HEALTHY TRIP TO SURUGA: CAPTURE ITS COLORS

What colors come to mind when you think of Tokyo? For me, it’s Tokyo Tower’s brilliant red and the night sky’s deep black. When I think of Kyoto, I imagine the vibrant red of Torii gates, the green of nature, and the noble purple. Like this, each region in Japan has distinctive colors, which enhance its charm and appeal.

While it’s easy to associate well-known tourist spots with specific colors, the hidden gems of Japan offer a special charm that can only be appreciated by those who have visited. And these lesser-known locations are filled with attractiveness waiting to be discovered. In this blog, I want to introduce you to Suruga in Shizuoka Prefecture, a perfect area for anyone looking to escape the bustling tourist spots and refresh while travelling in Japan.

Let’s explore how Suruga’s colors can bring peace and relaxation to your heart with us. Just thinking about the colors of Suruga would definitely make your journey more exciting!!

Healthy things to do in Suruga

At Arigato Travel, we have published several blogs about Shizuoka focusing on Suruga Bay’s seafood, beautiful green tea, and Green tea art. This time, we’ll share some healthy travel ideas that you can only enjoy there.

Visit Tea Plantations and Drink Healthy

Firstly, when the Japanese think of Shizuoka, the first thing that comes to mind is green tea. For centuries, in both China and Japan, tea was considered “a medicine for all ills.” Historically, it was also a luxury item enjoyed by the upper class. In Japan, the history of tea (which was matcha used as medicine) dates back to the Heian period. However, the green tea we enjoy today became widely popular during the Meiji era.

Moreover, Green tea was introduced to the Suruga region (Today’s central and eastern Shizuoka Prefecture) during the Kamakura period. A monk named Shoichi Kokushi brought tea seeds back from China, planted them, and began cultivating tea in Suruga. By the Meiji era, “Shizuoka Tea” had gained brand awareness both domestically and internationally. This is why November 1st, the birthdate of Shoichi Kokushi, has been designated as “Shizuoka City Tea Day.”

But do you know how Shizuoka’s tea became Japan’s number one in production and established famous brand? The answer lies in Shizuoka’s special climate, geography, and original techniques.

At first, I wondered if Shizuoka tea grown from Chinese seeds would be any different from Chinese tea. However, thanks to Arigato Travel and their amazing partners, I’ve changed my mind and appreciated the history and wonderful efforts of Shizuoka’s craftsmen, who have distinguished Shizuoka tea from not only Chinese tea but also other tea brands in Japan.

For example, Shizuoka’s coastal areas are warm with stable weather, the mountainous regions have significant temperature differences, and Shizuoka gets plenty of rain due to moist air currents. These various backgrounds result in different aromas and flavors, depending on where it’s grown, even in Shizuoka prefecture. Here, you can learn about some incredible tea farmers we trust and work with. Please check it out!

From light, refreshing teas with a fragrant aroma to nice and thick teas with a sweet taste because of the temperature differences, Suruga offers something new for everyone. Why not discover your favorite tea? As I mentioned before, November 1st is a special day for all tea lovers. Therefore, if you’re planning your first trip to Japan and feeling a little unsure where to start, why not follow this itinerary plan and drink healthy tea in Suruga, a region blessed by nature and its rich tea culture?

Recommended Tea Spots:

Ochanoma Terrace

Kaneto Miura Tea Farm

Tea Museum

Da Noen Tea Farm

Murakami-en Tea Garden

Gyokuro no Sato

Get Power from the Mt. Fuji View and Historical Heritage

In Suruga, you can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji. The shape of Mt. Fuji is referred to as “末広がり” (suehirogari) in Japanese, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune in family growth and business success. Additionally, as the name “Fuji” sounds similar to “fushi” (immortality) and “buji” (safety), it is a lucky charm for long life and good health. Thus, just looking at the mountain may already give you powerful energy and strength!!

So, I will introduce some fantastic spots where you can enjoy the sight of Mt. Fuji and experience nature. Please visit there and relax with a cup of green tea while taking in the view for the ultimate refreshment.

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, is a well-known historical place. You can go to the shrine by climbing 1,159 steps of stairs or by taking the ropeway from Nihondaira Yume Terrace, depending on your travel plans.

However, keep in mind that the last ropeway ride is early. It’s a great chance to soak in history and appreciate the slow, steady passage of time for sure!

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8bZb9VYW6wWmQ7FC6

Website: https://www.toshogu.or.jp/english/

Nihondaira Yume Terrace

From the observation area on the third floor, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360° panorama, which includes views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, Shizuoka City, and the Izu Peninsula.

For those who want to experience a “skywalk,” you can also take the ropeway between Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and Nihondaira Yume Terrace. And if you need a break, you should stop by the cafe to savor some delicious tea while you relax!!

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TPZtJuXTRUB4W6Ns6

Website: https://nihondaira-yume-terrace.jp/

Tsuta no Hosomichi

This trail has been used since the Nara period. While walking around lively cities like Tokyo can be fun, hiking up this silent path and sweating is very healthy and highly recommended.
On sunny days, you’ll even catch views of Mt. Fuji as you walk.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aU1pCUkm3eLEX1g9A

Eat Healthy and Prepare for Exploration

Kakuya Bessho

At most restaurants, pairing with sake or wine is common. So, for those who rent a car, this can leave you feeling a bit lonely. But don’t worry! At Kakuya Bessho, you can enjoy a unique “tea pairing,” a specialty of Shizuoka.

Every ingredient in the dishes and the carefully cultivated tea by local farmers carries precious history. Kakuya Bessho is professional in presenting this through taste, aroma, texture, ambiance, and so on. Stopping by for this experience is what you should do in Shizuoka!

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sGYLgaeiqQYxrGuYA

Website: http://www.nasubi-ltd.co.jp/kakuya/

Chojiya

At Chojiya, they serve their original Tororo-jiru (grated yam soup) made with a local yam called Jinenjo, carefully grown by their partner farmers. Jinenjo is rich in dietary fiber and potassium, making it a highly nutritious food.

In Japan, all sticky foods, including natto and okra, are believed to be good for health. While the texture might be new to you, Jinenjo doesn’t have the strong smell that natto is known for, so I highly recommend this dish!

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NfkbrSQM9JLiyBySA

Website: https://chojiya.info/english

Shizuoka Healthy Izakaya Sakana-to-Hatake Main Store

This izakaya takes pride in offering sugar-free, gluten-free, and additive-free dishes. They carefully select every ingredient, oil, and seasoning, helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

For those avoiding izakayas to stay healthy, this place is a must-try! Moreover, they offer a variety of local Shizuoka sake and even green tea alcoholic drinks containing many catechins, making it a healthy choice for everyone.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/seF6Tke5DGNrQwi16

Website: https://sakana-to-hatake.com/

Purify Yourself in the Onsen Surrounded by Nature

After a day of sightseeing in Japan, visiting a sento or onsen is a must!! Because different regions offer their own qualities and health benefits in their hot springs, they are the perfect action for ending the evening and your trip.

For more details on spring qualities and how to use an onsen, check out this blog.

Kawane Onsen Fureai-no-Izumi

This onsen is the only one where you can enjoy an open-air bath while watching the rare steam locomotive passing by! The train typically passes at around 12:30 and 14:27. If you’re visiting with children, I highly recommend coming on weekends or holidays between June and December, as the famous train “Thomas the Tank Engine” goes by around 10:10 and 13:10.

But make sure to check the Oigawa Railway official website for running days and updates on passing times here, as schedules may change. Furthermore, the onsen water here is a chloride spring like the waters of Suruga Bay.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PMJDqxme8YxcX8ws8

Website: https://kawaneonsen.jp/spring/

Itawari no Yu

At Itawari no Yu, you can experience an open-air bath surrounded by nature. Their spring water is chloride spring and the hydrogen carbonate spring, which is known for its beauty bath, making your skin smooth and healthy. If you’re uncomfortable being naked in public, don’t worry. There are private bathrooms available, so you can still enjoy the Japanese onsen without hesitation.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SjNi5TJfHJ9T4BfY6

Website: http://www.itawarinoyu.jp/

Yamasemi no Yu

Yamasemi no Yu offers a traditional Japanese bath with the warmth of a hinoki cypress tub, as well as open-air baths where you can enjoy each season. The water here is a chloride spring with a mild temperature. While Japanese people are used to hotter baths, this onsen is a great choice for first-time visitors who want to soak for a long time.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Zp4hZKd9uL4Bg2q8

Website: https://www.yamaseminoyu.com/%E5%A4%A9%E7%84%B6%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89/

Enjoy Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji

After exploring Suruga, how about taking a boat trip?
The Suruga Bay Ferry offers a relaxing 75-minute journey from Shimizu Port to Toi Port on the opposite side. You’ll be treated to unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji and the beautiful sea along the way. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a stunning sunset. So it’s definitely worth the ride; please don’t miss out!

Website: https://www.223-ferry.or.jp/?language=en#googtrans(en)

Go Further to Discover New Greens

So far, I can imagine the colors of Suruga, such as green, blue, and gray. These shades naturally bring about a sense of calm and serenity. No wonder why Shizuoka is the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and refresh your exhausted soul.

But the journey shouldn’t end in the Suruga area. After taking the ferry to the other side, I recommend extending your journey beyond Suruga to discover even more natural spots. Here are some places that deeply moved me:

Jouren Falls

A bus ride from Toi Port, with one transfer (1 to 1.5 hours), you can reach this crazy waterfall, which is about 25 meters tall and 7 meters wide. When I visited, I was feeling depressed by the stress of writing my thesis and anxieties about the future, but the pure power of the waterfall washed away those dark thoughts, indeed. This is a must-visit for anyone seeking a mystical and healing place. You can also enjoy fishing rainbow trout and Amago and eating them there, so it would be fun for kids as well.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xTyd9ftgVPEGMWf68

Website: https://eigo.j-taki.com/

Wasabi Fields

Right next to Jouren Falls, you’ll find wasabi farms. In general, Wasabi cultivation strictly requires super clean water maintained at 8° to 15°. The pure spring water flowing under the falls creates the best conditions for growing wasabi, making this region one of Japan’s most famous wasabi-producing areas.

Also, the vast fields of wasabi reminded me how precious nature and water are. You can even buy fresh wasabi and unique treats like wasabi ice cream. Therefore, be sure to give them a try!

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LBc2kG6gGca2gGKC7

In this blog, I’ve introduced you to the colors of Suruga: the vibrant green created by photosynthesis, the clear blue of Suruga Bay, and the gray and white that represent the clouds bringing rain for tea cultivation and Mt. Fuji.

However, the true charm of Suruga can’t be fully captured in words alone. While it’s easy to imagine these colors, the beauty of them is something that can only be found in person. So, I would love for more travelers to visit Suruga, experience its climate, culture, and cuisine, and immerse themselves in the wonderful colors of this healthy, hidden region.

Featured Photo Credit: Pojio

Ready to experience the healing powers of Suruga? Check out our ultimate itinerary for the area and see it for yourself!!