Queenie's Reviews Page 1/4

Billed as one of Japan's largest outlets, the place really is huge, with a wide selection of brands. It has everything from clothing, shoes, and bags to household goods and food, and you seriously won't be able to stop shopping!

This time, we shopped for 2 days and still couldn't finish. There were many stores we didn't even get a chance to look at closely. It's just such a great place to shop and browse〜 If you love shopping, I really recommend setting aside at least 3 days so you can take your time and hunt for bargains. Otherwise, there really isn't enough time! When you visit Gotemba Premium Outlets, make sure to allow plenty of time to shop to your heart's content.

When you come to Hamamatsu, you definitely can't miss this famous, long-established gyoza restaurant! Founded in 1953, it has a history of over 70 years and is also nationally known for its B-grade cuisine. Locals told us we had to try it, and it really didn't disappoint!

The gyoza wrappers are pan-fried until golden and crispy, while the filling is tender and juicy. Eating them with the classic bean sprouts served with Hamamatsu gyoza makes them refreshing and cuts through the richness, so you just can't stop eating one after another. No wonder it's so popular online—even locals recommend it! If you're visiting Hamamatsu, it's well worth planning a meal here〜

I actually wasn't a big fan of hamburger steaks before because I always thought the texture was pretty ordinary, but my visit to SOYOKAZE completely changed my impression! The hamburger steak was nicely seared on the outside, and when I cut into it, it was full of juices. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the sauce made it hard to stop eating. I originally came just to give it a try, but it was unexpectedly delicious and even changed the mind of someone like me who doesn't like hamburger steaks. If you're traveling to Numazu, I highly recommend trying this hamburger steak specialty restaurant!

When visiting the port city of Yaizu, you can't miss this seafood market! There are lots of stalls where you can take your time browsing and choosing from a wide variety of fresh seafood. There are also restaurants where you can enjoy freshly prepared dishes right away.

This time, we bought oysters from one of the stalls. The elderly lady running it was very kind and even gave us a small discount at checkout, which made us feel the warmth of the local people. In the end, we bought a whole bunch of fresh seafood and made ourselves a luxurious seafood rice bowl at our accommodations. The freshness was truly beyond words, and choosing and combining the ingredients ourselves made it especially satisfying!

If you like seafood, I highly recommend stopping by when you're in Yaizu. You can shop, eat, and experience the warmth of a fishing port market too.

Shizuoka Station is pretty much the most convenient starting point! The Shinkansen, JR trains, buses, and other transportation options all come together here, making it easy to head to attractions in the city or surrounding areas.

I found the buses in front of the station really convenient, with plenty of options to reach various attractions around Shizuoka City without the hassle of transferring. There are also department stores, restaurants, and shops around the station, so it’s convenient for dining and shopping. If it’s your first time in Shizuoka, consider making the station the first stop on your trip and exploring the city from there!

When visiting Shizuoka, don't miss Sumpu Castle Park, where Tokugawa Ieyasu lived in his later years! The former castle grounds have now been transformed into a lush city park, offering both a sense of history and a relaxing atmosphere.

Inside the park, you can see reconstructed historic buildings such as the Higashi Gomon Gate and Tatsumi Yagura Turret. Walking around at a leisurely pace feels like traveling back to the Edo period. The scenery is charming in every season, with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in fall, and it's also a pleasant place for a casual stroll anytime.

It's within walking distance of Shizuoka Station, so it's very convenient to get to. If you want to experience Japanese history while enjoying a relaxing walk in Shizuoka, this place is well worth adding to your itinerary.

When visiting Shizuoka, I highly recommend adding Shizuoka Sengen Shrine to your itinerary!

This is the principal shrine of Suruga Province, known for its gorgeous and elaborate shrine buildings. As soon as you enter, you can feel the rich atmosphere of traditional Japanese culture. It's truly beautiful.

In the past, people climbing Mount Fuji first had to worship and purify themselves here before officially beginning their ascent. This history makes the visit even more interesting.

If you like Japanese shrines, history, and culture, this place is well worth visiting. It's also easy to get to by car, with a large parking lot nearby. After your visit, you can also stop by Nihondaira and include the shrine, mountain scenery, and beautiful views of Mount Fuji all in one itinerary!

If you're visiting Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, consider stopping by the historic Ryotanji Temple. Its most captivating feature is the beautiful garden designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Sitting quietly in front of it and taking in the dry landscape garden and seasonal scenery is so relaxing that even spending half an hour doing nothing feels wonderful. The temple also houses many artifacts related to the Ii family and Ii Naotora. Behind the temple is the Ii family cemetery, including the graves of Ii Naochika and Ii Naotora. If you've seen the historical drama “Naotora: The Lady Warlord,” visiting this place really feels like stepping into history. Admission is JPY 700. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, making it well worth exploring and experiencing at a leisurely pace.

After taking a bus uphill from Shimizu Station and arriving at Nihondaira, what I looked forward to most was going up to the observation deck. The 360-degree view is almost unfair—you can see Suruga Bay and the Izu Peninsula, and on a clear day, even Mount Fuji.

But seeing Mount Fuji really depends on luck. As soon as the clouds roll in, it completely “disappears.” That's also why every moment when Mount Fuji reveals itself is such a delightful surprise!

Compared with the Fujiyoshida area, there are far fewer visitors here. There aren't huge crowds competing for space, so you can stroll around, take photos at your leisure, and enjoy Shizuoka's distinctive mountain and ocean scenery.

If you like seeing Mount Fuji but don't want to deal with crowds, Nihondaira is really worth visiting!

When visiting Nihondaira, don't miss this aerial ropeway connecting Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine! A round-trip ticket costs JPY 1,130, saving you the effort of climbing the mountain, and you can enjoy views of the valley and Suruga Bay during the short ride.

Interestingly, the Nihondaira Ropeway and Taiwan's Maokong Gondola are “sister ropeways,” and there's plenty of information about their relationship inside the station. The commentary differs on the outbound and return trips, with stories about Ieyasu and the history of Kunozan along the way. It was surprisingly interesting to listen to.

The station is also fun to browse, with Shizuoka specialties, Ieyasu-themed souvenirs, and even a model of Ieyasu's hand that you can compare yours with. If you're visiting Shizuoka, I highly recommend planning a trip to both the Nihondaira Ropeway and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine!