Local Treasures
A vibrant park, playground, and pond in Fujieda
Rengeji-ike Park is located in Fujieda City, and it is a place filled with beautiful flowers and thousands of trees. There is a huge pond in the middle of the park where people can ride boats shaped like swans. It is a place where people of all ages can go and take a breather. There is a playground for children, and the park is barrier-free for senior citizens, so families can go here and spend time with each other while having a picnic. The beautiful scenery will make anyone feel relaxed and refreshed, and it is always changing depending on the seasons. It is a great place for people to exercise and better their health as well. It is not only good for the environment with all the plants, but it is great for people in the community as well.
Access:
Rengeji-Ike park is easily accessible by public transportation. Buses run regularly from JR Fujieda Station and other locations. There is also a large parking lot where parking is free (though this is often crowded on weekends and holidays).
Johoku Koen: A Beautiful Park & Japanese GardeN in Shizuoka City
Johoku Koen (park) is a beautiful local park located in Shizuoka City, Japan. The park has a very large, multipurpose sports ground, a children’s playground, a traditional Japanese garden with a large Koi Pond, and a foot massage walking course (pictured above). Also, the park is home to the Shizuoka Central Library!
In every season, people of all ages can be seen enjoying Johoku Park. Young children love the well-equipped playground. Older children enjoy playing soccer, baseball, and other sports on the large open sports ground where elderly visitors also play gate-ball games on many weekday mornings. Walking through the peaceful traditional Japanese garden is a wonderful way to calm one’s mind, and if your feet are sore, you can try out the soothing natural foot massage walking course (pictured above). Visitors can also enjoy hot coffee and other food and beverages available from food trucks which frequently set up shop in the park.
Access: The park is a 25 - 30 minute walk from Shizuoka station and is also easily accessible by bus and bicycle (electric-assist city bicycles can be parked and rented at the park, too). There is free, roadside car parking available on weekends and there are many inexpensive coin-parking lots in the area.
Como: Handmade Gelato in The Japanese Countryside
Como is a country café in the in Shizuoka's Okitsu river area that serves delicious gelato and many other specialties. Visitors can enjoy handmade gelato made with local ingredients and flavor offerings change depending on the season. Como also serves spiced Sri Lankan curry made with Nishizato multigrain rice and seasonal vegetables!
This shop is run by an amiable proprietor who has been working hard with other residents to revitalize their beautiful rural countryside area of Japan.
Access: The best way to access Como is by bicycle or car. There is a plenty of parking in the area.
