With a prime spot on the Izu Peninsula, Numazu offers scenic views of Mount Fuji from numerous locations. A water-centric getaway for those from Tokyo, Numazu has a bustling port area, numerous seafood eateries and family-friendly beaches.

Things to do

Numazu Port is the heart of the city with a working marina catering to local and commercial anglers. Fish markets overflow with daily catches from local waters and as far away as Hokkaido. You can climb the renowned tsunami gate at the harbour for beautiful views of Mount Fuji.

Seafood populates menus at small cafes, street stalls and high-end restaurants. Even snack food is sea-based, with local specialties, such as dried squid and Hokkaido-style smoked salmon. Book a table at Marukichi Shokudo restaurant to try local catches, such as Japanese grenadier and spider crab.

Spend an afternoon lounging at Ose Beach at the edge of the bay or hike the trail leading up to Mount Daruma. You can also hop aboard a narrow-gauge railway coach on the Shuzenji Romney Railway route. If you’d rather explore closer to the beach, visit Ose Shrine and its picturesque grove of juniper trees.

Travelling with young children? They’ll enjoy watching sea lion and dolphin shows at Izu-Mito Sea Paradise, which is also home to whale sharks and minke whales. Older kids will enjoy educational exhibits of preserved sea creatures at Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium, along with tanks of bioluminescent molluscs and crustaceans.

Getting around

Numazu City is about 100 kilometres from Tokyo Haneda International Airport. You can rent a car or take the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train. Buses, taxis and bike hires offer transportation in Numazu and around the peninsula.