Things To Do
in Numazu
Numazu is a coastal city on Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture known for its working port, fresh seafood, and sweeping views of Mount Fuji across the water. Its seaside promenades, fish markets and compact downtown give a relaxed, small-city feel while remaining an easy train ride from Tokyo. Numazu has become popular with domestic tourists, outdoor enthusiasts and fans of the anime Love Live! Sunshine!!, which is set here.
The city is a great base for exploring the eastern Izu Peninsula, enjoying boat trips on Suruga Bay and sampling exceptionally fresh kaisen-don (seafood bowls).
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and steaming coffee. Head to the Numazu City Historical Museum to delve into the rich history of the region, where you can view artifacts and exhibits that showcase the area’s past. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, admiring the traditional architecture and quaint shops.
After lunch at a nearby sushi restaurant, take a guided walking tour that highlights the cultural landmarks of Numazu, including the beautiful Numazu Castle ruins. Visit the impressive Senbonhama Park, known for its beautiful views of Mount Fuji and the Suruga Bay, where you can relax and take stunning photographs. Stop by the local art galleries showcasing the work of regional artists and craftsmen.
As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing dinner at a waterfront restaurant known for its seafood, where you can sample fresh catches from the bay. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the beach promenade, soaking in the serene ambiance and the sound of waves lapping against the shore. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local izakaya, enjoying traditional drinks and small plates while mingling with locals.
Begin your day with breakfast at a beachfront café, taking in the ocean views as you enjoy your meal. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm waters of Suruga Bay, where you can admire the stunning coastline and perhaps spot some marine life. If you prefer a more relaxed start, spend your morning lounging on the sandy beach, soaking up the sun.
For lunch, grab a bento box from a nearby shop and enjoy it at a picnic table overlooking the bay. In the afternoon, join a guided snorkeling tour to discover the vibrant underwater ecosystem, with colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs. Alternatively, try your hand at windsurfing with a local instructor who will help you catch the perfect breeze.
As the day winds down, enjoy a beachfront barbecue dinner with freshly caught seafood, prepared right on the sand. Watch the sunset paint the sky in breathtaking hues while you dine, creating a perfect end to a day by the sea. After dinner, gather around a bonfire on the beach, sharing stories and making memories with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea (caf fe) | $3-6 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $1.50-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-130 |
| 🚆Train from Tokyo (one-way, approx.) | $20-45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Exceptionally fresh seafood and lively port markets
- Stunning views of Mt. Fuji across Suruga Bay on clear days
- Laid-back, small-city atmosphere with easy access from Tokyo
- Good base for exploring the eastern Izu Peninsula and outdoor activities
- Mt. Fuji views can be obscured by haze or clouds (especially in summer)
- Smaller city amenities and nightlife compared with major urban centers
- Some businesses and menus have limited English
- Public transport outside core areas can be infrequent, especially late at night
- "こんにちは" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "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 restroom?
- "これはいくらですか？" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Numazu
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic harbor shots with fishing boats, fish market activity and sunsets—clear days offer framed views of Mt. Fuji across Suruga Bay.
Long coastline walk with dunes, pine groves and sweeping vistas; great for golden-hour photos and wide-angle Fuji shots.
Rocky shoreline and higher vantage points in the Heda district provide dramatic foregrounds with Mt. Fuji in the distance.
Unique marine life and atmospheric indoor exhibits offer close-ups of unusual deep-sea creatures and textured aquatic scenes.
Candid street-style shots of fishmongers, sashimi preparation and the colorful presentation of seafood at the port market.
Food in Numazu
Numazu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rice bowl topped with the day's fresh sashimi—tuna, squid, salmon, uni when available—commonly found at the port market and casual restaurants.
Must-Try!
Tiny, translucent baby sardines served raw (nama shirasu), boiled, or as a topping; a Numazu specialty available at markets and small eateries.
Simple salt-grilled fish or teriyaki-style preparations highlighting species caught in Suruga Bay; order whole or as set meals in izakayas and family restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main fish market and cluster of small stalls and restaurants near the port: best for early-morning sashimi, shirasu stands and kaisen-don counters. Great for picking up souvenirs like packaged seafood and local snacks.
Scattered stalls sell grilled fish, fried shirasu, skewers and sweets—perfect for quick bites while walking the promenade.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A quiet, polite demeanor and brief bows are normal—use ‘sumimasen’ to get attention and ‘arigatou gozaimasu’ to thank people.
Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional establishments; watch for slippers and signage at entrances.
Keep noise low on public transport and in residential streets; phone conversations on trains are discouraged.
Public bins are rare—separate recyclables and burnables when bins are available and carry small trash until you find proper disposal points.
Safety
Tipping in Numazu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; excellent service is included in the price—politely decline leaving tips unless offered by special tour operators who specify otherwise.
Cash (yen) is widely used—many small restaurants and market stalls are cash-only. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in larger shops and hotels; IC transit cards (Suica/PASMO) work for buses and some stores, and ATMs at post offices and convenience stores accept international cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather, cherry blossoms in nearby parks and increased domestic travel during Golden Week (late April–early May); early spring can be crisp but pleasant for walking the coast.
Warm to hot, humid weather with occasional typhoons—beach and water activities are popular; visibility for Mt. Fuji is often lower due to haze, but early mornings can be clear.
Crisp air and clearer skies make autumn one of the best times for Fuji views and hiking; autumn foliage appears on inland slopes and nearby trails.
Cool, dry conditions with the best chance of unobstructed views of Mount Fuji on clear days; bring warm layers and note some seasonal closures for small tourist businesses.
Numazu at Night
Hiking in Numazu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate hike offering elevated views over Numazu and Suruga Bay; trails vary in length and provide good autumn foliage and Fuji-view opportunities.
Coastal walking paths and dunes offering easy, scenic strolls ideal for sunrise and sunset photography and casual walkers.
Short cliffside hikes in the Heda area with dramatic coastal scenery and sweeping views of the bay and Mt. Fuji; good for photography and a quieter outdoor experience.
Airports
How to reach Numazu by plane.
Regional airport serving domestic flights and some international routes; access to Numazu is by bus or car and typically takes around 1–2 hours depending on connections.
Major international and domestic airport with the fastest ground/train access to Numazu—travel time is roughly 1.5–2 hours by public transport or car, making it very convenient for international visitors.
Further from Numazu (2.5–3.5 hours by train/car); an option for international flights but requires a longer transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of longtime families involved in fishing and local commerce along with retirees; the city has an aging population trend similar to much of Japan.
People who commute to larger centers for work (Mishima, Shizuoka or even Tokyo on occasion) provide a daytime population dynamic.
Weekend tourists from the Tokyo region and cultural visitors (including anime fans visiting Love Live! Sunshine!! locations) boost the town's tourism sector.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A major local pastime and commercial activity given the working port; recreational fishing and charter trips are common.
Popular community and school sports throughout the region, with local teams and school clubs active year-round.
Suruga Bay and the Izu coast support sailing, diving and seasonal surfing at suitable beaches and dive sites.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Numazu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited because the cuisine is seafood-forward; tempura, vegetable rice bowls and noodle dishes can work—ask staff politely (‘Watashi wa bejitarian desu’) and look for restaurants that can accommodate. Bring snacks and be prepared to ask about fish-based dashi in broths.
Vegan and strict gluten-free dining require planning—Japanese broths often contain fish, and soy sauce contains gluten. Larger restaurants or cafes in city centers may accommodate with notice; carry a translation card describing your restrictions.
For seafood allergies, communicate clearly in Japanese (‘Ea-ru-ji-: kaisui ebi nado ni kyoumi ga arimasu’ or show an allergy card); many dishes contain fish or shellfish even when not obvious.