For centuries, plum trees have appeared in Japanese poetry and paintings, symbolizing hope and the gentle arrival of spring. When winter starts to fade and the air is still cool, the soft scent of plum blossoms begins to fill Shizuoka. They bloom earlier than cherry trees, usually from mid-February to early March.

A peaceful place to see them is Iwamotoyama Park in Fuji City, where you can admire Mt. Fuji rising beyond a sea of pink and white plum blossoms. You can also find a lovely plum garden at Nihondaira in Shizuoka City, offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and Miho no Matsubara (Miho Pine Grove & Beach).

Plum blossoms mark the quiet beginning of spring in this region — a relaxing moment before the busy cherry blossom season.

In late March and early April, cherry blossoms paint Shizuoka City in soft shades of pink. Compared to Tokyo or Kyoto, the atmosphere here is more local and peaceful, making it perfect for travelers who want to enjoy hanami (flower viewing) away from the crowds.

In the city center, Sunpu Castle Park is a favorite spot among locals, ideal for a picnic under the trees. It’s only a short walk from Shizuoka Station, making it easy for visitors arriving by JR or Shinkansen. As you drive through the area, you’ll find cherry blossom tunnels along rivers and rural roads. It’s a wonderful experience to stop for a moment, take photos, and enjoy the calm scenery of spring.

Cherry blossoms in Shizuoka offer a more authentic and relaxed experience — a chance to see Japan’s most beloved flower between Tokyo and Kyoto.

When the cherry blossoms fade, Shizuoka turns green.
This region is Japan’s largest tea-growing area, and in early May, the first tea harvest — called ichiban-cha — begins.

In the Honyama area of Shizuoka City, tea fields spread across the mountains, creating a calm and photogenic landscape. Green tea from this region was once loved by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and some farms offer tea-picking experiences, where visitors can harvest young leaves and enjoy freshly brewed tea. For panoramic views, visit Obuchi Sasaba, where rows of green tea bushes frame Mt. Fuji in the distance — a perfect early-summer scene.

With its long tea tradition and scenic mountain views, Shizuoka is truly one of the best destinations for green tea lovers in Japan.

Spring in Shizuoka also means sakura shrimp season. These tiny pink shrimp get their name from their delicate cherry blossom color and are one of the region’s most unique spring delicacies. They are caught only in Suruga Bay — the deepest bay in Japan — where the rich nutrients of the sea give them their sweet, distinctive flavor. The spring fishing season lasts from mid-March to early June, filling local markets and restaurants with a touch of pink.

The best place to try them is Yui Port, just a short drive from Shizuoka City Center or Shimizu area. You can taste local favorites like sakura shrimp kakiage (crispy fritters) or sakura shrimp donburi (rice bowls) at small restaurants loved by locals.

It’s a light, flavorful dish that perfectly captures the spirit of spring in coastal Shizuoka — simple, seasonal, and truly one of a kind.