Shizuoka Sengen Shrine | Review by Queenie

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine

A collective of magnificently beautiful Shinto shrines and head site of the ancient Suruga Province shrines venerating the deity of Mt. Fuji.

1 Sep 2026 See More

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!

Other Reviews by Queenie

Shizuoka Station

The largest station in Shizuoka, served by the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Tokaido Main Line, with Approx. 110,000 passengers boarding and alighting each day. In addition to convenient transfers between the Shinkansen and local lines, the station area facing National Route 1 has highway bus and local bus stops, and Shin-Shizuoka Station on the private Shizuoka Railway line connecting Shizuoka City and Shimizu City is a 7-minute walk away, making it a popular starting point for sightseeing in Shizuoka.
- Shizuoka
- Trains & Subway
1 Sep 2026 See More

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!
Sumpu Castle Park

Tokugawa Ieyasu is the legend known for establishing the Edo Shogunate who’s also known locally here for building a castle in 1585 where he spent his retirement years after stepping down as Shogun. Located in the heart of Shizuoka City, the park is surrounded by a double moat and stone walls and is a popular tourist destination.
- Shizuoka
- Parks & Gardens
1 Sep 2026 See More

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.
Ryotanji Temple

This temple has episodes with the historically famous Ii Naotora, a female political leader with a male name. Ryotanji has Ii Family’s graves on the grounds, and Naotora’s confidante, Nankei Zuimon, ran this temple.
- Shizuoka
- Shrines & Temples
24 Aug 2026 See More

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.