population: 3.67 million

extension: 7,779.58 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Shizuoka and interested in museums, I suggest checking out the Shizuoka City Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art, which houses a collection of ukiyo-e paintings. Another option is the Shimizu Port Seafood Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of the local fishing industry. If you're interested in science, the Shizuoka Science Museum is also worth a visit.

Food

Shizuoka is known for its delicious food, especially seafood. Here are some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Shizuoka:

1. Sakura Ebi: Tiny pink shrimp that are only found in Suruga Bay, they're usually eaten dried and used as a topping for rice or noodles.

2. Unagi no Kabayaki: Grilled eel basted with a sweet sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.

3. Wasabi: Shizuoka is famous for producing some of the best wasabi in Japan. It's often served grated fresh onto sushi or sashimi.

4. Katsuo no Tataki: Bonito that has been lightly seared on the outside and served rare in thin slices.

5. Shizuoka Oden: A winter dish featuring various ingredients like boiled eggs, daikon radish, fish cakes, etc., simmered in a savory broth.

6. Green Tea: Shizuoka is one of the largest tea-producing regions in Japan, so be sure to try some locally grown green tea.

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Shizuoka:

1. Visiting the Miho no Matsubara Pine Grove, a scenic coastal area with views of Mount Fuji and the Pacific Ocean.

2. Exploring the Nihondaira plateau, which offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains and cityscape.

3. Taking a dip in the natural hot springs at Atami Onsen, known for their healing properties.

4. Sampling local specialties such as shirasu (baby sardines) and green tea at the Shimizu Fish Market.

5. Hiking the trails of the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine, which is located on the slopes of Mount Fuji.

6. Trying your hand at making traditional Japanese crafts like ceramics or paper lanterns at one of the many studios in the area.

7. Watching a performance of kabuki or noh theater at the Shizuoka Performing Arts Center.

8. Enjoying a picnic or barbeque in one of the many parks or beaches along the coast.