The usual Japan tours arranged by travel agencies across the world involve Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. A lot of sample itineraries can be found online which many foreign travelers can use as a basis for their own trip. These three places provide more than enough attractions and activities for tourists to get a taste of Japan’s rich history and culture. Furthermore, there are various side trips that one can make while going from one city to the other.
For those going from Tokyo to Osaka or vice versa, a stop at the Shizuoka Prefecture is highly recommended. It is divided into four areas – Eastern Area (Izu), Eastern Area (Fuji), Central Area, and Western Area – that offer plenty of historical sites, natural attractions, and so much more. The city of Mishima, in particular, is highly recommended for sightseeing amidst a comfortable climate.
An Overview of Mishima, Japan
Mishima City, or Mishima-shi, is situated at the north most portion of the Izu Peninsula by the base of Mount Fuji. It has an estimated total area of 62 sq. km. and is inhabited by about 110,000 people. The city is surrounded by other must-visit municipalities such as Susono, Shimizu, Numazu, Kannami, Nagaizumi, and Hakone.
The city of Mishima is considered to be an ancient town that was developed around Mishima Taisha Shrine, an important Shinto shrine that serves as the ichinomiya (the highest ranked shrine) of the old Izu Province. During the Nara Period, Mishima was designated as the capital city of the Izu Province by the Ritsuryo administration, a historical law system that followed Chinese Legalism and Confucianism concepts.
Due to its convenient location between Edo and Kyoto, Mishima City prospered quite well during the Edo Period, even having its own post station, Mishima-shuku, on the Tokaido Highway. The city merged with the short-lived prefectures Nirayama and Ashigara in 1868 and 1871, respectively, before becoming a part of the Shizuoka Prefecture in 1876.
In 1889, it was regarded as a town of the Kimisawa District, which subsequently became a part of the Tagata District in 1896. From 1898 to 1934, several developments were made in Mishima including Shimo-Togari Station, Sunzu Line, and Tana Tunnel. These railway systems greatly contributed to the town’s rapid economic growth, which led it to merge with nearby villages Kitakami and Watada in 1935 and 1941, respectively. On April 29, 1941, the town of Mishima was given an elevated status of being a city, once more.
At present, Mishima serves as Shizuoka Prefecture’s major industrial center, housing several factories such as Yokohama Rubber Company, Izuhakone Railway Company Ltd., Toray, Toshiba TEC Corporation, and DMW Corporation.
The Usual Weather Forecast & Climate of Mishima, Japan
Mishima features a humid continental climate, which means tourist should expect cool winters and hot summers. Furthermore, the area experiences a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, especially from June to September.
The usual weather forecast reports by AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature for Mishima City show relatively mild conditions, with maximum and minimum average temperatures being measured at 31 deg. Celsius (August) and -0.5 deg. Celsius (January), respectively.
A Guide to Mishima, Japan for Tourists
The city of Mishima is included in the first crossroads of the Shizuoka Prefecture which makes it a hard place to avoid regardless of whether a tourist is heading west towards Shizuoka City or south towards Central Izu. For centuries, it has openly welcomed millions of visitors and provided them with tons of scenic views, religious structures, and historic sites to explore.
Tourists making their way through Mishima City must make it a point to visit at least one of the following places:
Mishima Taisha Shrine
The Mishima Taisha Shrine is an old Shinto shrine that was originally built in Miyake-jima. Throughout the centuries, it was relocated several times across the Shizuoka Prefecture including Ohito and Shimoda before being transferred to its present location at Mishima.
There is a small museum within the shrine grounds that visitors may enter to see several artifacts that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Address: 2-1-5 Omiyacho, Mishima 411-0035, Shizuoka Prefecture
Mishima Skywalk
The Mishima Skywalk is Japan’s longest suspension bridge meant for pedestrian use only. It measures 400 meters in length and offers visitors with stunning views of the Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji.
Address: 313 Sasahara-Shinden, Mishima 411-0012, Shizuoka Prefecture
Gempeigawa River
The Gempeigawa River features the purest stream of water one can find in Japan. The river flows down from Mt. Fuji and allows visitors to stroll along it through stone pathways.
Address: Shibahoncho, Mishima 411-0857, Shizuoka Prefecture
Yamanaka Castle Ruins
The Yamanaka Castle dates back to the Eiroku Ero when it was built by the Odawara Hojo Clan as a means to guard the western side of Odarawa Castle, the clan’s main fortress. The castle got destroyed during the Battle of Odawara and was never rebuilt. At present, the area serves as a National Historic Site and features earthen works and moats.
Address: Shimonosawa, Nitta, Mishima 411-0011, Shizuoka Prefecture
Rakujuen Park
The Rakujuen Park is a Japanese-style garden built by the Imperial Family in 1890. It surrounds Kohama Pond, which carries in pure water from Mt. Fuji. The area also houses a small zoo, history museum, and amusement park.
Address: 19-3 Ichibancho, Mishima 411-0036, Shizuoka Prefecture
Shirataki Park
The Shirataki Park is located along the Sakuragawa River banks. During the summer season, the snowmelt water from Mt. Fuji runs down through its vicinity. There is a pair of mechanical dolls that look like a little girl and boy within the park that pumps water while exclaiming “yoi sho!”, which is the Japanese counterpart of the expression “heave ho!”
Address: 1-1 Ichibancho, Mishima 411-0036, Shizuoka Prefecture
Izu Fruit Park
The Izu Fruit Park offers tourists to enjoy seasonal fruit picking activities throughout the year. Some of the fruits cultivated at the park include strawberries, melons, and mandarin oranges that can be respectively picked during the spring, summer, and winter seasons.
Address: 181-1 Tsukahara Shinden, Mishima 411-0016, Shizuoka Prefecture
Sano Art Museum
The Sano Art Museum holds several exhibitions and events throughout the year. The vicinity features a Japanese-style garden known as Ryusenen and spring water pond. The museum offers seasonal scenic views all year round.
Address: 1-43 Nakatamachi, Mishima 411-0838, Shizuoka Prefecture
Komoike Park
The Komoike Park is a perfect place for foreign travelers who just want to sit and relax on a bench. There is a pond within the vicinity that is filled with colorful carp, which many locals find relaxing to watch.
Address: 3-20-1 Omiyacho, Mishima 411-0035, Shizuoka Prefecture
Ooka Makoto Kotoba Museum
The Ooka Makoto Kotoba Museum hosts special exhibitions which focus on various art forms such as craftworks, anime, and sculptures throughout the year. It also houses some of the personal belongings of Ooka Makoto, a modern Japanese poet, that provide an overview of his life and work.
Address: 1-9-11 Bunkyocho | Z-kai Bunkyocho Bldg. 1 to 2F, Mishima 411-0033, Shizuoka Prefecture
Master Calendar House of Mishima
The Master Calendar House of Mishima is a specialty museum that makes use of the renovated house of the Kawai Family, who was responsible for publishing calendars in Mishima since the Kamakura Era. Various printing blocks and materials are displayed in the vicinity. Visitors may also learn about the publishing process of calendars through the annual exhibits held by the museum.
Address: 2-5-17 Omiyacho, Mishima 411-0035, Shizuoka Prefecture
Ryutakuji Temple
The Ryutakuji Temple dates back to the year 1761 when it was established by Hakuin Ekaku, one of Japanese Zen Buddhism’s most influential icons.
Address: 326 Sawaji, Mishima 411-0043, Shizuoka Prefecture
Myohokkeji Temple
The Myohokkeji Temple was originally built in Kamakura by Nichiren-shonin before being relocated to its current location. It houses some of Japan’s Important Cultural Treasures such as a piece of silk with Nichiren’s image painted on it. The temple grounds feature lime trees and sal trees, which play significant roles in Buddhism.
Address: Tamazawa, Mishima 411-0014, Shizuoka Prefecture
Other Places to Visit Near Mishima, Japan
Tourists who have a few more hours to spare can also pay a visit to nearby cities such as Numazi, Izunokuni, and Atami for other interesting attractions. These places can be reached by train or car in less than an hour.
Numazu City (20-30 minutes away from Mishima City)
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Numazu Goyotei Memorial Park
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Mt. Kanuki
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Cape Deai Misaki
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Osezaki Cape
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Numazu Port Observation Water Gate
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Awashima Marine Park
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Izu Mito Sea Paradise
Izunokuni City (20-40 minutes away from Mishima City)
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Reverberatory Furnace
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Egawa Residence
Izu City (30-50 minutes away from Mishima City)
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Lover’s Cape
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Toi Gold Mine
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Otonashi Shrine
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Dolls Museum Soreiyu
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Shuzenji Temple
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Showa-no-Mori Center
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Joren Falls
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Banjo Falls
Atami City (40-60 minutes away from Mishima City)
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Izusan Shrine
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Omiya no Matsu Pine Tree and Konjikiyasha Statue
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Atami Castle
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Kinomiya Shrine
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Ohyu Geyser
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Sawada Seiko Memorial Museum
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Atami Geigi Kenban Kaburenjo
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Ajiro Onsen Swimming Beach
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Atami Japanese Apricot Garden
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Akao Herb and Rose Garden
Ryokans, Inns, and Hotels in Mishima, Japan, and Surrounding Areas
Instead of just taking a side trip to Mishima, tourists can also choose to spend a night or two in the city or surrounding areas to be able to fully appreciate the different things the Shizuoka Prefecture has to offer. Some of the best accommodation options in Mishima include:
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Dormy Inn Mishima
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Access: 10-minute walk away from the Mishima Taisha Shrine
Address: 411-0035 Shizuoka, Mishima, Omiyacho 3-18-33, Japan
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Select Inn Mishima
Rating: 6.8 out of 10
Access: 20-minute walk away from the JR Mishima Station
Address: 411-0858 Shizuoka, Mishima, Chuo-cho 4-6, Japan
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Hotel Showmeikan
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Access: 1-minute walk away from the Mishima Train Station
Address: 411-0036 Shizuoka, Mishima, Ichiban-cho 11-4, Japan
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Ryokan Sangetsu
Rating: 7.8 out of 10
Access: 10-minute walk away from the JR Mishima Station
Address: 411-0856 Shizuoka, Mishima, Hirokouji-cho 2-13, Japan
For those who want to explore other areas such as Susono and Nagaizumi, the recommended places to stay at are:
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Susono Central Hotel Suzuki
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Access: 13 kilometers away from the Fuji Safari Park; 79 kilometers away from the Shizuoka Airport
Address: 410-1127 Shizuoka, Susono, Hiramatsu 388-1, Japan
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Hotel Route-Inn Nagaizumi Numazu Inter 1
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Access: 10-minute walk away from the JR Nagaizumi-Nameri Station
Address: 411-0934 Shizuoka, Nagaizumi, Shimonagakubo 1157-1, Japan
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Hotel Route-Inn Nagaizumi Numazu Inter 2
Rating: 7.4 out of 10
Access: 1 kilometer away from the JR Nagaizumi-Nameri Station
Address: 411-0932 Shizuoka, Nagaizumi, Minamiishiki 34-5, Japan
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Hotel Kannami
Rating: 8 out of 10
Access: 15 kilometers away from Hakone; 85 kilometers away from Tokyo Haneda Airport
Address: 419-0101 Shizuoka, Kannami, Kuwahara 1300-146, Japan
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Hotel Just One
Rating: 8.2 out of 10
Access: 5-minute drive away from the JR Susono Station; 30-minute drive away from Mount Fuji
Address: 410-1118 Shizuoka, Susono, Sano 94-1, Japan
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Fuji Hakone Land Schole Plaza Hotel
Rating: 6.6 out of 10
Access: 30-minute drive away from Hakone Yumoto Station
Address: 419-0101 Shizuoka, Kannami, Kuwaharafueba 1354, Japan
Additional Information about Mishima, Japan for Tourists– Map & Access, Airport, Etc.
The train and railway map systems that connect to the city of Mishima include:
JR Central – Tokaido Shinkansen
Tourists coming from Tokyo can take a direct train ride to Mishima Station through the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. The one-way trip takes 45-60 minutes and costs 4,000 yen.
JR Central – Tokaido Main Line
Mishima can also be reached through the JR Tokaido Line. Passengers are often required to transfer trains at the Atami Station to reach the Mishima Station. A one-way trip costs about 2,300 yen and takes two hours of travel time.
Izuhakone Railway – Sunzu Line
Visitors coming from or going to Izu Peninsula’s oldest hot spring resort town, Shuzenji Onsen, can take the Izuhakone Line that connects to Mishima. Departures for each direction are available at 10-20-minute intervals. A one-way trip only takes about 30 minutes and costs 510 yen.
Foreign travelers who want to directly go to Mishima from certain airports can reach the city through the following directions:
From Narita International Airport (2-3 hours of travel time)
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Take the JR Narita Express Train from Narita to Tokyo
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Take the JR Super Express Hikari/Kodama from Tokyo to Mishima
From Haneda Airport (1-2 hours of travel time)
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Take the Keikyu Train from Haneda Airport to Shinagawa
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Take the JR Super Express Hikari/Kodama from Shinagawa to Mishima