Travelling to Shizuoka Japan this year? Check out these must visit landmark buildings by famous Japanese architects

The prefecture of Shizuoka, home to the iconic Mount Fuji and located just one hour from Tokyo by bullet train, boasts an array of impressive tourism landmarks by famous Japanese architects, perfect for travellers with a keen interest in design. Below Tourism Shizuoka Japan highlights some of the best works from ryokans and restaurants to museums and lookout spots for a design-led travel itinerary.

Restaurant: Mikuni Izukogen

Enjoying a clifftop location in the beautiful Izu Peninsula overlooking Sagami Bay, travellers will find the Mediterranean fine dining restaurant Mikuni Izukogen. Architect Kengo Kuma, who is also the design mind behind London’s Michelin-starred Endo Sushi Restaurant, and chef Kiyomi Mikuni combined their talents to create a building that reflects the sea, sun and land of the Izu Peninsula. The building adapts to the topography of the area and is built on a floating wooden structure with floor to ceiling glass windows, perfect to enjoy a delicious meal of locally sourced produce while taking in the view of the magnificent bay below.  

Ryokan inn: Sanyo-so

Also in the Izu Peninsula, nestled in quiet mountains, is Sanyo-so, a ryokan-style inn originally built in 1929 which served as the second home of Hisaya Iwasaki, son of the Mitsubishi conglomerate’s founder. It was in 1947 that it began its operation as an inn and has grown since from 15 buildings back then to 37 today. The additional buildings were designed by Togo Murano, who was 90 years old at the time and had a career spanning more than 60 years, to maximise the natural geological formations of the area; despite being flat houses, the buildings have a unique design incorporating stairs and corridors connecting the guest houses. Other facilities include a 9,900 square metre garden, a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine using seasonal products from the area and an onsen. Overnight stays start from £150 per person inclusive of breakfast and dinner.

Museum: Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka

To discover the culture around Japan’s most iconic sight, a visit to the town of Fujinomiya - in the foothills of Mount Fuji - is a must. There visitors will find Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka, a creation of Shigeru Ban known as the pioneer in the introduction of cardboard tubes - particularly recycled - to building construction. It was designed to pay homage to the mountain, as well as the renowned 17th century Sengen Taisha Shrine, the traditional starting point for climbers. Made with delicately assembled Fuji cypress wood, the building is distinguished by its unique, inverted conical form that looks like Mount Fuji turned upside down. Visitors can learn about the artistry of Mount Fuji, the history of its beliefs, and its origins as a volcano while simulating a climb up the mountain. Entry costs from ¥300 per adult (approx. £2).

Lookout facility: Nihondaira Yume Terrace

At 307 metres above sea level in the Nihondaira hills, a famous scenic spot overlooking Mount Fuji (Japan’s tallest mountain) and Suruga Bay (Japan’s deepest bay), is Nihondaira Yume Terrace, a lookout facility boasting panoramic views of the area. The octagonal facility was designed by Kengo Kuma - who also designed the National Stadium, main venue for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics - using local cypress wood and resembling a tree branch with a forest-like interior. The first floor is an exhibition area for visitors to learn about the history of the area, a lounge space in the second to relax and enjoy the stunning views and the third floor is the observation floor with a 200-metre outdoor walking corridor. Entry to the facility is free. And for visitors planning to visit between January and May, it is harvest season at the many strawberry farms in the area. 

Museum: Kannami Buddha Statues Museum

In the northern part of the Izu Peninsula travellers will find Kannami Town, home to the Kannami Buddha Statues Museum by Akira Kuryu, an architect known for designing a number of museums throughout Japan. The museum houses a group of 24 Buddhist statues, including those from the Heian and Kamakura periods, once known as guardians of the town. The statues were previously located in public areas and later at the Kuwahara Yakushido Hall, a place of solace for the locals for many years. The statues are now on permanent display at the museum which Akira designed to look like a temple with pavilion-style roofs with the aim to encompass the spiritual value of the statues. Tickets start from ¥300 per person (approx. £2).  

Shizuoka has even more iconic buildings, click here to read about others.

For further information about Shizuoka, please visit: https://exploreshizuoka.jp/en/