Here’s some travel information for enjoying Japan. When you’re up for a casual one-night, two-day trip, how about visiting Mishima in Shizuoka Prefecture? You can refresh your mood while viewing Mount Fuji. It’s less than an hour away by Shinkansen (bullet train). Take a stroll to shrines, enjoy walking along beautiful streams, and indulge in delicious eel.
Let’s introduce Mishima.
About Mishima
Mishima City is located in Shizuoka Prefecture, at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, south of Mount Fuji.
It has prospered as a temple town for the grand shrine called Mishima Taisha. Additionally, underground water from Mount Fuji springs throughout the city, earning it the nickname “City of Water.”
Despite its proximity to the station, Mishima offers opportunities to enjoy nature, making it increasingly popular as a relocation destination for urban dwellers.
How to Get There
Mishima Station is accessible via the Tokaido Shinkansen. It takes approximately 35 minutes from Shin-Yokohama Station and 53 minutes from Tokyo Station. Mishima can be reached in no time. If you’re heading to Mishima, consider taking the “Kodama” or “Hikari” Shinkansen trains, as some trains pass by without stopping.
If you plan to explore places other than Mishima, traveling by car could be convenient. Taking the Tomei Expressway will take about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Highlights of Mishima
After arriving in Mishima, head to the “South Exit” and start exploring.If you want a map, you can get one at the tourist information center located at the south exit.
Shirataki Park
Along the path from Mishima Station to Mishima Taisha, you’ll find Shirataki Park. The park features the waters of the Sakura River. In summer, water from Mount Fuji’s melting snow springs up, making the water exceptionally clean. Many people rest by dipping their feet in the water or taking a break in the shade of trees. Children often splash around in the water.
Mishima Taisha
Walking along this river will lead you to Mishima Taisha Shrine. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the station.
Mishima Taisha has been revered as a shrine where wishes come true by warriors and samurais from ancient times, including Minamoto no Yoritomo. The main shrine is a building from the late Edo period, intricately designed.
When visiting Mishima Taisha, proceed to the innermost sanctuary and offer your prayers.
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Column – Enjoying Shrines.
When in the shrines,coins are usually offerd followed by simple bow,two claps and another bow. Talismans,Omamori and Ema are also available for purchase, serving various purposes such as warding off misfortune or bringing blessings. Fortune slips (Omikuji) are also available, typically in Japanese only.
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Clean and Walkable Genbei River
About an 11-minute walk from Mishima Taisha, Genbei River is another recommended spot. You can take a stroll along the riverside walking path beside the babbling stream. The course is very easy to walk, about 1.5 kilometers long, suitable even for sandals. The area is lush green, and you can hear the chirping of birds. Fireflies are beautiful in the summer. The water from Mount Fuji springs maintains a temperature of 15 to 16 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Around 1950, the water quality of Genbei River was poor, but local NPOs conducted conservation activities, leading to water quality improvement.
Famous for Eel Don
Mishima is renowned for its eel. As you walk through the streets, you’ll catch the delightful aroma of eel.
Eel is a white fish meat which is very tender. It’s grilled, placed on the rice, and served with sauce. When cooked,the delicious eel has crispy skin; is tender and rich in fats.
Each restaurant has its secret sauce. Grilling eel perfectly requires skilled craftsmanship. Notable eel restaurants include Sakuraya and Takadaya, with prices around 5,000 yen per serving. It’s recommended to sprinkle some sansho (Japanese pepper) when eating it. Sansho’s unique aroma complements wonderfully with the eel.
Mount Fuji
In Mishima, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Fuji if the weather is clear. The best viewing spots are from higher places such as the top floors of hotels or elevated areas reached by climbing stairs.
One particularly popular tourist spot is the Skywalk, a 400-meter-long suspension bridge offering an unobstructed view of Mount Fuji from above. It’s a recommended option for those who want to fully appreciate Mount Fuji. You can reach the Skywalk from Mishima Station South Exit by bus in 25 minutes.
Kakitagawa Park for Extra Natural Beauty
For those who want to immerse themselves further in nature, Kakitagawa Park is a great choice. Kakitagawa is one of Japan’s Three Great Clear Streams. This area has been designated as a Geopark by UNESCO.
From Mishima Station, take the Numazu-Hakone-Toyokai bus from the south exit and get off at “Kakitagawa Ryusui Park Mae.” It takes about 25 minutes.
It’s a place where water from Mount Fuji springs underground, emerging after 100 years. It’s a delightful place where you feel purified while strolling.
The places where the spring water bubbles up have a mysterious aquamarine color.
You can buy tofu ice cream and wasabi as souvenirs, and you can drink the spring water for free, it’s safe to drink as it is.
Craft Beer
In the evening, consider visiting craft beer or craft gin shops to enjoy some drinks. Various shops utilize the clean water available in the area.
Extend Your Trip to Hot Springs
If you want to experience hot springs, you can take the Izu-Nagaoka Railway and reach Izu-Nagaoka Onsen in about 25 minutes or Shuzenji in about 40 minutes. Staying at a hot spring inn will allow you to enjoy the hot springs as well.
Few Foreign Tourists
One reason to recommend Mishima is the relatively low number of foreign tourists. While tourist spots with views of Mount Fuji tend to be crowded, Mishima is relatively quiet, allowing you to experience everyday life. Definitely worth a visit.
