Shizuoka Food Guide: Fresh Wasabi, Seafood, and Tea from the Heart of Japan
Shizuoka sits between Tokyo and Osaka, with Mount Fuji as its backdrop and the Pacific Ocean on its doorstep. This location gives Shizuoka some of Japan’s best seafood, world-famous green tea, and – here’s the surprise – real wasabi. Having traveled through Shizuoka multiple times, I’m always amazed by how much incredible food comes from this prefecture. Here are 5 must-try Shizuoka specialties.
Real Wasabi: The Fresh Green Gold
Real wasabi is nothing like the green paste at most sushi restaurants. Shizuoka produces about 80% of Japan’s fresh wasabi, grown in pristine mountain streams. The rhizome is grated fresh, creating a complex, aromatic heat that clears your sinuses without burning. It’s sweet, herbal, and disappears quickly. Once you try fresh wasabi, you’ll never look at that tube the same way.
Where to try: Wasabi farms in Izu or at high-end restaurants.
Price: JPY 500-2,000 for fresh wasabi experience
Sakura Ebi: Tiny Shrimp, Huge Flavor
Sakura ebi (cherry blossom shrimp) are tiny, pink shrimp caught only in Suruga Bay, Shizuoka. They’re sweet, delicate, and incredibly fresh. Usually served as kakiage (tempura fritter) over rice or in a bowl with green onions. The season is short – spring and autumn – making them even more special. One bite and you’ll understand why locals wait all year.
Where to try: Yui Port area or specialized sakura ebi restaurants.
Price: JPY 1,000-2,000
Best season: March to May, October to December
Shizuoka Oden: The Local Comfort Food
Shizuoka oden is darker and more intense than the version you’ll find elsewhere. The broth is made with beef sinew and dark soy sauce, giving it a rich, almost black color. Ingredients include everything from daikon to hanpen (fish cake) to beef skewers. It’s served with a sprinkle of aonori (green seaweed) and dashi powder on top. Winter nights in Shizuoka mean oden.
Where to try: Oden stands throughout Shizuoka City, especially near the station.
Price: JPY 100-300 per skewer
Unagi (Eel) from Lake Hamana
Lake Hamana (Hamanako) is famous for its freshwater eel, and Shizuoka’s unagi is legendary. Grilled over charcoal and basted with sweet-savory sauce, the eel is tender and smoky. Summer is peak season for unagi, but honestly, it’s delicious year-round. The contrast between crispy skin and soft meat is unforgettable.
Where to try: Unagi restaurants in Hamamatsu or near Lake Hamana.
Price: JPY 2,000-5,000
Shizuoka Green Tea: The Best in Japan
Shizuoka produces nearly half of Japan’s green tea, and the quality is unmatched. From matcha to gyokuro to everyday sencha, Shizuoka’s tea culture runs deep. Visit a tea plantation, try tea picking, or just enjoy a cup at a traditional tea house. The fresh, grassy aroma and clean finish make Shizuoka tea instantly recognizable.
Where to try: Tea houses in Shizuoka City or plantations in Makinohara.
Price: JPY 500-2,000 for tea experience
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