Landmark buildings in Shizuoka

Mikuni Izukogen. Credit: Explore Shizuoka

The Japanese prefecture of Shizuoka is located one hour from Tokyo by bullet train. 

It offers a natural environment of coastline, mountains and lakes including the Izu Peninsula, which has been described as “Japan’s Riviera” and has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. 

The region is steeped in history, has a huge choice of traditional ryokan inns and onsen hot springs. Its natural environment produces some of the country’s best food and drink, from green tea and wasabi to fresh seafood. 

The region also offers an array of tourism landmarks by Japanese architects. 

Mikuni Izukogen 

With a clifftop location in the Izu Peninsula overlooking Sagami Bay, the Mikuni Izukogen is a fine dining restaurant. Architect Kengo Kuma and chef Kiyomi Mikuni created a building that reflects the sea, sun and land of the Izu Peninsula. 

The building is built on a floating wooden structure with floor to ceiling glass windows. www.mikuni-izukogen.jp 

Sanyo-so 

Sanyo-so. Credit: Explore Shizuoka

Also in the Izu Peninsula in mountains, is Sanyo-so, a ryokan-style inn originally built in 1929, when it served as a second home of Hisaya Iwasaki, son of the Mitsubishi conglomerate’s founder. 

It was opened as an inn in 1947 with 15guest houses, with another 12 now added that were designed by Togo Murano, who was 90 years old at the time and had a career spanning more than 60 years, to maximise the natural geological formations of the area; despite being flat houses, the buildings have a unique design incorporating stairs and corridors connecting the guest houses. 

Other facilities include a 9,900 square metre garden, a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine using local seasonal products. www.princehotels.com/sanyo-so/ 

Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre 

Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre. Credit: Explore Shizuoka

The town of Fujinomiya, in the foothills of Mount Fuji, has the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre, a creation of Shigeru Ban known as the pioneer in the introduction of cardboard tubes - particularly recycled - to building construction.

 It was designed to pay homage to the mountain, as well as the renowned 17th century Sengen Taisha Shrine, the traditional starting point for climbers. 

Made with delicately assembled Fuji cypress wood, the building is distinguished by its unique, inverted conical form that looks like Mount Fuji turned upside down. www. mtfuji-whc.jp/en/ 

The Nihondaira Yume Terrace 

The Nihondaira Yume Terrace. Credit: Explore Shizuoka

The Nihondaira Yume Terrace is located 307 metres above sea level in the Nihondaira hills, a scenic spot overlooking Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay. 

The octagonal facility was designed by Kengo Kuma, who also designed the National Stadium, main venue for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and has used local cypress wood and resembling a tree branch with a forest-like interior. 

The first floor is an exhibition area for visitors to learn about the history of the area, a lounge space in the second to relax and enjoy the views and the third floor is the observation floor with a 200-metre outdoor walking corridor. www.nihondaira-yume-terrace.jp 

Kannami Buddha Statues Museum 

Kannami Town, in the northern part of the Izu Peninsula, is home to the Kannami Buddha Statues Museum by Akira Kuryu, an architect known for designing a number of museums throughout Japan. 

The museum houses a group of 24 Buddhist statues, including those from the Heian and Kamakura periods, once known as guardians of the town. www.kannami-museum.jp/en/ 

 www.exploreshizuoka.jp/en/ 

Laura Boo at Laura@humewhitehead.co.uk