Top Things to Do in Heatwave, Japan: A Complete Guide

Top Reasons to Visit Heatwave, Japan

Heatwave is a popular tourist destination in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, known for its beautiful scenery, hot springs, and delicious food. Here are a few reasons why you should consider visiting Heatwave:

• Stunning scenery: Heatwave is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Japan, including lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-capped mountains.
• Hot springs: Heatwave is famous for its hot springs, which are said to have therapeutic properties. There are many different hot springs in Heatwave, each with its own unique atmosphere and benefits.
• Delicious food: Heatwave is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes offering everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to international fare.

In addition to these top reasons, Heatwave also offers a variety of other attractions, such as:

• Historical sites: Heatwave is home to a number of historical sites, including temples, shrines, and castles.
• Cultural experiences: Heatwave offers a variety of cultural experiences, such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy classes, and traditional dance performances.
• Outdoor activities: Heatwave is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, Heatwave has something to offer everyone.

Attractions

Atami Plum Garden

Atami Plum Garden is a beautiful garden home to over 600 plum trees, which bloom in a variety of colors in the spring. The garden also features a teahouse where you can enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the flowers.

MOA Museum of Art

MOA Museum of Art houses a collection of over 3,500 works of art from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The museum is known for its collection of Buddhist art, which includes many important pieces from Japan, China, and Korea.

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Hakone Open-Air Museum is a unique museum that features over 1,000 sculptures exhibited outdoors in a beautiful natural setting. The museum’s collection includes works by famous artists such as Picasso, Henry Moore, and Auguste Rodin.

Owakudani Valley

Owakudani Valley is a volcanic valley home to bubbling hot springs and sulfurous gases, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape. Visitors can take a cable car to the valley and hike around the volcanic craters.

Hakone Ropeway

Hakone Ropeway is a cable car that offers stunning views of Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains. The ropeway is a great way to get from Hakone Town to Togendai, where you can transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway or the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise.

Specialties

Each of these attractions offers its own unique specialties:

• Atami Plum Garden: Plum blossoms, tea ceremony
• MOA Museum of Art: Buddhist art, Japanese ceramics
• Hakone Open-Air Museum: Outdoor sculptures, natural setting
• Owakudani Valley: Volcanic scenery, hot springs
• Hakone Ropeway: Panoramic views of Lake Ashi and the mountains

Whether you’re interested in art, history, nature, or simply stunning scenery, Heatwave has an attraction that’s sure to appeal to you.

Delicacies

Onsen manju

Onsen manju are steamed buns filled with a sweet red bean paste and are often served with green tea. They are a popular snack and can be found in most gift shops in Heatwave.

Sakura shrimp

Sakura shrimp are tiny shrimp that are a local delicacy and can be eaten fried, boiled, or raw. They are often used as a topping for dishes such as tempura and soba noodles.

Shizuoka tea

Shizuoka Prefecture is known for its high-quality tea, which is often served with wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). Shizuoka tea is available in a variety of forms, including loose-leaf tea, tea bags, and teacups.

Wasabi

Wasabi is a spicy condiment made from the root of the wasabi plant and is often used to flavor sushi and sashimi. It can be purchased in a variety of forms, including paste, powder, and sauce.

Umeboshi

Umeboshi are pickled plums that are a popular snack and are also used to flavor rice dishes. They can be purchased in a variety of forms, including whole plums, paste, and vinegar.

Each of these delicacies offers its own unique flavor and experience:

• Onsen manju: Sweet, fluffy buns with a red bean paste filling
• Sakura shrimp: Tiny, flavorful shrimp with a slightly sweet taste
• Shizuoka tea: High-quality tea with a variety of flavors and aromas
• Wasabi: Spicy condiment with a unique flavor that complements sushi and sashimi
• Umeboshi: Sour, salty plums that are a popular snack and flavoring agent

Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat, a savory snack, or a unique condiment, Heatwave has a delicacy that’s sure to please your palate.

Souvenir Guide

Onsen manju

Onsen manju are steamed buns filled with a sweet red bean paste and are often served with green tea. They are a popular souvenir and can be found in most gift shops in Heatwave.

Sakura shrimp

Sakura shrimp are tiny shrimp that are a local delicacy and can be eaten fried, boiled, or raw. They are often used as a topping for dishes such as tempura and soba noodles. Dried or vacuum-packed sakura shrimp make a great snack or gift.

Shizuoka tea

Shizuoka Prefecture is known for its high-quality tea, which is often served with wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). Shizuoka tea is available in a variety of forms, including loose-leaf tea, tea bags, and teacups. It is a popular souvenir and can be purchased at most gift shops and tea shops in Heatwave.

Wasabi

Wasabi is a spicy condiment made from the root of the wasabi plant and is often used to flavor sushi and sashimi. It can be purchased in a variety of forms, including paste, powder, and sauce. Wasabi is a unique and flavorful souvenir that can be used to add a kick to your favorite dishes.

Umeboshi

Umeboshi are pickled plums that are a popular snack and are also used to flavor rice dishes. They can be purchased in a variety of forms, including whole plums, paste, and vinegar. Umeboshi are a sour and salty treat that make a great souvenir for friends and family back home.

Each of these souvenirs offers its own unique flavor and experience:

• Onsen manju: Sweet, fluffy buns with a red bean paste filling
• Sakura shrimp: Tiny, flavorful shrimp with a slightly sweet taste
• Shizuoka tea: High-quality tea with a variety of flavors and aromas
• Wasabi: Spicy condiment with a unique flavor that complements sushi and sashimi
• Umeboshi: Sour, salty plums that are a popular snack and flavoring agent

Whether you’re looking for a traditional Japanese treat, a unique condiment, or a flavorful snack, Heatwave has a souvenir that’s sure to please everyone on your list.

Detailed Itinerary

This is just a suggested itinerary, and you can customize it to fit your own interests and time constraints. For example, if you’re interested in history, you could spend more time visiting the MOA Museum of Art and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Or, if you’re looking for a more active itinerary, you could hike to the top of Mount Fuji.

No matter what your interests are, Heatwave has something to offer everyone. So start planning your trip today!