6 tourist spots in Shizuoka you can enjoy even on rainy days – Indoors with animals and music

It’s such a pity when your long-awaited sightseeing day in Shizuoka ends up rainy. Trekking around Mt. Fuji or playing in the Izu sea just isn’t much fun in this weather. That’s why we’ve prepared a Plan B. Here are some attractive indoor sightseeing spots where rain doesn’t matter. We’ll introduce some of Shizuoka’s famous indoor attractions, so make a note of them in advance for when you need a backup plan.

1. Get close to snakes at the “Hands-on Zoo iZoo”

The “Hands-on Zoo iZoo” is an indoor zoo located in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture. It mainly breeds and exhibits reptiles and amphibians. Since it houses many rare creatures that you don’t usually get to see, you can enjoy a unique zoo experience.

Inside the zoo, under the guidance of staff, you can wrap a snake around your neck or hold one in your hands. Both children and adults can experience interacting with snakes. Besides snakes, there are also iguanas, lizards, turtles, chameleons, cobras, and more. With so many vivid and unique creatures, iZoo will blow away any gloomy rainy-day mood. If your Izu plans get rained out, this is a great alternative.

Opening hours: 9:00–17:00. Admission: Adults (junior high school and older) 1,500 yen, children 800 yen, under 6 free.
(Prices as of November 29, 2016)

2. Learn more about instruments at the “Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments”

The “Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments” is, as the name suggests, a museum dedicated to musical instruments. Inside, you’ll find instruments from all over the world packed into the exhibition halls, with 1,300 items in total. Of these, 100 can be listened to with headphones. Since it’s an interactive museum, visitors can actually touch and enjoy some of the instruments, and a few can even be played. Familiar instruments such as pianos and synthesizers are displayed in both old and modern models, making it an engaging experience.

The museum is only a 10-minute walk from JR Hamamatsu Station, making it very accessible. It’s an irresistible destination for music lovers. While it’s great for rainy-day sightseeing in Shizuoka, if you love instruments, it’s worth visiting rain or shine.

3. Be enchanted by antique sounds at the “Hamanako Music Box Museum”

The “Hamanako Music Box Museum” is a popular Shizuoka spot you can enjoy regardless of the weather. Inside, antique music boxes from past eras are on display, and visitors can enjoy their beautiful melodies. You don’t see many music boxes around these days, but their soothing sounds are actually often used in waiting rooms at clinics.

Every hour at 25 minutes past, regular music box performances are held. You can also try making your own music box. It’s a hands-on, enriching tourist spot, perfect for taking shelter from the rain while still enjoying yourself.

4. A paradise of flowers and birds created indoors: “Kakegawa Kachoen”

Located in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka, “Kakegawa Kachoen” is a famous sightseeing spot that can be enjoyed even on rainy days. Step inside, and you’ll forget it’s raining outside thanks to the breathtaking scenery. Flowers bloom in greenhouses, birds fly freely, and you can even feed them. If you hold food in your hand, birds will swoop down and eat directly from it. Watching flocks in flight is an overwhelming experience.

You can also take commemorative photos with the birds, making lasting memories. Rainy days can feel gloomy, but here you’ll enjoy a refreshing sightseeing experience that feels almost like being outdoors. Open 9:00–17:00. Admission: Adults (junior high school and older) 1,050 yen, children (elementary school) 525 yen.
(Prices as of November 29, 2016)

5. A frozen specimen of the living fossil, the coelacanth, at the “Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium”

The Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium (Coelacanth Museum) is another recommended indoor sightseeing spot. This aquarium specializes in deep-sea fish, allowing you to observe fascinating creatures up close. The highlight is, of course, the frozen coelacanth specimen. Its size is larger than expected and truly impressive. The coelacanth exhibit is kept in a cool corner, making it a refreshing visit in summer as well. It’s also popular as a date spot.

Rainy sightseeing days can be disappointing, but the Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium is captivating enough to make you think, “I’m glad it rained so I could come here.” Admission: Adults (high school and older) 1,600 yen, children (elementary and junior high) 800 yen, age 4 and up 400 yen.
(Prices as of November 29, 2016)

6. Spend a whole day at “S-Pulse Dream Plaza”

Introducing “S-Pulse Dream Plaza,” a large complex facility in Shimizu City, Shizuoka. Inside, you’ll find attractions like “Chibi Maruko-chan Land,” the “Shimizu Sushi Museum,” souvenir shops, specialty stores, and restaurants, allowing visitors to enjoy themselves for hours. There’s also a giant Ferris wheel overlooking Shimizu Port. While the view may not be as spectacular as on a clear day, riding the Ferris wheel to overlook Shizuoka is still a memorable sightseeing experience.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced indoor sightseeing spots you can enjoy even on rainy days. Shizuoka has plenty of attractions that remain fun despite bad weather. With these, you won’t be disappointed if your sightseeing day ends up rainy. So, don’t let the weather get you down—make the most of Shizuoka even in the rain.