Staying in Yoshida and Makinohara — Practical Guide
Yoshida Town and Makinohara City are the closest inhabited areas to Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport. Whether you're passing through or spending a few days, this guide covers what you need to know.
About the Areas
Yoshida Town (吉田町)
One of the most densely populated towns in Shizuoka Prefecture despite its small size. Located right next to the airport, it has good access to daily conveniences: convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and accommodation options. Most visitors can walk or take a short taxi ride from the airport to the town center.
Makinohara City (牧之原市)
Known as one of Japan's largest tea-producing areas, Makinohara sits on a plateau where tea fields stretch as far as the eye can see. The Sagara district has a few hotels and hot spring facilities. It's a quieter stay option with more natural surroundings.
Shopping & Daily Necessities
- Supermarkets: Available in Yoshida, Shimada, and Sagara (Makinohara). Good for groceries and household items.
- Drug stores: Stock over-the-counter medicines, toiletries, cosmetics, and snacks. A good first stop for travelers needing basic supplies.
- Convenience stores (コンビニ): 24/7 availability for food, drinks, ATMs, and payment services. Common chains: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson.
- Home centers: For longer stays needing household items or tools.
Food & Drinks
- Local restaurants and diners: Family restaurants and teishoku (set meal) places are common. Budget-friendly and filling.
- Green tea culture: Makinohara is famous for fukamushi-cha (deep-steamed green tea). Look for local tea shops and direct-sale stores to try or buy tea.
- Seafood: The area faces Suruga Bay, known for sakura shrimp (桜えび) and shirasu (whitebait). Availability depends on season and restaurant.
Sightseeing
- Makinohara Tea Fields: One of Japan's largest tea-producing landscapes. Best visited in April–May for fresh green tea season, but scenic year-round.
- Horai Bridge (蓬莱橋): A Guinness-recognized wooden pedestrian bridge spanning the Oi River. Historic and photogenic.
- Sagara Oil Field ruins: Site of Japan's first commercial oil extraction. An unusual historical attraction.
- Suruga Bay coastline: Head toward Cape Omaezaki for seaside scenery and lighthouses.
Getting to / from the Airport
Airport → Sagara (Makinohara): ~20–30 min by car
Public transport: Bus routes exist — check the official airport website for current schedules.