Nestled between Mount Fuji and the Pacific Ocean, Shizuoka Prefecture blends nature, culture, and hands-on experiences that appeal to travelers of all ages. Its mild climate, scenic coastlines, and deep historical roots make it an ideal destination for families looking for both adventure and cultural discovery. From wildlife encounters to legendary landscapes and tea-covered hills, Shizuoka invites visitors to explore Japan at a relaxed pace. Here are five family-friendly activities in Shizuoka that combine fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Mt. Fuji overlooking a green tea field at sunrise in Shizuoka – Photo Credit: Nuttawut Uttamaharad
Experience Tea Culture in Suruga with a Family-Friendly Tea Plantation Visit
Shizuoka is Japan’s leading green tea-producing region, and much of this legacy is rooted in Suruga (駿河), an area long known for its fertile plains, clean rivers, and mild coastal climate. These natural conditions have made Suruga one of Japan’s most important tea-growing regions for centuries, shaping both the local economy and daily life.
Family-friendly tea plantations in and around Suruga invite visitors to walk through gently rolling tea fields, see how tea plants are grown, and take part in simple harvesting or processing demonstrations. These hands-on experiences help children understand how tea is produced, from leaf to cup, while also giving parents insight into agricultural traditions that date back to the Edo period. Spring and early summer are especially nice times to visit, when fresh tea leaves blanket the hillsides in vivid green and the first harvest of the year is underway. The atmosphere is calm and refreshing, offering a slower pace that contrasts with busier sightseeing spots.
For families planning their visit, we highly recommend checking the Suruga tourism site at https://www.visit-suruga.com/en, a helpful resource for discovering tea-related experiences, seasonal highlights, and nearby attractions. Visiting a tea plantation in Suruga offers a deeper connection to Shizuoka’s cultural identity, blending education, nature, and tradition into a peaceful experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.
Exclusive tasty treat – Photo Credit: Moriki Farm
For families with a sweet tooth, Moriki Farm (森木農園) in Suruga is an absolute must-visit. The farm is home to a popular café where visitors can enjoy a variety of fresh, seasonal desserts made from locally grown ingredients. In summer, the café serves delicious kakigori (かき氷, shaved ice) in refreshing flavors that kids will love, making it a perfect treat after a day of sightseeing.
Beyond desserts, the farm offers beautiful grounds to explore, where parents can relax with a cup of tea while children enjoy seeing the seasonal produce and farm animals. Visiting Moriki Farm combines the charm of local agriculture with a fun, indulgent experience, creating a sweet memory from Suruga. For more details and directions, you can visit their page on the Suruga tourism website: Moriki Farm. And for an in-depth look at the heart of the farm, check out our Heroes of Suruga episode we did with Kazuya Moriki!
A lion and lioness in Fuji Safari Park – Photo Credit: RAJU SONI
Go on a Safari at Fuji Safari Park
Fuji Safari Park (富士サファリパーク) is one of Japan’s largest drive-through wildlife parks and a guaranteed highlight for families with children. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Fuji, the park allows visitors to see lions, giraffes, elephants, and bears roaming freely from the safety of their own car or a guided safari bus.
For younger children, the interaction zones are especially popular, offering opportunities to feed kangaroos and meet smaller animals up close. Spring and summer are ideal for spotting newborn animals, while autumn and winter provide clearer views of Mount Fuji and a more comfortable climate for the drive-through experience.
This activity blends excitement with education, helping children learn about wildlife and conservation in an engaging way.
Ropeway viewpoint at Nihondaira with cherry blossoms in Shizuoka – Photo Credit: akarapong
Ride the Nihondaira Ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
Take to the skies on the Nihondaira Ropeway (日本平ロープウェイ), which glides smoothly over forested hills and offers sweeping views of Suruga Bay below. The short ride is exciting without being overwhelming, making it ideal for families traveling with young children.
At the summit lies Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, the richly decorated shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Children are often fascinated by the shrine’s colorful carvings and mythical animal motifs, while adults appreciate its historical significance and serene atmosphere.
Autumn is an especially beautiful time to visit, when the surrounding foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold, adding seasonal beauty to this cultural outing.
Miho no Matsubara – Photo Credit: IamDoctorEgg
Explore Miho no Matsubara and Its Legendary Pines
Miho no Matsubara (三保松原) is a picturesque coastal area famous for its long stretch of black sand beach lined with thousands of pine trees. On clear days, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji rising across the water, creating one of Shizuoka’s most iconic landscapes.
The area is closely associated with The Legend of Hagoromo, a classical Japanese folktale about a celestial maiden who descends from the heavens. Sharing this story while walking along the pine-lined paths adds a sense of wonder for children and enriches the experience for adults.
Miho no Matsubara is ideal for relaxed family walks, beach play, and photography, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the scenery feels calm and timeless.
Shimoda Floating Aquarium – Photo Credit: Sanne Dost
Discover Marine Life at Shimoda Floating Aquarium
Located on the scenic Izu Peninsula, Shimoda Floating Aquarium (下田海中水族館) offers a unique marine experience where exhibits float directly on the water’s surface. Dolphins, sea lions, turtles, and other marine animals are displayed in open habitats that feel natural and immersive.
Interactive programs help children learn about marine life through observation and close encounters, making the visit both entertaining and educational. Parents will appreciate the aquarium’s emphasis on animal behavior and conservation, while children enjoy the lively shows and waterfront setting.
In summer, this activity pairs perfectly with nearby beaches, turning a visit to the aquarium into a full day of coastal exploration.
Autumn foliage reflected on a tranquil lake under a clear blue sky in Shizuoka – Photo Credit: Hugo Guillemard
Final Thoughts
Shizuoka is a destination that truly shines for family travel, offering a balance of excitement, cultural depth, and natural beauty. Whether you are spotting wildlife beneath Mount Fuji, gliding above Suruga Bay, strolling through legendary pine groves, or sipping tea in rolling green fields, every experience feels welcoming and easy to enjoy. With its relaxed pace, welcoming attractions, and ever-changing seasonal scenery, Shizuoka makes it simple to slow down and create meaningful memories. No matter when you visit, it is a place where there is always something new to discover, kids stay engaged, and parents can savor Japan at its most approachable and authentic.
Featured Photo Credit: Hugo Guillemard
