One day trip to Shizuoka prefecture centering on Mishima!
Only 90 minutes from Tokyo. In Shizuoka prefecture, there is a small river called Kakitagawa at the bottom of Mt. Fuji. It’s a short river only 1.2 km long total, but with its water so transparent, you can clearly see the bottom of the river.
A sacred location of water with 1 million tons water springing out a day (equivalent to a 25m length swimming pool worth water times 2,000).
One of the remarkable things about this river is the fact that spring water comes out of it. In the park, there are two observatories, and from there you can see water actually coming out from the bottom. Especially magnificent is the view from the second observatory. With water being so blue, the view is even magical. This would be a perfect spot to take pictures to post on social networking sites like Instagram or Facebook. In front of its beauty, you may not be able to take your eyes off it.
In December, salmons swim Kakita River against stream to lay eggs.
Spring water that comes out to this river is actually nurtured over a long period of time after rain and snow-melt water on Mt. Fuji turns into underground water. Water from Kakita River is considered to be at the same grade with the first grade tap water and its water inflow per day is as much as 1 million tons (equivalent to a 25m length swimming pool worth water times 2,000). The water is an indispensable part of life in Shimizu town.
Here, you can drink the spring water. “Very delicious water. The best word to describe the water is “mild”. The temperature of the water is always kept at 15 ℃, so even in the summer you can still enjoy cool and refreshing water.
Basic information on Kakita River Park
- Address
- 86 Fushimi, Shimizu-cho Sunto-gun, Shizuoka
- Access
- 15 minutes Tokai bus ride from JR Mishima station Southern Exit, and get off at “Kakitagawa Yusui-Koen Mae”
- TEL
- 055-975-7155
- FAX
- 055-975-7075
- URL(Japanese)
- http://www.kakitagawa-kanko.jp/
Shops and Restaurants
In the shop, tofu and tofu ice-cream made with Kakita River water are available. There is also an information booth that newly opened, and they offer various information about tourist spots in the area.
Lots of “Shizuoka original” souvenirs too
Though only open on weekends, there is also a restaurant called “Kawasemi Honkan”. The restaurant has a Japanese-style garden too.
For those who know what to do, what’s the best at the restaurant is to eat their fresh tofu dishes made in the facility with the famous Shizuoka wasabi.
Basic information on Kakitagawa Yusui-no-Michi Kawasemi Honkan
- Address
- 86 Fushimi, Shimizu-cho, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka
- Open Hours
- 11:00am – 3:00pm Only open on Saturdays, Sundays & National Holidays
- Tel
- 055-973-7700
- Fax
- 055-973-9596
MISHIMA SKYWALK
Another spot recommended to visit for those who traveled to Mishima is “MISHIMA SKYWALK”. This is the highest suspension bridge for pedestrian in Japan.
From the bridge, grand views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay can be observed.
The total length is 400m, and the width of footway is 1.6m.
The park has extensive facilities including a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
Basic information on MISHIMA SKYWALK
- Address
- 313 Shinden, Sasahara, Mishima City, Shizuoka
- Access
-
20 minutes by taxy from JR Mishima station
25 minutes by bus form JR Mishima station
Get on a bus from the South Exit #5 bus stop. Get off at “Mishima Otsuri-bashi”. - Admission
- ￥1,000 (for both ways)
- Open Hours
- 9:00am – 5:00pm
- TEL
- 055-972-0084
- URL(English)
- http://mishima-skywalk.jp/pdf/english_pamph.pdf
Shizuoka prefecture is a nature treasure box with blessings from Mt. Fuji and blessings from the surrounding ocean. I addition, foods are exquisite. All things combined, it’s a great place to visit not far from Tokyo.
