Things To Do
in Yaizu
Yaizu is a coastal city in Shizuoka Prefecture perched along Suruga Bay, where a working fishing port shapes the town’s character. The harbor buzzes with boat activity, seafood markets, and approachable eateries that celebrate the region’s catch. Wide coastal promenades offer sea views, while nearby green hills provide a tranquil counterpoint.
Visitors come for fresh seafood, relaxed streets, and easy day trips to the Fuji–Izu coastline.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Yaizu's historic center, where traditional wooden houses and shops transport you back in time. Stop by the Yaizu City Museum to learn about the region's rich history and culture. Don’t forget to grab a delicious breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh seafood caught that morning.
After lunch, visit the picturesque Yaizu Port, where you can watch fishing boats come in and out while enjoying the sea breeze. Explore the nearby Yaizu Fish Market, where you can sample the freshest sashimi and other seafood delicacies. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade, soaking in views of Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji in the distance.
As the sun sets, head to one of the seaside restaurants for dinner, where you can relish local specialties such as grilled fish and seafood hot pots. After your meal, take a relaxing evening stroll along the beach, listening to the gentle waves lapping the shore. Cap off your day with a visit to a local izakaya, where you can enjoy a drink and mingle with friendly locals.
Begin your day with a morning hike in Yaizu Park, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flower gardens. The fresh air and serene environment offer a perfect setting for some light exercise and meditation. As you explore the park, keep an eye out for local wildlife and beautiful seasonal blooms.
Afterward, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the park’s many scenic spots, perhaps under the shade of cherry blossom trees. Spend your afternoon visiting the nearby Yaizu Shrine, where you can experience local spiritual practices and appreciate the intricate architecture. Take some time to reflect by the tranquil pond within the shrine grounds, surrounded by nature's beauty.
As evening approaches, return to the park for a sunset walk, where the golden light casts a magical glow over the landscape. Find a cozy bench to sit and enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you watch the sky change colors. Conclude your day with a simple dinner at a local eatery, savoring warm bowls of udon or soba noodles.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍱Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-5 |
| 🍣Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $30-60 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $7-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Fresh seafood and approachable port-town charm
- Compact, walkable harbor and coastal scenery
- Easy day trips to the Fuji–Izu coast and tea country
- Safe and welcoming for travelers
- Limited international dining options and nightlife
- Some venues are cash-only or have limited English signage
- Public transport is good but not as expansive as bigger cities
- Harbor-driven areas can be busy during market hours and weekends
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "お願いします" - Please
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "これはいくらですか？" - How much is this?
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "地図" - Map
Places to Visit in Yaizu
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic harbor scene as boats return and the light hits the water, perfect for low-angle seascapes.
Colorful boats, nets, and scaffolding along the docks provide texture and coastal character.
A small shrine perched above the shoreline offering a quiet vantage point over the sea and harbor.
Colorful murals and dockside scenes ideal for urban-seaside photography.
Food in Yaizu
Yaizu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bowl of fresh tuna over rice, a staple at portside eateries.
Must-Try!
Rice topped with tiny whitebait and a light soy-soy sauce drizzle.
Lightly seared mackerel with citrus-soy dressing.
Marinated mackerel on vinegared rice, a flavorful coastal specialty.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning stalls offering fresh catches; ideal for tasting samples and watching the market come alive.
Seasonal seafood skewers and small bites along the promenade, especially in the evening.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a nod or short bow; remove shoes when entering homes or certain traditional spaces; queue patiently in markets; handle money with both hands when giving or receiving; avoid talking loudly in public spaces near temples and shrines.
Safety
Tipping in Yaizu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Polite appreciation and a friendly thank-you is appreciated. In high-end venues, service charges may be included; avoid leaving tips unless explicitly requested.
Cash is widely accepted; many places also take credit cards. Smaller shops and markets may be cash-only. Mobile and contactless payments are increasingly available in larger establishments, but carrying some cash is prudent for street stalls and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming coastal scenery; great time for street photography and harbor walks.
Warm and humid with occasional typhoon activity; stay hydrated, visit early mornings, and enjoy seafood markets for cooling seafood dishes.
Clear skies and comfortable temperatures; ideal for coastal hikes and outdoor dining by the water.
Mild by Japanese standards with occasional chilly mornings; seafood is in season and the harbor feels tranquil after the day trip crowds.
Yaizu at Night
Hiking in Yaizu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trail segments offering ocean vistas, breeze, and opportunities to observe seabirds and coastal flora.
Short, accessible hikes in the surrounding hills with countryside scenery and rewarding viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Yaizu by plane.
Also known as Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport, located in Makinohara. Domestic flights connect to Tokyo and other cities; about a 1.5–2.5 hour journey from Yaizu by rail and transfer.
Major international and domestic hub; reachable via Shinkansen and rail connections to Shizuoka prefecture, then local transport to Yaizu.
Nagoya area international airport; feasible for longer trips and connections to central Japan, with rail links to Shizuoka region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A core community around the port, contributing to the town’s maritime character and markets.
Many locals enjoy the coastal lifestyle with a slower pace and strong community ties.
Residents who travel to nearby cities for work or study, keeping Yaizu connected to broader networks.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular school and community sport across the region; local games and festivals often feature baseball demonstrations.
Given the coastal setting, fishing and water-based activities are common and accessible.
Nearby beaches cater to modest surf and coastline recreation during warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yaizu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes rely on dashi (fish stock) or seafood; look for vegetable tempura, tofu dishes, salads, and steamed vegetables. When ordering, ask for tabi yasai (vegetables) or yasai soba/udon without dashi, and consider meals at cafes that emphasize plant-based options or ask for modifications.