Things To Do
in Nagaizumi
Nagaizumi is a tranquil town set on the foothills of Shizuoka Prefecture, offering lush tea fields, cedar forests, and easy access to nature. It blends rural charm with hot springs, inviting cafés, and easy day trips to Mount Fuji vistas. The area thrives on agriculture, especially tea cultivation, and hosts welcoming communities that honor local traditions.
Visitors come for scenic walks, seasonal produce, and a restful base for exploring the broader Fuji region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at a local café, enjoying grilled fish, rice, and miso soup. After breakfast, visit the Nagaizumi Historical Museum to learn about the region's rich history and culture. Stroll through the nearby streets, taking in the charming architecture and quaint shops that showcase local crafts.
After lunch at a cozy soba restaurant, head to the Nagaizumi Town Hall to admire its beautiful gardens. Spend your afternoon walking through the peaceful Nagaizumi Park, where cherry blossoms bloom in spring, creating a picturesque setting. Don't forget to capture the scenery with photographs of the vibrant flowers and traditional Japanese landscaping.
As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local izakaya, trying various small plates and sake. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the river, where you can watch the fireflies dance in the twilight. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local onsen, soaking in the warm mineral waters to unwind.
Begin your morning with a visit to the historic Kamo Shrine, where you can participate in a traditional Shinto purification ritual. The serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture will provide a calm start to your day. Take your time to admire the intricate carvings and lush gardens surrounding the shrine.
Afterward, venture to the nearby Nagaizumi Jinja, known for its impressive torii gate and stunning views. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the temple grounds, surrounded by nature and the sounds of chirping birds. Spend the afternoon exploring the temple's grounds, engaging in quiet reflection or meditation.
For dinner, savor a delicious kaiseki meal at a local restaurant, where each course is beautifully presented. Enjoy the flavors of seasonal ingredients prepared with traditional techniques, creating a memorable culinary experience. After dinner, take a moment to appreciate the stars in the clear sky, embracing the tranquility of the countryside.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at café | $3-6 |
| 🚆One-way public transportation fare | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel nightly | $70-150 |
| 🧥Winter clothing rental | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful, small-town atmosphere with easy access to nature
- Close proximity to Mount Fuji viewpoints and hot springs
- Genuine regional cuisine centered on tea and fresh produce
- Warm, welcoming local communities
- Limited nightlife and fewer English signage in some areas
- Smaller transport network compared to big cities
- Some eateries and shops may be cash-only or have limited English menus
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "いくらですか？" - How much is this?
- "山がきれいですか？" - Is the mountain view good from here?
- "お勧めは何ですか？" - What do you recommend?
- "助けてください" - Please help me
- "お願いします" - Please / I would like
Places to Visit in Nagaizumi
Visit one of these nice places.
Clear mornings offer striking silhouettes of Mount Fuji framed by tea fields and pine forests; ideal for sunrise shots with calm light.
Mist-wreathed rivers and cedar-lined paths provide atmospheric images, especially in early morning or late afternoon.
Tiered tea fields yield geometric lines and vibrant greens; capture seasonal changes during pruning and picking.
Food in Nagaizumi
Nagaizumi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Creamy soft-serve made with locally grown matcha; a popular post-market treat with subtle sweetness and a grassy finish.
Must-Try!
Bright, peppery pickles made with fresh wasabi roots from nearby farms; great with rice or as a starter at meals.
Sweet mochi filled or rolled with matcha-flavored fillings, reflecting the region’s tea culture.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market offering fresh produce, greens, herbs, and locally produced tea products; ideal for sampling snacks and speaking with growers.
Seasonal stalls around tea farms offering light bites, tea tastings, and sweet treats made with local leaves.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A small bow is appropriate when greeting or thanking someone; a handshake is less common in rural settings but acceptable with visitors.
Remove shoes when entering homes, traditional inns, and some temples; use provided slippers where available.
Public spaces are typically calm; keep voices low on trains and in temples or onsen facilities.
Present money politely with both hands when paying, and accept gifts with a slight bow.
Safety
Tipping in Nagaizumi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan. Excellent service is expected as standard; simply paying the bill is sufficient. Some tourist-forward spots may include a service charge.
Cash is widely accepted, and credit cards are increasingly common in larger shops and restaurants. IC cards and mobile payments are growing in popularity, but carry some cash for smaller places and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with high humidity; late afternoons can bring refreshing cool air from surrounding hills. Expect lush greenery and plentiful outdoor options, though occasional rain showers arise.
Mild temperatures with colorful foliage; a great time for scenic drives, hikes, and photographing autumn tones over tea terraces.
Cool to cold, with crisp skies on clear days. Onsen visits are especially appealing, and you may see frost on fields in the early morning.
Pleasant temperatures and blossoming trees; tea plants resume growth and markets showcase fresh produce and seasonal treats.
Nagaizumi at Night
Hiking in Nagaizumi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forested gorge with stream crossings and scenic viewpoints; suitable for a half-day hike.
A gentle ridge walk that weaves between tea plantations, offering panoramic valley views.
Airports
How to reach Nagaizumi by plane.
Serves Shizuoka Prefecture and the surrounding region; access to Nagaizumi is by road or rail connections via regional hubs.
Major international hub with frequent connections to domestic routes; convenient for travelers coming from abroad before heading to Shizuoka area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many households with children; safe neighborhoods and kid-friendly activities are common.
A steady presence in the community; many locals value quiet, nature-based recreation and hot springs.
Seasonal visitors focused on nature, tea culture, and onsen experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular school and community sport; you’ll see local games and seasonal tournaments in parks.
Common at public fields and school grounds; easy for visitors to join friendly matches or watch local leagues.
Flat to rolling rural routes and scenic byways attract cyclists; many routes pass through tea fields and forests.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nagaizumi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for traditional soba or noodle bowls with vegetable toppings, tofu dishes, and vegetable tempura. When ordering, ask for 'yasai' (vegetables) or 'gyuniku nashi' (no meat) options; many places can accommodate if you specify no fish or meat.