Tucked between Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji, the Numazu coastline—often referred to as Nummazaki—offers a captivating blend of nature, culture, and deep‑sea surprises. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood at the port, exploring ruins in pine‑fringed hills, or following in the footsteps of anime pilgrims, Nummazaki delivers charm without the crowds. This guide highlights what makes it so unforgettable.
1. Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium & Minato 83 Banchi
At Numazu Port, facing Japan’s deepest bay, you’ll find the trailblazing Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium—the world’s first aquarium focused on deep‑sea life. Noteworthy exhibits include preserved and frozen coelacanths, bioluminescent creatures of Suruga Bay, and engaging virtual experiences found at Minato 83 Banchi.
Surrounding the aquarium is a lively hub of affordable seafood eateries where locals and visitors enjoy kaisendon, grilled fish, and creative “deep sea” sweets like coelacanth-shaped monaka or ramune-layered puddings that echo the ocean’s hues.
2. View‑O: The Floodgate Observatory
Only minutes from the aquarium lies View‑O, an enormous tsunami floodgate and observation platform. Rising 30 meters with a 360° deck, it offers panoramic vistas of Suruga Bay, Mount Fuji, and the Senbon Matsubara pine forest. At night, the lit structure becomes a dramatic silhouette above the port.
3. Senbon Matsubara Pine Grove & Imperial Villa Park
Stretching around 10 kilometers along the coast, Senbon Matsubara offers an expansive pine forest beside the sea. Framed against Mount Fuji, this serene park made the list of Japan’s most scenic coastal pine groves and carries centuries of history, rebuilt after feudal warfare in the 1500s.
Adjacent is the Numazu Imperial Villa Memorial Park, once a summer retreat for Emperor Meiji and his heirs. Now open to the public, its gardens and seaside views offer a peaceful escape steeped in royal heritage.
4. Castle Ruins & Mountains: Numazu & Kōkokuji
History unfolds at the Numazu Castle ruins, the long-vanished Edo-era seat of the Mizuno clan. Its stone foundations overlook the city and bay, hinting at feudal echoes.
A short trek into the Ashitaka Mountains leads you to Kōkokuji Castle, a Sengoku-period hilltop fortress protected as a National Historic Site. Its terraces, stone walls, and moat lend quiet atmosphere and sweeping ridge views from elevated paths.
5. Mount Kanuki & Coastal Trails
Mount Kanuki, southeast of Numazu Station, rewards hikers with sweeping vistas over Suruga Bay and the pine-lined coastline—perfect for a gentle afternoon climb.
Numerous coastal paths connect the port to pine groves and small coves, with bird habitats and hidden seaside viewpoints. They deliver quiet beauty without the crowds.
6. Love Live! Sunshine!! Pilgrimage Culture
Numazu has embraced Love Live! Sunshine!!, the anime set in Uchiura, just east of the city. Street art, themed manhole covers, cafés, and local souvenirs celebrate the idol group Aqours. Fans still hunt down filming locations like Tokima Ryokan, Uchiura Beach, and schools that inspired Uranohoshi Academy.
Though the official themed café closed recently, the anime’s imprint remains—shaping tourism and even inspiring stadium chants by the local J3 soccer club.
7. Local Food: Fresh Seafood & Deep Sea Flavors
Numazu Port is renowned for daily catches like horse mackerel, sardines, squid and shirasu. Local specialties like kaisendon (seafood rice bowls), grilled himono fish, and sakura‑ebi tempura define the taste of Suruga Bay.
For dessert, coastal cafés serve ocean-themed sweets: deep-sea pudding, monaka ice cream, and gelatos with vibrant blue dye that evoke the bay’s mystery and delight visitors of all ages.
8. Cruises, Beaches & Onsen Escapes
You can enjoy Suruga Bay sightseeing cruises departing hourly from the port. These short trips circle past View‑O and the Imperial Villa Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Fuji across the water.
Further west, Heda—a quiet onsen town—offers soothing hot springs and seaside calm. Beaches at Osezaki and Senbonhama provide peaceful swimming and scenic coastline vistas, often with Mount Fuji in sight.
9. Festivals & Seasonal Highlights
Numazu hosts lively events year-round. In summer, the Kakita River Fireworks Festival blends fireworks with traditional dance and music along the riverbank. Spring brings cherry blossoms to coastal parks, while autumn features cultural fairs, local produce markets, and scenic foliage near Senbon Matsubara.
10. Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips
- March–June: Cherry blossoms and mild weather (15–22 °C), excellent for walking.
- July–August: Warm beach days and regional festivals (up to 30 °C).
- September–November: Crisp air, autumn color, and seafood harvest events.
- December–February: Clear winter skies with views of Mount Fuji and fewer tourists.
Getting There: Numazu is about 60 minutes from Tokyo via the Tōkaidō Main Line. From Numazu Station, buses, rental bikes, or taxis connect to the port, villa, trails, and other nearby highlights.
Tips: Start early at the port to beat the crowds, bring water and sunscreen for coastal walks, and book ferry or onsen trips in advance during peak season.
Why Nummazaki Stands Out
Nummazaki feels authentic—not overrun, but gently lived-in. Portside seafood markets buzz with life, old castle ruins perch on quiet ridges, pine groves stretch for miles under Mount Fuji’s gaze, and anime culture blends with local tradition. Whether you’re following a pilgrimage or simply seeking fresh sea air and views, this part of Numazu offers calm, connection, and a deeper story.
Final Words
Nummazaki delivers more than destinations—it delivers moments. From tasting ocean-fresh kaisendon to wandering forest trails, sailing past iconic floodgates, and tracing anime footpaths, each detail feels meaningful. It’s easy to reach, budget-friendly, and edged with quiet charm. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a returning fan, Nummazaki’s highlights will linger long after you leave.
