Suruga is considered to be one of the shining pearls of Shizuoka Prefecture, and we here at Arigato Travel couldn’t agree more. One of the area’s original provinces, Suruga is known not only for its abundance of natural beauty but also for its deep-rooted culture and the importance of sustainable lifestyles. Whether you’re going to partake in the local nature, or hoping to dive head first into the region’s infamous tea culture, there is never a shortage of something to do in this lesser-known part of Japan. This is something we encountered firsthand as we visited Suruga ourselves. With this newfound knowledge in hand, we have put together a list of some of the best things to see and do when you’re visiting Suruga.
Matcha Fondue Provided at Ochanoma Tea Terrace – Credit: Jessica Iragne, Arigato Travel
Ochanoma Terrace
Situated on a mountainside that has been cultivated as a tea plantation for generations, Ochanoma Terrace is an incredible open-air terrace that uses its relationship with the locals to create an environment like no other. Using cypress trees from the Oigawa River, the foundation and carpentry work was done by carpenters from both Kawane and Shimada. The tea used in their experience changes seasonally and is served randomly along with single-origin sencha, kocha, and matcha.
Ochanoma Terrace is easily accessible from multiple routes, being an 8-minute walk from Ieyama Station on the Oigawa Railway. By car, the terrace is accessible from Kawane Onsen for a 5-minute trip or 20 minutes from the Shimada Kanaya IC on the Shin-Tomei.
Address: 262 Sasamawatari, Kawane-cho, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture (Tamura Farm Tea Factory). Or, next to the footbath at Kawane Onsen Roadside Station (Tamura Farm sales booth) *Terrace Reception Information
Phone: 080-1183-3419
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/spot/kawane-tea-terrace-ochanoma/99
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kawane_teaterrace_ochanoma
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Our visit to the terrace was truly amazing and was one of the best ways we could have kicked off our trip to Suruga. Being located on a mountain the walk up was a bit tough, but trust us when we say that the view was worth it! The Ochanoma Terrace also features a kotatsu in the Winter season which is perfect for the constant chilly temperature due to the higher altitude. It was also a great way to immerse ourselves in Japanese culture as these comfy table heaters are unique to the country. Although we believe Kotatsu should be everywhere since they are truly the most effective way to beat the colder weather. The matcha fondue proved to be a valuable addition to our tea-tasting knowledge and we recommend you try it!
Tea-Tasting at Kaneto Miura Tea Farm – Credit: Jessica Iragne, Arigato Travel
Kaneto Miura Tea Farm
Shizuoka is known for its long-practiced Traditional Tea-Grass Integrated System, making it stand out in agricultural production. The Kaneto Miura Tea Farm is the perfect place to learn about this practice. The farm uses the surrounding plants of Japanese silver grass, and Sasa broadleaf as an organic fertilizer, cutting them up and spreading them across the fields. This traditional method of fertilization was officially designated as a GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System) site in 2013.
This is not the only thing for visitors to undergo at Kaneto Miura Tea Farm. Guests are also capable of finding out what it means to be a Shizuoka Terroir first-hand. If you visit within the period of autumn to winter, you will get the incredible opportunity to help the farmers take care of their tea fields using these traditional techniques. Another awesome experience available at the farm is a tour around the fields, where you will be able to taste test several kinds of tea cultivars. These unrefined tea leaves, called aracha in Japanese, are known for their one-of-a-kind taste and flavors. No matter what you choose to do on your visit, you will be served with a cup of tasty green tea before you leave, specially picked and brewed by tea experts and a Japanese Tea Instructor.
Kaneto Miura Tea Farm is easily accessible by car, with a 6-minute trip from the Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport. Alternatively, you can also take a car from the Ropponmatsu IC, which is a minute longer, coming in at about 7 minutes.
Address: 1591-15 Kiriyama, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture 428-0035 Japan
Phone: 0547-45-2916
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/spot/kanetou-miura-tea-farm/26
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064542804741
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The tea-tasting experience was held in a traditional Japanese house, making it a truly deep way to envelop yourself in Japan’s beloved culture. Whilst we enjoyed our tea, the farmer showed us videos that explained everything regarding tea, from general information to what they do on-site in the fields. And of course, as is always the case in Suruga, our tea brewed from the leaves grown on the farm was incredible!
Exhibit at Tea Museum of Obukucha, Lucky Tea – Credit: Jessica Iragne, Arigato Travel
Tea Museum
Suruga, and even Shizuoka in general, is famous for its tea, often being considered some of the finestyou can find across Japan. It is because of this reputation that tea itself has become such a big part of the area’s culture, and thus should come as no surprise to find out that there is a museum dedicated to everything that has to do with this amazing beverage. Located in the middle of the Makinohara Tea Plantation, they hope to continue Shizuoka’s legacy as the tea capital of the country by using tea-related resources to inspire and teach generations to come.
With a reasonable price, the Tea Museum not only shows its guests how the culture of tea has grown and developed in Shizuoka but also around the world. It even has its own tea ceremony house so you can enjoy these wonderful ceremonies firsthand with matcha and Japanese sweets included. Some other experiences include workshops for tea picking as well as rubbing courses which are fun no matter what age you are. You will also be able to try your hand at grinding matcha on a stone mill, tasting some of the museum’s delicious tea on their terrace, and even taking a stroll through the beautiful traditional Japanese garden! Honestly, there is no doubt that Shizuoka’s Tea Museum is an absolute must-visit on any tea-lovers list.
Access to the museum is easy, with a 3-minute walk from the Nishikenyahara bus stop on the Shizutetsu Bus. You can also travel by car, with it being about a 10-minute trip by both the Sagara Makinohara IC on the Tomei Expressway, or by the Shimada Kanaya IC on the Shin-Tomei Expressway.
Address: 3053-2 Kanayafujimi-cho, Shimado City, Shizuoka Prefecture 428-0034 JAPAN
Phone: 0547-46-5588
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/spot/tea-museum/13
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fujinokuni.tea.museum
Instagram: tea_musuem_shizuoka
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From the moment we walked in we were greeted with a delicious drink of green tea making us feel all the more welcome. The museum was a fantastic introduction to Japanese tea, especially in the Suruga area. We were pleasantly surprised by the level of interactivity, making the whole affair even more enjoyable. This included being able to smell many different types of tea, recreated rooms worldwide with plenty of photo opportunities, explanatory movies, and so much more. Most sections and exhibits featured English translations which, as a travel company, we were more than happy to see. Their beautiful garden finishes the occasion off, where guests can walk around and take photos you’re sure to keep for a lifetime. Not to mention you can even see Mt Fuji from here as well!
Credit: Jessica Iragne, Arigato Travel
Da Noen Tea Farm
The Da Noen Tea Farm is a quaint little tea farm that can be found on the Makinohara Plateau. There are around thirteen varieties of tea that the farm is known for producing. Some of the more common teas that guests have probably heard of include green, black, and white tea. The more interesting teas you might not have heard of before include kamairicha, which is a pan-fried tea, bancha, a type of green tea, and finally houjicha, a kind of roasted tea.
You can access the farm by a 5-minute trip by car from the Tomei Sagara Makinohara IC. Although it does take double the time you can also travel by car from Kanaya Station on the JR Tokaido Line which will take you about 10 minutes.
Address: 2780 Kiriyama, Makinohara City, Shizuoka
Phone: 090-9941-4266
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/spot/danoeun/95
Google Maps Link:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com//駄農園お茶製造販売
Instagram: danouen.greenteafarm
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Our experience at the Da Noen Tea Farm was hosted by this cute and lovely couple who worked together at the farm. Following a short walk around the tea fields which was paired with an explanation of their work, we were able to visit the spot where they make the tea after they have collected the leaves. This was extraordinarily interesting, as we were able to see all the machinery used and our male guide explained everything to us from start to finish. After this, we went to another house located on the farm to taste some of the many different teas they produce on-site. Our hosts were so nice and welcoming that we couldn’t help but feel connected to them and immersed, and it’s something that we are happy to share since most tourists might not be able to find it on their own.
The Master At Work at Shitoro-Yaki Pottery – Credit: Jessica Iragne, Arigato Travel
Shitoro-Yaki Pottery
Believe it or not, Shimada City is not only famous for a specialized type of Japanese pottery known as Shitoro-Ware, but it is also the home of the historically renowned Shitoro-Ware Hikoji Kiln. This kiln has even been commended as one of the most highly-regarded seven kilns in all of Japan by a 17th-century tea master, Kobori Enshu. That’s why there is no better opportunity than to join a two-hour workshop that allows you to learn the secrets of a time-honored craft that has been passed down through the generations. Mr. Marayuma, the instructor for this amazing course, happens to be a fifth-generation master of the Shitoro-Ware Hikoji Kiln and will help guests through the whole pottery-making process. Using the iron-rich Shitoro-Ware clay, you will be more than able to lose yourself as you mold your teacups, plates, and a lot more.
This form of pottery is known for its natural colors and glossy finish, which, following the completion of your masterpiece, Mr. Maruyama will happily explain to you over a nice cup of tea. Of course, the finishing process within the kiln can take time and if we arrange the experience for you, you can receive your creation at home when it’s ready, making it the perfect souvenir to remember your trip to Shimada City and the Suruga area.
Address: 914 Yokooka, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture 428-0004 Japan
Phone: 090-0177-4863
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/spot/shitoro-ware-hikoji-kiln/21
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The whole adventure was extremely fun and our sensei, Mr. Maruyama, was nice and easy to connect with. It was the first time making pottery for some members of our team, but our knowledgeable teacher made it feel easy, even if we weren’t very good with our hands. The workshop was in a small, local house, which gave an authentic feeling as opposed to being stuck inside a big industrial facility. We even got to enjoy a cup of tea and snack with Mr. Murayama after we had made our pottery. Finally, we were able to see how the master worked and created his pottery masterpieces which was so impressive. His instructions and explanations in English were easy to understand and the whole class is something everyone can have fun at and enjoy.
Delicious Tea Served at Murakami-en Tea Garden – Credit: Jessica Iragne, Arigato Travel
Murakami-en Tea Garden
Located on the hillside of a 350-meter-high mountain in Yoshiwara, the combination of the early morning sun, the surrounding tea fields, and mountainscapes, shadowed by the distant Mt. Fuji helps the area take on an almost ethereal beauty whilst enveloped in a sea of clouds. Believe it or not, this is not only a phenomenon that benefits the visual appeal of the garden but also helps in the cultivation of the surrounding farms, providing natural shade for tea trees like Kabuse-cha.
Whilst on the mountainside guests can visit Murakami’s tea shop and discover a wide variety of locally grown teas, including one of the local farmer’s top recommendations, Zairai. This tea is cultivated from a native variety of trees that are, actually, over 100 years old! For those who are more fond of black teas, there are plenty available in the shop, alongside seasonal teas, Sencha and Benifuuki, a kind of tea that can help alleviate allergy symptoms. Guests are encouraged to contact the store in advance if they are interested in sampling the teas.
As for the Tea Garden itself, it boasts a natural, chemical-free, and organic farming history that works in complete harmony with Yoshiwara’s natural blessings. The farms are steeped in unending knowledge, with the passions and techniques being passed along through the generations of owners and workers. This love for one of Japan’s favorite beverages has allowed the local tea produced on-site to be loved by drinkers from around the world for years and will continue to do so long into the future.
Although located on the side of a mountain, access to the Murakami-en Tea Garden is relatively simple. By car, you can take what is about an 8-minute drive from the Shimizu Ihara IC on the Shin-Tomei Expressway.
Address: 1050 Yoshiwara, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture 424-0111 Japan
Phone: 054-368-1119
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/spot/murakami-tea-garden/18
https://www.murakamien.online/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murakamien
Instagram: murakamiteagarden
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First, we enjoyed the Murakami Tea Garden located on the hillside of a 350-meter-high mountain in Yoshiwara. We can not begin to emphasize just how breathtakingly beautiful the views were! Whilst there we learnt that they are planning to create a tea terrace, which is something that we are thrilled about. Following our tour of the tea fields, we went to the house of the farmer to try different types of delicious tea with him. This was located in the middle of the mountain in a local Japanese house that gave it an authentic feel which we loved.
Getting Ready To Start A Matcha Caligraphy Class – Credit: Jessica Iragne, Arigato Travel
Matcha Calligraphy
Two popular aspects of Japanese culture are known throughout the world, Matcha and Calligraphy, so why not combine the two? Matcha Calligraphy is a unique concept people can enjoy as they write Japanese characters, known as Kanji in Japanese. What sets this apart from other calligraphy classes offered is the fact that guests will be using matcha to write, not regular ink.
You can access this class two different ways by foot. The first is about a 15-minute walk from the JR Shizuoka Station. The other is a much shorter option, being an 8-minute walk from Shin-Shizuoka Station.
Address: 1-15 Shichiken-cho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 420-0035, Japan
Phone: 054-347-2511
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/spot/matcha-calligraphy/101
https://fieja-japan.com/teapairing-matchacalligraphy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fieja.jp
Instagram: fieja.official
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The Matcha Calligraphy was an extremely interesting class, as it is very uncommon to be able to write using Matcha. Our sensei was lovely and could speak English, which is always a good bonus. We were given a few minutes to choose a kanji that we liked, so for those who think it might take longer, it might be most useful to come in with a favorite kanji already in mind! It is not an experience you will get every day, and we know firsthand that it will be a souvenir that you will keep for the rest of your life, so it is a good idea to pick something you like. Although shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) can be difficult, with such a sweet and encouraging teacher you will enjoy the venture and feel like you’ve accomplished and learned something new!
Tea Blending Line-Up – Credit: Jessica Iragne, Arigato Travel
Tea Blending
As I’m sure we’ve stressed plenty of times in this post already, Suruga, and especially Shizuoka City is the tea capital of Japan. Thus it should come as no surprise that the city has not only produced plenty of tea masters but also housed some of the nicest shops and producers continuously throughout time. One such shop is Maruhide Iwasaki Tea Shop, a wholesaler that prides itself on intimate ties to both the tea-producing community and their farmers. The shop’s master is constantly coming up with fresh ideas and designs to create new types of blended teas. To provide an example, a traditional method of blending tea leaves is called go-gumi, which is only performed by master tea makers. So now you know a little bit about the world of creating new and diverse tea blends, why don’t you give it a try yourself?
Under the guidance of the aforementioned tea master of Maruhide Iwasaki, guests can try their hand at this traditional and intricate technique that is quite honestly an art form. There is so much to learn and go-gumi truly has many layers to learn and explore. Using this time-old technique will bring out the unique characteristics of each singular leaf used from the various kinds of tea produced in the area. This means that each and every blend will be something completely different and new allowing each cultivator to create a recipe that is like nothing else.
Access to the shop is pretty straightforward, you can either make a 1-minute trip by foot from the Shinmeicho bus stop after getting off of the Shizetetsu bus. Alternatively, although it is a longer option, make a 23-minute trip on foot from Shin-Shizuoka Station.
Address: 40-21 Kitaban-cho, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture 434-0005 Japan
Phone: 054-271-1010
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/spot/maruhide-iwasaki-tea-shop/10
https://maruhideiwazaki.wixsite.com/site
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruhideiwazaki
Instagram: maruhideiwazaki
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Take it from us, this was super interesting and even included a major highlight of being able to go home with a tea box that included our own blend we made during the class. For some people on our team, it was our first time trying tea blending and we certainly had a great time! Not to mention the tea made for an excellent souvenir. Our teacher was super nice making it easy to connect with him.
Delicious Meal Served As Part Of Tea and Food Pairing at Kakuya Bessho – Credit Arigato Travel
Dinner With Tea and Food Pairing – Kakuya Bessho
There is truly no better way to enjoy a meal or drink than when it has been perfectly paired with the other. That’s why tea pairing has become such a popular activity, especially within the Shizuoka Prefecture, an area known for not only its cultivation of the beverage but also its consumption. The team at Kakuya Bessho knows this well and elevated their craft by using seasonal ingredients in their courses and, of course, tea brewed by a true master. Each and every one of the courses is perfectly paired with an expertly brewed tea that is sure to make your food truly sing, whether it be the appetizer or the desserts.
There are two different ways to reach the restaurant on foot. The first is a 15-minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station and the second is an 8-minute walk from Shin-Shizuoka Station.
Address: 1-15 Shichikencho, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Phone: 054-347-2511
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/spot/kakuya-bessho/90
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fieja.jp
Instagram: fieja.official
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You can believe us when we say that the dinner was delicious and the atmosphere felt premium and stylish. We were seated at the counter since we only had 3 people altogether, but they do have a big table if you are coming with more friends or family. Honestly, the counter felt the most suitable in our opinion as we were able to see the chef prepare our drinks for us.
Gorgeous View and Carp at Gyakuro no Sato – Credit: Jessica Iragne, Arigato Travel
Gyokuro no Sato
One of Japan’s three largest high-quality green tea-producing areas, or Gyokuro in Japanese, can be found alongside the banks of the Asahina River. The facility Gyokuro no Sato has made its home within this gorgeous and historical area, allowing visitors to immerse in the extraordinary world of Japanese tea culture like nowhere else. One of the best features is the onsite tea house named “Hyogetsutei” perfectly situated in front of a gourd-shaped pond. The house is fitted with a traditional tearoom where guests can enjoy a truly authentic tea ceremony that stands apart from the crowd. What sets this ceremony apart is that visitors can choose between using either Gyokuro or matcha-powdered tea, providing a remarkable time.
Afterward, guests can visit the restaurant called Chanohanatei. Here diners can enjoy plenty of local specialties, one of particular note being tea-flavored soba noodles. But this is not all that Gyakuro no Sato has to offer, there are also various souvenirs available such as Gyokuro green tea, local sake, and plenty of fresh farm produce for visitors to take home as a memento.
Gyokuro no Sato can be reached by car from the Fujieda-Okabe IC on the Shin-Tomei Expressway for a 10-minute trip.
Address: 1214-3 Nyufune, Okabe-cho, Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture 421-1115 JAPAN
Phone: 054-668-0019
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/spot/gyokuro-no-sato/1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gyokuronosato
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Our visit to Gyakuro no Sato certainly provided us with a striking new memory, attending a tea ceremony with gyokuro instead of matcha. The tea house itself was a beautiful place, paired nicely with the equally beautiful surrounding garden. We were happy to find that visitors can also feed the carp, an activity that is always fun amongst both children and adults.
Following our tea ceremony, we moved on to the restaurant where we were able to try some cha soba noodles with tempura for our lunch. The plating of our food was beautiful and photogenic, certainly something we would be happy to post on Instagram. We certainly enjoyed eating it as much as we did looking at it, and the amount of food was perfect, not leaving us feeling like we’d eaten way too much and left tired for the rest of the day. All in all our time at Gyakuro no Sato was incredibly relaxing and we feel it will be a perfect spot for anyone visiting the area.
Quick Snap of the Tea-Dyeing Area – Credit: Jessica Iragne, Arigato Travel
Takumi Shuku – Traditional Hand Craft Arts Centre/Tea Dying
Takumi Shuku specializes in exceptional hand-crafted items that are made using recycled materials. One of the workshops offered on-site is a tea-dyeing workshop which uses the leftover green tea leaves that are not used within the processing factories. These leftover leaves are saved from being discarded, and instead become dyes used when boiling fabric. But the tea leaves journey does not end here, following the boiling process they are fermented and used as compost. This, combined with the local and traditional techniques of Suruga stencil dyeing, creates a sustainable fabric that truly represents what the area stands for combining art with sustainability. Guests of all ages are welcome to try, gaining a chance to learn this traditional method of dyeing and perceive firsthand the incredible hues created. These subtle colors will change depending on the climate and the person and the person performing the dyeing, leaving each guest with a memorable souvenir that no one else can replicate.
You can access this workshop in two different ways. The first, and shorter option, is to take a 15-minute trip by car from the Shizuoka IC on the Tomei Expressway. The second, longer option, is a 20-minute trip by car from the Shizuoka IC on the Shin-Tomei Expressway.
Address: 3240-1 Mariko, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/spot/stencil-dyeing/4
https://takumishuku.jp/f_taketosome/
Instagram: kyoichirowashizu
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The whole complex was super cool and extremely spacious, definitely a location where you could spend a couple of hours and lose yourself. There is a museum, shops, cafes, and plenty of activities available for guests to enjoy. During our visit, though, we were only able to join the tea experience (which means we have to go back!). Although the bag used in the class had already been dyed and we were simply decorating it, we still had a lot of fun. The process started with picking a design, we had an option to choose a pre-made design out of a book or make one for ourselves from scratch. Then, when we had completed the design a staff member helped us dry the bag and the master joined us to provide some explanation of the processes. He was super nice and even showed us some videos. After this, we were allowed to briefly visit the tea dyeing area which was very interesting. All in all, this was pretty “accessible” in a sense so it could be enjoyable even for kids, and the bag makes for a great souvenir for you to bring home.
Chef and Drink Expert Preparing Cocktail – Credit: Jessica Iragne, Arigato Travel
No’Age Concentre Restaurant
We’ve mentioned tea a lot in this list, and it’s no surprise when Suruga is one of Japan’s leading tea producers, but now we’d like to combine it with another one of the country’s other favorite beverages, Sake! At No’Age Concentre, the bartender, a trained sake specialist who holds their roots in pharmaceuticals, magically prepares the sake and perfectly pairs it with not only food but also tea. Even the building itself is created to combine the two worlds of these delightful beverages, creating a tea house feel that can offer food and different tea-themed cocktails.
You can access the restaurant by foot by two different routes. One is a 15-minute trip on foot from Shizuoka Station. The other, which can be shorter, is about a 5-minute walk from Shin-Shizuoka Station.
Address: 2-5-12 1F, Takajo, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka Prefecture, 420-0839
Phone: 054-253-6615
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/spot/noage-concentre/104
Instagram: noage_concentre
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In our opinion, this was one of the best experiences we had on our trip to Suruga! The restaurant is counter only, giving it a super intimate, and premium feel. The chef was absolutely stunning, not only because of his food and tea pairing, which were delicious but because whilst he cooked and made our cocktails he was constantly talking and entertaining us. He was extremely friendly and even spoke a bit of English with us. Even after the dinner is over, he runs the bar late only on Fridays and Saturdays. As for the menu, everything was scrumptious from the start to the finish, and the tea-based cocktails paired with the food were a pleasant surprise. We honestly cannot recommend this restaurant enough.
Stairway leading into Toshogu Shrine – Credit: Jessica Iragne, Arigato Travel
Nippondaira Ropeway and Toshogu Shrine
Boasting a history of over 400 years, the Toshogu Shrine is always more than happy to welcome visitors from all over the world. Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu, the man who founded the Tokugawa Shogunate back in 1603, bringing peace to Japan for an incredible 265 years is enshrined here. The site itself is so beautiful that the intricately decorated shrine buildings were designated as a National Treasure in 2010.
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The ropeway itself was nice, and the visit to the shrine was phenomenal. The staff were so welcoming and were more than happy to explain the history of the shrine, even sharing some stories. However, even if you don’t come with a guide there are plenty of QR codes scattered around the place offering explanations not only in English, but other languages as well. So you won’t miss the stories!
Website: https://www.toshogu.or.jp/english/
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b952pF81mLHJg2Bt8
Personalized Dessert Plate at Le Monde Fujigaya – Credit: Jessica Iragne, Arigato Travel
Le Monde Fujigaya
A store that combines Shizuoka tea with European cuisine, teppanyaki, and the world of tea pairing. The “Le Monde Fujigaya” restaurant first opened in 1967 as a teppanyaki and European restaurant, they have created their “Welcome to Shizuoka” lunch and dinner course with the help of their incredible Japanese tea instructor, wine sommelier, and chef as well as the assistant chef. The restaurant prides itself on using local tea and seasonal ingredients to provide customers with the ideal experience.
The restaurant can be accessed by both car and on foot. The trip by car will take about 15 minutes from the Tomei Shizuoka IC. As for on foot, it will be about a 15-minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station and Shin-Shizuoka Station on the Shizuoka Railway.
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/spot/steak-european-cuisine-le-monde-fujigaya/92
https://www.lemondefujigaya.com/
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6KRQ58gsuahmdMRh7
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The experience was retro and local in style. The atmosphere of the restaurant oozed Showa-vibes and the chef, a woman who was also a certified Sommelier and Tea Master, created a teppanyaki menu with a beautiful tea pairing. As she was also a sommelier she often tries to reproduce the flavors of wine with her tea. But our favorite highlight of the whole adventure was that each of us got a specialized dessert plate with the message “Welcome to Shizuoka XXX-san” written on the plate. We felt this was, of course, super cute and made us feel a bit special and definitely emphasized how welcomed we were in the area.
Finally, though this list must unfortunately come to an end. However, this is nowhere near all that Suruga has to offer. With a love and passion for tea, and food, and an emphasis on sustainable living there is something that can be found behind every door. If you would like a personalized itinerary created just for you, so you can discover the city how you’d like please don’t hesitate to contact us. Don’t forget to check out our itinerary’s page here: https://arigatojapan.co.jp/suruga-multi-day-itinerary/. I hope to see you in Suruga soon!
Featured photo by Jessica Iragne from Arigato Travel
Be sure to check our Multi-Day Suruga Itinerary and see the highly customizable experiences we can help plan for your trip!
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