Blessed by a year-round mild climate with an average temperature of 16.3 C, the city of Numazu, just 100 km from Tokyo, is the perfect place to enjoy majestic views of Mount Fuji and savor fresh seafood throughout the four seasons.
With a population of 211,000, the essence of this Pacific coast city can perhaps best be grasped by taking a stroll from JR Numazu Station down the Kano River that runs through the city center.
The walk allows you to take in the hustle and bustle of the city that serves as the political and economic hub of eastern Shizuoka Prefecture while enjoying the languid stretch of water that eventually flows into Suruga Bay. Several classical wooden boats are moored close to the mouth of the port at Iri-nyudo. Once a popular means of public transportation, Iri-nyudo no Watashi is a revival of the classic ferryboats, operating from this spot to Ayumi Bridge, located toward the city center. The ride offers a quiet moment or two to reflect on bygone days, as the boatmen skillfully maneuver their craft with very long poles.