Sunto District: Spring Water, Mount Fuji, and Cultural History

Sunto District offers a range of themes for your trip: spring water and how it is used, parks with views of Mount Fuji, historic sites, and cycling opportunities. Nagaizumi, Shimizu, and Oyama each have their own attractions. When choosing a hotel, it may help to first consider whether you are most interested in nature, local history, or active exploration.

Spring Water and Parks in Shimizu and Nagaizumi

In Nagaizumi, the Honjuku irrigation system draws water from a weir upstream of Ayutsubo Falls on the Kise River. The system includes a tunnel about 500 meters long and a canal about two kilometers long. On November 4, 2023, it was registered as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure. Ayutsubo Park offers sweeping views of Ayutsubo Falls, a geosite in the Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark.

The Kakita River in central Shimizu is a spring-fed tributary of the Kano River system, supplied by abundant spring water from Mount Fuji. It has been designated a national natural monument since 2011 and was included in the selection of Japan’s 100 Famous Waters in 1985. It is also one of Japan’s three great clear rivers. At Kakita River Park, you can put your feet in the water at the spring water area and feel how cold it is. Spring outlets that flow year-round can be seen from the first and second observation platforms.

Maruike Park in Shimizu also combines a pond with a space for recreation and relaxation; it opened as a city park on January 13, 2019. A spring-fed pool is about the size of a tennis court, allowing many children to play safely in the water at the same time. During walks, views of Mount Fuji change with the seasons.

Local History and Cultural Heritage

In Nagaizumi, the Cultural Properties Exhibition Hall displays materials on local history and folklore. The permanent exhibition ranges from Stone Age stone tools more than 32,000 years old to documents from the Edo period. In the hands-on area, visitors can touch pottery, among other activities; admission is free. Check the latest operating details before your visit.

At the 759-meter-high Ashigara Pass, the main enclosure, other kuruwa wall sections, and dry moats remain. The pass offers views of Mount Fuji. It has served as an important route between eastern and western Japan since ancient times. In Oyama, Kintarō, also known as Sakata Kintoki, is regarded as a local hero and a figure of legend whom residents are proud of; teaching materials identify Oyama as his birthplace. Hōmon Park includes six registered tangible cultural properties, including Hōmon Hall.

Another notable site is the Harunire Elm on the grounds of Fuji-Asama Shrine in Subashiri. It has been designated a Shizuoka Prefectural Natural Monument since February 19, 1963. Its trunk circumference is four meters, and it is 24.5 meters tall.

Cycling and the Wider Region

Oyama offers opportunities for challenging uphill rides by bicycle, with the steep Fujiazami Line and three mountain passes. Its hilly, nature-rich landscape is also well suited to cycling. In addition to viewpoints and historic sites, these activities offer more options if you would like to make your trip more active.

For a broader culinary perspective, consider Shizuoka Prefecture: tea has been grown there since the mid-12th century, and the prefecture is Japan’s leading tea-growing region. Wasabi also originated in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Discover more destinations: Nagaizumi, Izu.

For the main travel overview: Shizuoka Prefecture.