Discovering Numazu: A charming coastal city in Shizuoka Prefecture
Numazu with Mount Fuji in the background, Shizuoka Prefecture
Numazu, located in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture at the northwestern end of the Izu Peninsula, is a city that combines history, natural beauty, and modern attractions. With a population of around 189,000, Numazu offers visitors a chance to experience a quintessential Japanese coastal town while being conveniently located just 130 km from Tokyo.
The geography and climate of Numazu
Numazu is situated on the picturesque shores of Suruga Bay, which opens up to the Pacific Ocean. The city enjoys a mild maritime climate thanks to the warm Kuroshio Current, with hot, humid summers and relatively cool winters. Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest mountain at 3,776 meters, can be seen towering over the city on clear days, despite being located 30 km to the north. The Kano River runs through the heart of Numazu, and the 1,188-meter Mount Ashitaka marks the highest point within the city limits.
Mount Fuji seen between buildings in downtown Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture
A brief history of Numazu, from ancient times to the present
Numazu has a long and storied history dating back to ancient times. It was mentioned in Nara period records as early as the 8th century AD, when it served as the original provincial capital of Suruga Province before Izu Province was separated from it in 680 AD. During the Edo period from the 17th to 19th centuries, Numazu prospered as a post town along the Tokaido road connecting Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. In the modern era, Numazu continued to develop, becoming an official city in 1923. Though much of central Numazu was destroyed by fire in 1926 and again by bombing in World War II, the city rebuilt and expanded in the post-war years into the vibrant regional hub it is today.
The economy of Numazu: a regional financial center and fishing industry hub
As a regional financial center and transportation hub, Numazu boasts a diverse economy. The city is home to the headquarters of major banks like Suruga Bank, Shizuoka Chuo Bank, and Numazu Shinkin Bank. Numazu Port has long been a key center for Shizuoka Prefecture's fishing industry, famous for catching and processing Japanese horse mackerel. In fact, Numazu accounts for about half of Japan's total horse mackerel production. Manufacturing also plays a significant role in the local economy, with products ranging from machinery and metal goods to chemicals and textiles. However, the traditional economic pillars of fishing and tourism remain important to this day.
Numazu Harbor, Shizuoka Prefecture
Education in Numazu: a variety of public and private school options
Numazu offers a comprehensive selection of educational institutions for its residents. The city operates 24 public elementary schools, 17 public middle schools, and even a public combined middle/high school. Additionally, the Shizuoka Prefectural Board of Education runs four high schools in Numazu. Private school options include one elementary school, one combined middle/high school, and five high schools. For students with special needs, the prefecture also operates three special education schools in the city. With this diverse array of schools, Numazu strives to provide quality education to learners of all ages and abilities.
Transportation in and around Numazu: train lines, expressways, and national routes
Numazu is well-connected to the rest of Japan via various transportation networks. The JR Tokaido Main Line and Tokaido Shinkansen line both pass through Numazu Station, allowing for easy access to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The Gotemba Line also serves the city. For those traveling by car, the Tomei and Shin-Tomei Expressways run through Numazu's northern suburbs. Several national routes, including Routes 1, 246, and 414, further facilitate transportation in and around the city. Thanks to this robust infrastructure, Numazu is a convenient base for exploring the scenic beauty of the Izu Peninsula and beyond.
Top attractions in Numazu for tourists: beaches, aquariums, historic sites and more
Numazu offers a wealth of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Some top draws include:
- Senbon Matsubara: a pine tree grove with over 300,000 trees stretching along the coast of Suruga Bay
- Numazu Goyotei: the ruins of Numazu Castle, originally built in the 16th century
- Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium: an aquarium with a wide variety of sea creatures, including a popular penguin exhibit
- Senbonhama Park: a seaside park with a white sand beach offering swimming and beautiful views of Mount Fuji
- Numazu Imperial Villa: a former imperial retreat surrounded by serene Japanese gardens
Other points of interest include the harbor area with its bustling fish market and seafood restaurants, the scenic craft beer bar Fishmarket Taproom, and the tranquil Kanuki Shrine. Numazu truly has something for everyone, from history buffs and nature lovers to foodies and outdoor enthusiasts.
Mount Fuji seen behind the pine trees of the Senbon Matsubara, Numazu
Fishmarket Taproom, Numazu
Numazu in popular culture: the setting of the anime Love Live! Sunshine!!
In recent years, Numazu has gained fame as the real-world setting of the hit anime series Love Live! Sunshine!!. The show follows the adventures of a group of high school girls who form a school idol group to save their seaside academy from closing down. Many locations around Numazu, from the beaches to the fish market, are featured in the anime, leading fans from across Japan and abroad to make pilgrimages to the city. Visitors can spot tie-in collaborations and merchandise all over town, a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise. For fans of the series, exploring the real-life locations that inspired the anime is a must-do when in Numazu.
Fish restaurant street, Numazu Port, Shizuoka Prefecture
Notable people from Numazu across various fields
Over the years, Numazu has produced a number of notable figures across various fields, including:
- Yamada Nagamasa: a Japanese adventurer and merchant who lived in the Ayutthaya Kingdom (present-day Thailand) in the early 17th century
- Norio Ohga: the former chairman and CEO of Sony Corporation who helped develop the CD format
- Kyoko Iwasaki: an Olympic gold medalist in swimming who won the 200m breaststroke at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics at age 14
- Koji Murofushi: an Olympic gold and bronze medalist in hammer throw, winning gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and bronze in 2012 in London
- Takuma Abe: a professional basketball player who has played in Japan's B.League and Australia's National Basketball League
These accomplished individuals have helped put Numazu on the map in their respective fields, inspiring local pride and serving as role models for future generations.
With its scenic location, rich history, and unique mix of traditional charm and modern convenience, Numazu is a captivating destination that showcases the best of what Shizuoka Prefecture and the Izu Peninsula have to offer. From strolling in the shade of towering pine trees to savoring the freshest seafood, there are countless ways to enjoy this welcoming coastal city. So why not add Numazu to your Japan travel itinerary and discover its wonders for yourself?
To learn more about other destinations in Japan, check out our Japan City Guides. You'll find detailed information and travel tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Start planning your trip to Numazu and book your accommodations today! Our guide on how to get to Numazuwill help you navigate your way to this charming coastal city with ease.
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