
Shizuoka Overview
Shizuoka is the capital city of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, and the prefecture's second-largest city in both population and area. It has been populated since prehistoric times. As of 1 September 2023, the city had an estimated population of 677,867 in 106,087 households, and a population density of 480 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,200/sq mi).
Shizuoka Key Statistics
723317
1411900000 km²
156 / 11 / 42
Practical Essentials for Shizuoka
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗Getting Around Shizuoka
Shizuoka Main Station & Rail Lines
春日町 (Kasugacho)
Train Travel to Shizuoka
Shizuoka is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Shizuoka
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Shizuoka
Cover Your Trip to Shizuoka
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Shizuoka
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Shizuoka downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Shizuoka.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Shizuoka Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Shizuoka.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Shizuoka.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Shizuoka
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Shizuoka
¥4,300,000*est
Median household income / year
86*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Shizuoka
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Shizuoka
When was Shizuoka founded?
Shizuoka was founded on April 1, 1889.
How old is Shizuoka?
Shizuoka is roughly 137 years old.
What is the population of Shizuoka?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 723,317.
What is the land area of Shizuoka?
Shizuoka covers roughly 1411900000 km².
What is the main railway station in Shizuoka?
The primary hub is 春日町 (Kasugacho).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Shizuoka?
The city has roughly 156 parks, 11 museums and 42 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Shizuoka expensive to live?
Shizuoka is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Shizuoka?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Shizuoka?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Shizuoka has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Shizuoka?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Shizuoka?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Shizuoka?
Shizuoka hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Shizuoka?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Shizuoka?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Shizuoka?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Shizuoka?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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