The secret that is Japan’s Shizuoka is spreading

It might only be 40 minutes by Tokaido Shinkansen bullet from Tokyo but the prefecture feels a long way from the now-busy hotspots of Japan.

And that’s why locals there say Shizuoka is slowly making a name for itself among Australian travellers.

“They are looking for a true taste of traditional Japan,” one tells us.

It has a lot going for it. Shizuoka is home to Mt Fuji and has natural onsen hot springs but it also has a dramatic coastline, and good food.

It is, after all the birthplace of wasabi and the region produces 40 per cent of the country’s green tea. Try it locally, and you will surely taste it at its best.

With the increased attention has come some recent hotel openings, with more on the way.

Nikenjoya Lodge Scheduled to open in March 2026, Nikengoya Lodge is in a quiet spot in the Southern Alps. Expect birdsong, rustling trees and the tinkle of waterfalls.

Shijima Atami In the seaside city of Atami, Shijima Atami is a small luxury hotel scheduled to open in August 2026. Boasting just 26 guest rooms, the hotel will feature French cuisine and will serve local seafood, just one of the ways the property aims to promote local culture and industry.

La Vista Atami Terrace This newest addition to the Dormy Hotels and Resorts stable is due to open in March, 2027. Also in Atami, it has been designed to have panoramic ocean views from its rooms, restaurant and spa.

Hamamatsu We’re in the city of Hamamatsu to await the opening of the Hamamatsu Marriott Hotel earlyish in 2026. In recent years, it has been run as the Grand Hotel Hamamatsu but the Marriott refresh and rebrand will bring 202 guest rooms and an all-day dining restaurant in a central setting.

THE BIG FIVE

Five hotels have opened recently . . .

Izu Retreat Atami Suiko by Onkochishin It opened in November, with just 16 rooms, all with ocean views and open-air baths with natural hot spring water.

edit x seven Open since September 2025, this hotel in the Gotemba area has views of Mt Fujil There are 49 rooms but 12 different room types, as it aims to cater for all travellers. There are private saunas and a low-oxygen gym. It is a dog-friendly property, so visitors might spot local pooches.

Gora Kadan Fuji Also with good views of Mt Fuji, this hotel focused on wellness opened in July 206. There is a large public bath, spa, indoor pool, fitness centre, golf course and four restaurants. It is all- suites with Japanese aesthetic. Some have open-air baths.

Ito Hotel New Okabe This hotel also specialises in “bathe and stay” — and also opened in July 2025. Ito Hotel New Okabe has two garden baths, a cold indoor bath and a sauna.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

As we’re in Shizuoka, I’ll also mention that the Mt Fuji Wooden Toy Museum is also due to open in the summer of 2026. Work is well under way, as the team there aims to make Japan’s most beautiful toy museum. A spokesperson explains: “To act as a base for wood education, the museum will provide an environment where people of all ages can learn about the significance of wooden toys including how they appeal to all five senses.”

exploreshizuoka.jp/en/