In Sunto District, spring water is both a natural feature and a carefully managed resource. In Nagaizumi, the Honjuku irrigation system draws water from a weir upstream of Ayutsubo Falls on the Kise River. It includes a tunnel about 500 meters long and a canal approximately two kilometers long. On November 4, 2023, the system was registered as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure.
Spring-fed Rivers and Waterfront Parks
The Kakita River in central Shimizu is a spring-fed river in the Kano River system, supplied by abundant spring water from Mount Fuji. It has been designated a national natural monument since 2011 and was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Waters in 1985. It is also one of Japan’s three great clear rivers. These distinctions give the river special natural and cultural significance, in addition to its spring water.
At the spring water plaza in Kakita River Park, you can put your feet in the water and feel how cold it is. From the first and second observation platforms, you can see springs that flow year-round. Ayutsubo Park offers sweeping views of Ayutsubo Falls, a geosite in the Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark.
Maruike Park in Shimizu opened on January 13, 2019, creating a lively place to relax and spend time together with Maruike Pond. A spring-fed pool is about the size of a tennis court, where many children can safely play in the water at the same time. As you walk through the park, views of Mount Fuji change with the seasons.
Local History and Traces of the Past
The Cultural Properties Exhibition Hall in Nagaizumi explores local history and folklore. Its permanent exhibition spans everything from Stone Age stone tools more than 32,000 years old to documents from the Edo period. In the hands-on area, visitors can handle items such as pottery; admission is free. Check the latest operating information before visiting.
At 759 meters high, Ashigara Pass has served as an important route between eastern and western Japan since ancient times. The main enclosure, other kuruwa ramparts, and dry moats remain at the pass; it also offers views of Mount Fuji. In Oyama, Kintarō, also known as Sakata Kintoki, is regarded as a local hero and a legendary figure of whom residents are proud. Educational materials identify Oyama as Kintarō’s birthplace. Hōmon Park in Oyama includes six registered tangible cultural properties, including Hōmon Hall.
Views of Mount Fuji and Cycling
The Harunire plum tree stands on the grounds of Fuji Asama Shrine in Subashiri. It has been designated a natural monument of Shizuoka Prefecture since February 19, 1963. Its trunk circumference is four meters, and it stands 24.5 meters tall. HonjĹŤyama Park in Shimizu has walking trails and a summit observation platform, which offers views over Mount Fuji and the entire city.
Oyama offers opportunities for challenging uphill cycling on the steep Fujiazami Line and three mountain passes. Its hilly, natural landscape is also well suited to cycling. This brings together a range of options: spring water and parks, traces of culture and history, and athletic climbs. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether to focus your stay on nature watching, historical themes, or cycling.
Discover more destinations: Nagaizumi, Izu.
See the main travel overview: Shizuoka Prefecture.
