Numazu Port

Numazu Port is located at the western gateway to the Izu Peninsula and is one of Japan’s leading ports in terms of fish landings. The area is packed with fun shops: eateries serving seasonal local fish just landed and hearty fishermen’s meals, and souvenir stores lined with specialties such as dried horse mackerel (aji), for which production is Japan’s No.1. The dining street is crowded with sushi restaurants and set-meal shops and is popular with locals as well. Numazu Fish Market INO is a modern fish market with advanced hygiene management; from the second-floor corridor you can freely observe the lively auction. There are also plenty of nearby attractions. “Byuo,” one of Japan’s largest observation floodgates, offers a 360-degree view from about 30 meters above ground, where you can see Mt. Fuji and even the Hakone mountain range in the distance. The Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium, themed around deep-sea life, is another notable spot. You can also relax in seaside parks or take a cruise around Suruga Bay—fun for both children and adults. Access: about 2 hours from the Tokyo area by Shinkansen or expressway. From JR “Numazu” Station, it’s about 10 minutes by bus; by car, about 25 minutes from Tomei Expressway Numazu IC.