12 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Fujieda City! Enjoy Nature and History in a Town Famous for Soccer

Fujieda City is located right in the center of Shizuoka Prefecture, which stretches horizontally. It is also known for its convenient access to Shizuoka City. Many people may associate Fujieda City with Fujieda Higashi High School, a powerhouse in high school soccer. The city is famous for producing numerous professional soccer players, including Masashi Nakayama and Makoto Hasebe. While soccer is a strong image of this town, there are also many wonderful yet lesser-known tourist spots. This time, we will introduce some of the best sightseeing spots in Fujieda City.

1. Rengejiike Park

Rengejiike Park is located in the center of Fujieda City and is a nature-filled park built around a large pond with a circumference of approximately 1.5 kilometers. The park follows the theme of "Flowers, Water, and Birds," welcoming visitors with beautiful flowers, the waters of Rengejiike Pond, and charming wild birds. One of its most famous attractions is the stunning wisteria trellis covering 2,879 square meters. Wisteria is the official flower of Fujieda City, and its graceful beauty captivates both locals and tourists.

In addition to the wisteria trellis, Rengejiike Park is also famous for its 1,300 cherry blossom trees. Visitors can also admire seasonal flowers such as plum blossoms, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, irises, and lotuses throughout the year.

The park's namesake, "Rengejiike Pond," is its central attraction. Originally a marshland between Tounji Mountain and Rengeji Temple, local villagers built embankments and sluice gates, turning it into an irrigation reservoir that has supported agriculture for many years. Even today, it remains an essential water source for farming. The pond was named after the nearby temple, "Renkeizan Rengeji," due to the abundance of lotuses growing in the area. Surrounded by flowers and water, the park is home to many wild birds whose songs add to the serene atmosphere.

The park features various facilities, including waterfalls, a spring plaza, an ancient burial mound plaza, a grassy lawn, a Japanese-style garden, a boat rental area, and a giant slide, making it an enjoyable place for both children and adults.

2. Utouge Falls

Located in the northern part of Fujieda City, Utouge Falls, also known as "Okimi Falls," is one of the city's most famous tourist attractions. The highlight of this waterfall is its impressive height of 70 meters, where water from the Setogawa River's source cascades
straight down the rocky cliffs, showcasing the raw power of nature.

The alternative name, "Okimi Falls," originates from a tragic love story. Long ago, a woman named Okimi fell in love with a man, but realizing they could never be together, she took her own life by jumping into the falls. Since then, the waterfall has been known as "Okimi Falls."

This location is particularly recommended for enjoying the autumn foliage, attracting many hikers every year. Surrounded by the vast beauty of nature, visitors will undoubtedly feel refreshed in both body and mind.

3. Tanaka Castle Historical Residence

Tanaka Castle was built about 500 years ago in 1537 (Tenmon 6) when a local influential figure expanded his residence under the order of the Imagawa clan of Suruga. In 1616 (Genna 2), Tokugawa Ieyasu stopped by Tanaka Castle, and it is said that he became ill and possibly died after eating tempura made from sea bream.

The Tanaka Castle Historical Residence was built near the castle towards the end of the Edo period, and some of the original buildings still exist today. These structures have been relocated and restored over time, making them a rare and valuable historical cultural asset. Why not visit the Tanaka Castle Historical Residence and see the scenery that Ieyasu once witnessed?

4. Fujieda City Local History and Literature Museum

The Fujieda City Local History and Literature Museum preserves and exhibits a rich collection of historical materials related to landmarks such as ancient tombs and Tanaka Castle. Panels and models are designed to make learning easy and enjoyable for visitors of all ages. Since the museum is located within Rengejiike Park, it is highly recommended to explore the park along with your visit.

The museum also features an old locomotive on display. Additionally, several times a year, special exhibitions showcasing unique artifacts are held, ensuring that even repeat visitors can experience something new each time. The Literature Museum houses rare literary materials and highlights four prominent literary figures from Fujieda City, offering an opportunity to connect with the city's literary heritage. Here, you can deepen your understanding of Fujieda’s local history and culture while enjoying a unique learning experience.

5. Okabe-juku Ōhatago Kashibaya

Okabe-juku was a famous post town closely connected to the Okabe clan, retainers of the Kamakura Shogunate. It had both a main and an auxiliary lodging area, with historical records indicating that 2,322 people lived in its 487 houses. The town had two honjin (official lodgings), additional secondary lodgings, and inns, while both sides of the road were lined with merchant stores and farmer residences. Although some of the old Tōkaidō pine trees were cut down for new road construction, a portion remains as a tangible cultural asset of the town.

The "Ōhatago Kashibaya" is one of the representative inns of the area, with the existing building constructed in 1836 (Tenpō 7). From the fifth-generation owner, Ryōkichi, the establishment operated both as an inn and a pawn shop, making it quite prosperous. Even after 174 years, Kashibaya remains an important historical building along the old Tōkaidō road, attracting many visitors. Aside from touring the building, guests can also visit an art gallery, a Japanese restaurant, and a hands-on workshop. The workshop offers experiences such as making traditional sweets (kashiwa mochi), tofu, and konjac jelly (reservation and fees required).

6. Utsunoya Pass

Utsunoya Pass is located between Shizuoka City and Fujieda City at an elevation of 210 meters. Since the Heian period, it has served as a vital transportation route, facilitating the movement of people and goods throughout history. The oldest road through Utsunoya Pass is the "Tsuta no Hosomichi" (Vine Narrow Path), named after a poem from the Ise Monogatari (The Tales of Ise). In the Edo period, as travel increased, post towns such as Mariko-juku and Okabe-juku were established, making the area a bustling hub for travelers.

In 2007 (Heisei 19), the "Road Eco-Museum" was established, featuring an information corner at a roadside station dedicated to Utsunoya Pass. Walking along the historic pass allows visitors to experience its rich past while enjoying a meaningful sightseeing journey.

7. Tsuta no Hosomichi (Vine Narrow Path)

Tsuta no Hosomichi is an ancient path that was widely used from the Heian period to the late Muromachi period. It is located between Okabe Town in Fujieda City and Utsunoya. The renowned poet Ariwara no Narihira mentioned "Tsuta no Hosomichi" in his literary work Rakyo-ki, which made this path well known. Why not walk along this historical route and experience the journey as travelers did in the past?

8. Kabuto Sabo Dam

After visiting Tsuta no Hosomichi and Utsunoya Pass, be sure to stop by Kabuto Sabo Dam. Officially named "Kiwada River Sabo Dam," it is commonly referred to as "Kabuto Sabo Dam" and is registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property.

Originally built as a sediment control dam to protect the land from disasters such as debris flows, the current structure was rebuilt in 2002 after being damaged by heavy rainfall. Although it is not in its original form, the reconstruction followed the traditional Meiji-era method of stacking large rocks between streams, making it a fascinating site to visit. Don’t forget to stop by and take a look!

9. Meiji Tunnel

This tunnel is Japan’s first privately built toll tunnel. It was constructed on the Old Tōkaidō Road at Utsunoya Pass. The beautiful brickwork of this Meiji-era tunnel exudes a nostalgic charm. In addition to this tunnel, Utsunoya Pass also has Taisho, Showa, and Heisei-era tunnels. Comparing each of these tunnels can be an interesting way to explore Japan’s transportation history.

The "Meiji Tunnel" was highly valued as it significantly reduced the dangers of crossing the pass. It is even said that Emperor Meiji himself passed through this tunnel. This spot offers a glimpse into Japan’s modernization history, making it well worth a visit.

10. Fujieda Naritasan Temple

Located about 15 minutes by bus or car from Fujieda Station, Fujieda Naritasan enshrines a divided spirit of the Fudō Myō-ō deity from Naritasan Temple. Many worshippers visit from both inside and outside the prefecture. Visitors can pray for various blessings, including traffic safety, family well-being, business prosperity, success in exams, and protection from bad luck.

The most popular time to visit is during the annual fire-walking ritual held in autumn. Unlike walking through raging flames, participants walk over scattered charcoal, with most of the fire extinguished. General visitors are welcome to participate, making it an exciting time to experience the temple's traditions.

11. Gyokuro no Sato

As you enter the Old Tōkaidō Road and pass by the Ōhatago Kashibaya, you will come across Gyokuro no Sato. This area is known for its lush tea fields, producing Gyokuro tea, one of Japan’s finest teas, alongside Uji tea from Kyoto and Yame tea from Fukuoka.

Opened on October 5, 1991, Gyokuro no Sato was created to promote and preserve Gyokuro tea, local nature, culture, and traditions. Visitors can learn about Gyokuro tea and enjoy its delicate taste. Since it is integrated with a roadside station, it is also a convenient place to buy souvenirs. The Okabe area is blessed with natural beauty, making it an ideal location for tea production. Each season offers a different scenic view. Inside Gyokuro no Sato, you will find Hyōgetsutei, a traditional teahouse where you can relax while admiring a Japanese garden.

12. Takinoya Fudō Gorge

Takinoya Fudō Gorge is a scenic valley formed by the upper stream of the Takinoya River, a tributary of the Seto River. The gorge is named after the 10-meter-tall seated statue of Fudō Myō-ō, a Buddhist deity, which is carved into the natural rock face.

The area is a popular hiking destination, offering breathtaking natural landscapes. In autumn, the Takinoya Fudō Gorge Maple Festival is held, attracting many visitors. If you want to experience Japan’s stunning autumn scenery, this is a must-visit spot.

◎ Summary

Fujieda City is often associated with soccer, but how did you find it? As introduced, this town has many fascinating attractions, especially those surrounded by rich nature. Since it is not too far from Shizuoka City, be sure to explore Fujieda when visiting the central area of Shizuoka Prefecture.

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12 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Fujieda City! Enjoy Nature and History in a Town Famous for Soccer