Yaizu, Japan
Region: Shizuoka
Geographic Coordinates: 34.866900, 138.325000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Yaizu, Japan has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. The area experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, with the highest precipitation occurring in June and September. Typhoons are also common during the summer months.
Population: 136028
Language: Japanese
Yaizu is a coastal city located in the Shizuoka Prefecture of Japan, Facing the Pacific Ocean. It is situated between Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula, Making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Yaizu is known for its fresh seafood, Especially its delicious eel dishes that are popular among locals and tourists alike. One of the most popular attractions in Yaizu is its bustling fish market where visitors can witness fishermen unloading their catch of the day. The market offers a wide variety of seafood such as tuna, Squid, Octopus, Shrimp and many more.
Visitors can also try fresh sushi at one of the many stalls or restaurants around the market. Another famous attraction in Yaizu is Miho no Matsubara beach which stretches over 7 kilometers long with beautiful pine trees lining up on one side and Mount Fuji visible from afar on clear days. The beach also has several shrines and temples nearby that are worth visiting. In addition to natural beauty and delicious seafood, Yaizu has a rich history dating back to ancient times when it was part of Suruga Province during Japan’s feudal period.
Visitors can explore historical sites such as Ogasayama Nature Park which features a reconstructed castle from this era. For those interested in traditional Japanese culture, Yaizu offers various opportunities to experience tea ceremonies or participate in martial arts classes like Kendo or Karate at local dojos (training halls). There are also several festivals held throughout the year including Obon festival which honors ancestors’ spirits with dance performances and fireworks displays.
Yaizu boasts excellent transportation links with easy access by train or car from Tokyo or other major cities in Japan making it an ideal destination for day trips or weekend getaways. With its breathtaking scenery, Rich history and culture along with delicious cuisine options; there’s something for everyone to enjoy while exploring this beautiful city on Japan’s east coast!
Important Landmarks
- Yaizu Fisherman’s Wharf: A popular destination for seafood lovers with a fish market, restaurants, and shops selling local products.
- Mt. Fuji: The iconic mountain can be seen from various viewpoints around Yaizu.
- Yaizu Sakana Center: A museum showcasing the history and culture of fishing in Japan with interactive exhibits.
- Shigenoya Historical House: An old traditional Japanese house that has been preserved as a cultural heritage site.
- Oigawa Railway: A scenic railway ride through the mountains and valleys of Shizuoka prefecture.
- Hattasan Soneiji Temple: A Buddhist temple located on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city below.
- Shimoda Aquarium: An aquarium featuring various marine animals from around Japan, including dolphins and sea turtles.
- Ryugashido Cave: A limestone cave formation with impressive stalactites and stalagmites that visitors can explore on foot.
- Kanzanji Temple: One of the oldest temples in Yaizu with beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
- Yaizu City Museum of History & Folklore: A museum exhibiting historical artifacts related to the region’s past culture.
Primary Industries
- Food processing: Several food processing firms that specialize in seafood products, including canned tuna and dried bonito flakes, are located in Yaizu.
- Manufacturing: The city has numerous small and medium-sized manufacturing firms that produce a variety of products such as electronic components, machinery parts, and textiles.
- Agriculture: The surrounding area around Yaizu has fertile soil which makes it ideal for growing crops such as tea leaves and strawberries.
- Tourism: Shimoda Aquarium is a popular tourist destination in Yaizu, attracting tourists who come to visit or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or cycling along the scenic coastline.
- Retail: There are several shopping centers located in Yaizu offering a wide range of goods such as clothing, electronics, groceries etc., catering to both locals and tourists alike.
Noteable History
- The Battle of Yaizu (1570): This battle took place during the Sengoku period between Takeda Shingen and Tokugawa Ieyasu’s forces.
- Hattori Hanzo (1541-1596): A renowned samurai who served under Tokugawa Ieyasu, believed to have been born in Yaizu.
- Kuniyoshi Utagawa (1797-1861): A famous ukiyo-e artist who was born in Yaizu.
- The Treaty of Shimoda (1855): This treaty was signed between Japan and Russia in Shimoda, a nearby town to Yaizu, marking Japan’s first official diplomatic agreement with a Western power since its isolationist policy began in 1639.
- The Great Kanto Earthquake (1923): This earthquake caused significant damage to Yaizu and surrounding areas.
- Ichiro Suzuki: A professional baseball player from Yaizu who played for the Seattle Mariners and became one of the most successful Japanese players in Major League Baseball history.
- Yasuo Fukuda: Former Prime Minister of Japan who was born in Yaizu.
- Etsuro Sotoo: An accomplished sculptor known for his work on Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona, Spain, originally from Yaizu.
- The Port of Shimizu: Located near Yaizu, this port has been an important hub for international trade since ancient times and continues to be a major economic center today.
- Takeshi Kitano: Famous Japanese actor, director, singer, etc. also known as Beat Takeshi hails from Yaizo.
Museums and Things To See
- Yaizu Sakana Center: A museum dedicated to the history and culture of fishing in Yaizu.
- Yaizu City Museum: A museum showcasing the history and culture of Yaizu, including exhibits on local industries, traditional crafts, and art.
- Toganji Temple: A Buddhist temple known for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture.
- Ogasawara Memorial Hall: A monument honoring the life and achievements of Ogasawara Sadayuki, a famous samurai from Yaizu.
- Seiken-ji Temple: A Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back over 700 years.
- Shuzenji Nature Park: An expansive park with walking trails, a pond, and beautiful scenery.
- Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art: An art museum featuring works by the famous Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige.
- Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art: A large art museum showcasing works by both Japanese and international artists.
- Fujieda City Cultural Center: An arts center that hosts various cultural events such as concerts, theater performances etc.
- Yaizudai Shrine – One of the oldest shrines in Japan which is believed to have existed since 300 BC.
Cultural Events
- Yaizu Bon Odori Festival is a traditional Japanese dance festival that takes place in August to honor and celebrate the spirits of ancestors.
- The Yaizu Fishermen’s Festival is held in November and celebrates the local fishing industry with parades, music, and food.
- The Yaizu Sakura Matsuri is a cherry blossom festival that takes place in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
- Shunju Matsuri is a food festival held every October that showcases local cuisine and culinary traditions.
- The Oigawa Railway Steam Locomotive Festival occurs annually in November, featuring steam locomotives from around Japan and attracting train enthusiasts from all over the country.
- The Yaizu Tenjin Shrine Autumn Festival happens every September at the Tenjin Shrine, celebrating autumn with traditional dances, music, and food stalls.
- Although not technically located within Yaizu city limits (it’s about a 30-minute drive away), it’s worth mentioning the Kakegawa Castle Cherry Blossom Festival as it’s one of Shizuoka Prefecture’s most famous cherry blossom festivals drawing large crowds every spring.
Cuisine
- Katsuo no Tataki: This is a dish made with lightly seared bonito fish and is considered a specialty of Yaizu. Some popular restaurants that serve this dish are Maruhide, Hikarimaru, and Sakanaya Dojo.
- Unagi (Eel): Yaizu is also known for its delicious grilled eel dishes. Some popular restaurants that serve unagi include Unagi no Hirokawa, Kawashimaya, and Yamahei.
- Sushi: As a coastal town, Yaizu has a variety of fresh seafood options including sushi. Some popular sushi restaurants in the area are Sushiro and Kura Zushi.
- Ramen: Ramen is a staple Japanese dish that can be found all over the country including in Yaizu. Some popular ramen shops include Menya Takahashi, Ippudo Ramen, and Ichiran.
- Izakaya: Izakayas are Japanese-style pubs where people can enjoy drinks and small plates of food with friends or colleagues after work or on weekends in Japan. In Yaizu some popular izakayas include Shokudo Nakaoka-ya and Torikizoku.
- Yakitori: Yakitori is grilled chicken skewers often served with various sauces such as soy sauce or teriyaki sauce at izakayas or specialized yakitori shops like Toriki-ya or Torigoya-Yaizuten.
- Yaizu City Athletic Park offers a range of sports facilities including a track and field stadium, baseball fields, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.
- Yaizu Seaside Park is situated along the coast of Suruga Bay and provides stunning views of Mount Fuji. It has amenities such as a beach area, walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
- Kanzanji Onsen Hot Spring Resort is located in Hamamatsu city but is well-known among Yaizu residents for its hot springs and outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.
- Yanagisawa Sports Park has soccer fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a skateboarding area.
- Oigawa Railway Heritage Park showcases restored steam locomotives that visitors can ride on while enjoying the picturesque views of Oi River Valley.
- Shizunami Beach in Makinohara City is famous for swimming and surfing during summers.
- Shimada City Cycling Course stretches 20 kilometers through scenic countryside areas with glimpses of Mount Fuji in the distance.