Numazu offers several distinct reasons to visit: Senbon Matsubara is a scenic pine forest with views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay; fish and seafood take center stage at the harbor, and the Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium focuses on deep-sea creatures. There are also trails and viewpoints on Mount Kanuki. You can choose the focus of your trip from nature, local food, the harbor, and hiking. If you’re looking for accommodation in Numazu, it helps to consider in advance which of these aspects of the city you want to shape your stay.
Fish Market and Local Food
The Numazu Fish Market INO includes a restaurant. Visitors can try fresh local fish purchased at that day’s auction. You can also watch the auction in progress: a viewing walkway is provided on the second floor. The actual auction area on the ground floor is not open to the general public. Dining and watching the auction offer different ways to experience the fish market, without visitors entering the auction’s work area.
Another option is Numazu Minato Shinsenkan, at the entrance to Numazu Harbor. Restaurants and shops offer seafood from Suruga Bay, as well as local vegetables, tea, wasabi, and sweets. The wooden terrace overlooks the fishing port. Unlike the restaurant at INO, which serves fish purchased at that day’s auction, Shinsenkan also offers local products and sweets. As individual businesses may change, it’s worth checking what’s currently available before your visit.
Pine Forest and Cultural Heritage
Part of Senbon Matsubara is landscaped as a park. You can walk through the pine forest and visit memorial stones dedicated to writers. According to local tradition, the forest was cut down during the conflicts of the Sengoku period and was subsequently replanted by the monk Zoyo over a period of five years. This traditional account offers another perspective on the pine forest, complementing the cultural associations of the memorial stones.
Trails and Views on Mount Kanuki
The hiking trails on Mount Kanuki vary in length and destination. A trail of about 800 meters leads from the trailhead to Koryodai, which is also accessible by car. From there, a hiking trail of about 1 kilometer leads to the summit; there is also a circular trail of about 2 kilometers. If you’re looking for a route with a named destination, you can choose between the trails to Koryodai or the summit and the option described as a circular trail.
The circular trail passes a rest area with play equipment and picnic benches. If you’re planning a break there, check the condition of the facilities before your visit, as they may change. Near the 193-meter-high summit is a viewpoint with wide-ranging views over Numazu and Suruga Bay. On clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen over Mount Ashitaka.
Byuo also offers elevated views: its observation deck is 30 meters above the ground and includes views of Mount Fuji. At Numazu Fish Market INO, the platform overlooks the inner harbor and also offers views of Mount Fuji; visibility depends on the weather. If you’d rather see unusual wildlife than landscapes, the Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium has more than 100 species of deep-sea creatures on display year-round.
Traveling by Ferry
The Ganyudo Ferry connects Ayumi Bridge and Ganyudo; another landing is at Numazu Harbor. As the landings may vary depending on operating conditions, check the latest schedule and landing before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Yaizu, Iwata, Inatori Higashiizu, Kakegawa, Kamo District, Makinohara
Return to the regional travel guide: Shizuoka Prefecture.
