7 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City | The Hometown of Chibi Maruko-chan and Shimizu Jirocho!”

Shimizu Ward in Shizuoka Prefecture (formerly Shimizu City) is one of Japan's leading port cities, offering stunning close-up views of Mt. Fuji. It is famous as the setting of the beloved national anime Chibi Maruko-chan and as the hometown of its creator, Momoko Sakura. During the Edo period, it thrived as a post town along the Tokaido road. Today, many tourist attractions are scattered throughout the city and its surrounding areas. In this article, we'll focus on Shimizu, now part of Shizuoka City, and introduce seven recommended sightseeing spots.

1. Shimizu Jirocho's Birthplace

"Jirocho," often mentioned by Maruko in the anime Chibi Maruko-chan , refers to Shimizu Jirocho, a famous chivalrous gangster (kyokaku) who was known as the "Number One Boss on the Tokaido Road." He was active from the late Edo period to the Meiji era. His real name was Chogoro Yamamoto, and his loyal and compassionate character is still loved by the people of Shimizu today.

The birthplace of Shimizu Jirocho still remains today, with features like the well used for his first bath preserved in their original state. In 2017 (Heisei 29), a traditional townhouse from Jirocho's time was also restored, making it a new attraction in the port town of Shimizu. For a souvenir, why not buy a "Katsufuda" (Victory Talisman), named after Jirocho's reputation as a famous gambler?

2. Chibi Maruko-chan Land

A must-visit spot when talking about Shimizu is Chibi Maruko-chan Land , a theme attraction that recreates the world of Chibi Maruko-chan , located inside the S-Pulse Dream Plaza. Inside, you'll find life-size recreations of Maruko's home, school, park, and more, taking you right back to the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era.

In the free zone, you can try sand art and "Peta-Peta" painting experiences. There's also "Mitsuya," a traditional Japanese sweets shop that appears often in the anime, recreated here as a store candy. At Mitsuya, you can buy uniquely Shizuoka pink-colored "Sakura Bou" (sweet puff sticks), old-fashioned snacks, and retro bagged fruit ice, making this a fun spot for both kids and adults!

3. Shimizu Port Bay Cruise

Shimizu Port is known as one of Japan's "Three Most Beautiful Ports," alongside Kobe and Nagasaki. Here, you can enjoy the "Mt. Fuji Shimizu Minato Cruise," a 35- to 45-minute boat tour around the port, or the shorter "Mini Cruise," which takes about 15 minutes to cross to Miho no Matsubara on the opposite shore. The view of Mt. Fuji from the boat is truly exceptional!

Especially on the Minato Cruise, you can also enjoy panoramic views of Nihondaira and the mountain ranges of the Izu Peninsula. It's a scenic and elegant boat trip that's perfect for soaking in the beautiful surroundings. Additionally, there's the "Shimizu Port Bento Cruise," where you can enjoy a specially prepared bento lunch while cruising (reservation required). Eating a luxurious bento while feeling the sea breeze and admiring the scenery is a unique indulgence you can only experience at Shimizu Port.

4. Tokai University Marine Science Museum

The Tokai University Marine Science Museum is an aquarium located near the tip of Miho no Matsubara. Operated by Tokai University as part of its social education efforts, it has become one of Shimizu's most popular tourist attractions.

It is also the first research institute in the world to successfully breed clownfish ( Amphiprioninae ). Inside Japan's largest all-glass aquarium, you can see more than 50 species and over 1,000 fish. In addition to classic marine life, the exhibits include fascinating deep-sea creatures from the nearby Suruga Bay.

On the second floor, you'll find the "Sea Laboratory," where you can try operating experimental equipment and even touch certain exhibits. This aquarium, affiliated with a university, not only offers healing encounters with sea creatures but also stimulates your intellectual curiosity.

5. Matsubara

The Miho Peninsula, which extends like a hook from Shimizu Port, has long been cherished by the Japanese as a scenic spot offering views of Mt. Fuji. Miho no Matsubara is counted among the "New Three Views of Japan" and the "Three Great Pine Groves of Japan." It is also registered as part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, "Fujisan, Sacred Place and Source of Artistic Inspiration."

The view of Mt. Fuji from Miho no Matsubara is breathtaking and has inspired many famous artists to use it as a subject for their paintings. The pine grove stretches about 7 kilometers along the coast and is home to around 30,000 pine trees. It is also known as the setting of the famous "Hagoromo Legend," where a celestial maiden is said to have descended. Additionally, it is a popular spot to watch the beautiful sunrise, and every New Year's Day, many people gather here to witness the first sunrise of the year.

6. Okitsu Sagyoso

Okitsu Sagyoso is a villa built in 1920 (Taisho 9) by Kinmochi Saionji, a prominent statesman of the Meiji era who was known as the last elder statesman (Genro). As one of the key figures who shaped modern Japan after the Meiji Restoration, many political leaders of the time are said to have visited him at Sagyoso.

The original building of Sagyoso was relocated to "Meiji Mura" in Aichi Prefecture after World War II and is now preserved and open to the public as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The "Okitsu Sagyoso" in Shimizu Ward is a faithful reconstruction built on the original site. It is a two-story wooden structure in the Kyoto-style sukiya architecture, and visitors are free to tour the inside. It's quite surprising that such an influential political figure had a villa right here in Shimizu!

7. Verkehr Museum

The Verkehr Museum is a "Ship and Port Museum" that exhibits ship models, cargo handling tools, and other items related to Shimizu Port. The building has a stylish red brick exterior, and inside, you'll find models of sailing ships as well as a realistic diorama of Shimizu City and its port. The display of finely crafted wooden Japanese ship models is particularly impressive.

On the museum grounds, there is also the Canned Food Memorial Hall . This building was relocated from the former headquarters of Shimizu Foods Co., Ltd., which in 1929 (Showa 4) became the first company in Japan to manufacture and export canned tuna in oil. Inside, you can find exhibits on the history and manufacturing process of canned foods, as well as retro canned packaging designs that you rarely see today. It's a fun and informative spot to visit!

◎ Access to Shimizu

To get to Shimizu, you can take the JR Tokaido Main Line from Shizuoka Station and get off at Shimizu Station, which takes about 11 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Shizuoka Railway Shizuoka–Shimizu Line from Shin-Shizuoka Station and get off at Shin-Shimizu Station in about 20 minutes.

If you're driving, access is also convenient via the Shin-Shimizu JCT and Shimizu JCT, connecting to the Shin-Tomei Expressway. There's also a regular ferry service connecting Toi Port on the Izu Peninsula and Shimizu Port, making it possible to enjoy a stylish trip by staying in Izu and touring Shimizu by boat.