Mishima Skywalk

BRIDGE

Mishima is home to the longest bridge in the whole of Japan (as of 2021). Standing at 400m long, on a clear day you can see Japan’s highest mountain (Mt. Fuji) and its deepest bay (the Suruga Bay). You can also enjoy the sky garden (a small flowered area lined with stores), forest adventure park, climbing wall and also enjoy the view along the zip line.

The bridge has fun for all the family, you can even ride along with your family/friends on the zip line as there are three lines available. For a fun few hours definitely look into visiting Mishima Skywalk.

Mishima Skywalk has its own large car park, with enough space for 400 cars and 28 large vehicles.

There are a number of rules you must agree to in order to enjoy the bridge:

• No smoking on the grounds.
• No food or drinks allowed past the gate.
• Use of umbrellas and parasols is prohibited while crossing the bridge. Please use a raincoat on rainy days.
• Do not litter from the bridge.
• Do not sit or hang from the rail – they do not accept responsibility for any accidents.
• Electric wheelchairs are prohibited – non-electric wheelchairs are available for rent from the reception desk.
• Use a cart (available to rent) when crossing with a pet.
• No drones allowed.

Review

Mishima Skywalk is very impressive, especially on a clear day. Being one of the first places I visited when I arrived in Izu, I was so happy to call this wonderful place my home. I got a view overlooking the whole peninsula, with Mt. Fuji peeking through the clouds. If you’re here when the weather is fairly clear then you need to visit the bridge. It can be very crowded, with long waits for the numerous photo spots set up by the workers, however you can skip over these if you want to.

The bridge can be a little scary. It’s very long and you have to walk in single-file (there is only enough room for two lines so it’s single-file both ways). When you reach the middle in particular it can get very bouncy so if you’re not good with heights then maybe stay clear of this. There are rails all the way and although you can see through the bridge it’s safe.

When you get through to the other side I recommend visiting the observation deck. There is a small shack near here where you can buy small wooden objects to throw down. The objective is to throw them and let nature absorb them to sprout more nature. You’re essentially paying to try and contribute to the surrounding nature. It’s a nice thought so if that’s your thing then feel free to part with a few hundred yen (around $2).

After you’ve taken your pictures then head towards one of the numerous attractions (the forest adventure, climbing wall, zip line etc). Feel free to try anything that tickles your fancy before browsing the stores here and heading back across the bridge.

If you haven’t seen it already, along the car park are food stalls and the sky garden. I’d recommend taking some more pictures inside while browsing to see what souvenirs you can bring home.

ADDRESS

Mishima Skywalk,
313 Sasahara Shinden,
Mishima,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
411-0012

+81559720084
https://mishima-skywalk.jp/pdf/english_pamph.pdf?2020 (English pamphlet)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Mishima Skywalk is a little far from Mishima Station so it is best to either drive or take the bus from in front of the station. The bus takes approximately 20 minutes.

Rakujuen

PARK

Rakujuen is a park built around Kohama Pond, a natural spring with water direct from Mt. Fuji. It was built by the Imperial family in 1890 and features a small zoo, amusement area and a history museum.

The park also features a car park which can be used for ￥200 for two hours. After that it is an additional ￥50 per 30 minutes. It holds up to 82 cars.

*Wheelchair users can access the park via the station front exit.*

When within the park grounds, there are a number of rules they would like you to follow:

Review

Parks in Japan are a lot smaller then they are in the UK. Visiting all areas, the park should take around 30 mins – 1 hour to walk around. There are often events held in the park, flea markets, music events etc, so make sure to check to see if there are any events happening around the time you wish to go.

The park also features a small zoo, home to a few animals. Please make sure you do not pet or feed the animals. This area is very small and is more suited for children, however if you have the time then feel free to look at the animals on display.

ADDRESS

Rakujuen Park,
19-3 Ichibancho
Mishima,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
411-0036

+81559752570 (Japanese only)
https://www.city.mishima.shizuoka.jp/rakujyu/ (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Rakujuen Park is within walkable distance of Mishima Station. There is also a car park available.

Mishima Taisha

SHRINE

As Mishima’s main shrine, the taisha can get very crowded on important events, such as New Year and any important age ceremonies held in Japan.

Home to the god Oyamazumi, the guardian deity of agricultural products, the shrine is very popular among merchants, local industries and fishermen. Izu is a very agricultural area so the shrine is very important for the people of Izu. Feel free to drop by, no matter what your religion/industry and offer up some money in exchange for a wish to the gods.

The shrine holds many of the local events to ensure to check the website (Japanese only) for any events being held on the day you wish to go. If you wish to celebrate the New Year in Japan then I definitely recommend coming here. The crowds are large but you can soak up the atmosphere. There won’t be any bell or cheering during New Year as most people go there to silently pray/buy new charms to protect them in the upcoming year.

Review

The shrine is a big focal point of the small city of Mishima. It can get very crowded during important occasions (there was a long line waiting to pray at New Year when I went at midnight), however most of the time it is pretty open and allows you to go around it at your own leisure. At the back is the main hall which you pray, with stores along the side allowing you to buy charms/fortunes for the gods to protect you during the coming year. If you’re coming to pray then make sure to pray correctly (although don’t worry if you get the order wrong). Shrines are very respectful places in Japan so usually people won’t be very loud.

At the side of the shrine there is also an enclosure for deer and chickens. It smells a little but if you want you can sit beside the enclosure and watch the animals.

ADDRESS

Mishima Taisha,
2 Chome-1-5 Omiyacho
Mishima,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
411-0035

+81559750172
http://www.mishimataisha.or.jp/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Mishima Taisha is within walking distance from Mishima Station. The shrine itself also holds a car park for anyone driving, ￥200 per hour.

Genbei River

SCENIC WALK

Mishima is home to some of the best water in Japan, flowing straight from Mt. Fuji. Running through the centre of the city, Genbei River is a great walk, connecting the city’s main tourist destinations, Rakujuen Park and Mishima Taisha. The river is littered with stepping stones and walkways so you can enjoy a quiet walk through one of the biggest cities in the Izu peninsula. In early summer you can also enjoy fireflies floating around the river.

Review

The Genbei River is a small stretch of river running through the heart of Mishima city. If you have time to spare and want a nice scenic walk then I definitely recommend following it, especially during summer when the fireflies and floating about. There are also summer festivals dotted about the river (dependent on dates) so if you line your trip up right you could end up with quite a lot to see.

Walking along the river is nice but if you want lots to look at then maybe give it a miss. Along the river there are spots to relax and the river is pretty, however there isn’t too much to do along the way.

ADDRESS

Genbei River,
1-45 Izumicho
Mishima,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
411-0037

Phone number unavailable
https://www.city.mishima.shizuoka.jp/ipn009239.html (Google Translated English)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

The Genbei River is within walking distance of Mishima Station.