zenshuin is a temple steeped in history and spirituality. Originally founded in 850 by the Shingon Sect as Daikakuji Temple, it was reestablished as a Soto Sect temple under the name Zenshuin in 1553. Its centerpiece, the towering 4.2-meter Kannon statue with a 1.8-meter Buddha head, is a breathtaking masterpiece of Buddhist art.

Visitors are drawn to the temple not only for its historical significance but also for the blessings it offers. Praying to the Senju Kannon is said to promote well-being, healing both the body and mind. Standing over 7 meters tall, the serene and compassionate gaze of the Kannon inspires a sense of calm and rejuvenation for those seeking solace from life’s challenges.

Additionally, the temple houses a revered Yakushi Nyorai statue, believed to have been crafted by the legendary monk Kobo Daishi, adding to the spiritual richness of this sacred site.

◎ Summary

Facing Suruga Bay, Yaizu City is a tourist destination where you can enjoy fresh fish unloaded at Yaizu Port, rich nature, and its history. Why not take a trip to Yaizu City, which has all four elements: great food, beautiful sights, fascinating learning, and memorable experiences?