4 DaysJapanCultureFood
Numazu
Your 4-day travel guide
Spring for blossoms, autumn for clear skies
Numazu•4D•Couple
Numazu, Japan
Duration:4 Days
Activities:12
Best for:Couple
Fresh Catches and Mountain Views in Numazu
Welcome to Numazu, where the salty breeze from Suruga Bay mingles with the scent of grilling fish from morning markets. This port city offers a genuine slice of coastal Japan without the tourist crowds, where you can watch fishing boats unload their catch just steps from where you'll eat it. For couples, it's a perfect blend of quiet moments by the water and cultural discoveries, from ancient shrines to modern anime connections. You'll find locals who greet you with warm smiles at family-run restaurants serving the freshest seafood you've ever tasted. Get ready to slow down, savor each bite, and discover why this city feels like a well-kept secret along the Izu Peninsula.
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Ask someone who actually lives in Numazu
1
Coastal Culture and Fresh Seafood
Day 1 of your journey
Start your trip at this unique aquarium specializing in deep-sea creatures from Suruga Bay, one of Japan's deepest bays. You'll see rare species like giant spider crabs and bioluminescent fish in realistic habitats. The facility focuses on local marine life rather than flashy shows, offering educational displays about the bay's ecosystem. Plan for about 2 hours to see all exhibits, with morning being the quietest time to visit without school groups.
Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium
Why Visit
This aquarium offers a specialized look at the unique marine environment right outside its doors, connecting you directly to Numazu's fishing culture. Unlike larger aquariums, it feels intimate and locally focused, perfect for couples who want to learn about the sea that sustains the city. The deep-sea creatures are genuinely fascinating and rarely seen elsewhere.
Check the feeding schedule for the giant spider crabs, usually around 11:00. Address: 83 Senbonminatocho, Numazu, Shizuoka 410-0845.
2
Historical Sites and Mountain Views
Day 2 of your journey
3
Local Neighborhoods and Culinary Discoveries
Day 3 of your journey
4
Free Day and Local Exploration
Day 4 of your journey
Before You Go
Essential Travel Tips
Numazu Station is the transportation hub with local buses and trains to nearby areas. Purchase a Suica or Pasmo card for convenient payments on public transport.
While some restaurants and attractions have English menus or signs, learning basic Japanese phrases like 'sumimasen' (excuse me) and 'arigatou' (thank you) is appreciated.
Cash is still widely used, especially at smaller restaurants and markets. ATMs at convenience stores like 7-Eleven accept international cards.
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Excellent service is standard and included in prices.
Public bathrooms are generally clean and available at stations, parks, and department stores. Many are Western-style.
Numazu is safe for walking at night, but residential areas can be quiet. Stick to main streets if returning late.
If visiting temples or shrines, observe basic etiquette like washing hands at the purification fountain before entering main areas.
Recycling is taken seriously. Look for separate bins for cans, bottles, plastic, and burnable trash at convenience stores.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) offers mild temperatures and cherry blossoms in early April, though it can be rainy. Autumn (October to November) provides clear skies, comfortable weather, and beautiful foliage colors in surrounding mountains. Summer (June to August) is warm and humid but good for beach activities, while winter (December to February) is cool with possible Mount Fuji views on clear days. Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May) when domestic travel peaks.
Local Insights & Tips
Numazu maintains a working port city atmosphere rather than catering primarily to tourists. You'll notice a pride in local seafood, with many restaurants displaying where and when their fish was caught. The city has connections to the popular anime 'Love Live! Sunshine!!' which brings some fans but doesn't dominate the local culture. People here move at a slower pace than in Tokyo but are generally helpful to visitors. When dining, it's polite to say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisousama deshita' after finishing. Public displays of affection are less common than in Western countries, though holding hands is fine. The city feels most alive early morning at the fish market and evenings when families gather for meals.