With its many pine trees, soft sandy beach, and the soothing sound of the waves, this is a perfect place to relax!
My top recommendation is the Kami no Michi pathway, where you can enjoy a peaceful and leisurely walk.
Miho no Matsubara (三保松原) is one of Japan’s most iconic scenic coastal landscapes, renowned for its timeless beauty and deep cultural significance. Located along Suruga Bay in Shizuoka City, this iconicshoreline stretches for about five kilometers and is lined with approximately 30,000 pine trees.
Hagoromo Legend (羽衣伝説）
The vivid green pine grove, the gentle waves of the Pacific Ocean, and, on clear days, the elegant silhouette of Mount Fuji in the distance come together to create a truly spectacular view.
This landscape has inspired artists and poets for centuries, and in 2013 it was recognized as part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of Mount Fuji.
The area is also closely connected with legend and spilituality.
Miho no Matsubara is the setting of the famous “Hagoromo” (Feathered Robe) legend.
According to the story, a celestial maiden descended from the heavens and hung her robe on a pine tree (Hagoromo no Matsu) while bathing in the sea. A local fisherman found the robe and asked her to perform a heavenly dance in exchange for its return. This tale has been passed down through generations and became the subject of a classical Noh play, reflecting the deep connection between this landscape and Japanese culture.
Hagoromo Pine Tree (羽衣の松）
The current Hagoromo Pine Tree is the third generation, estimated to be 200 to 300 years old.
Kami no Michi (Path of the Gods)(神の道)
Enhancing the sacred atmosphere of the area is the pathway known as the “Kami no Michi” (Path of the Gods). This wooden walkway, lined with pine trees over 200 years old and stretching for about 500 meters, connects the Hagoromo Pine (a sacred tree of Miho Shrine) to Miho Shrine.
Walking along this path, visitors can experience a sense of escape from everyday life, filled with a quiet and mystical atmosphere, as it is believed to have once been a passage for the gods themselves.
Miho Shrine (御穂神社)
Miho Shrine, with a history of over 1,000 years, enshrines deities associated with good fortune, maritime safety, and harmonious relationships, and so on.
Shinme (Sacred horse of the gods) (神馬）
Originally, this horse was carved from a horse dedicated to Shizuoka Sengen Shrine by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and it is known as a shinme, or sacred horse of the gods.
According to local tradition, during the great fire of 1773, two sacred horses from Shizuoka Sengen Shrine fled to Miho Shrine. One remained there, while the other later returned to Sengen Shrine. Because it is believed that any wish will come true if you pray to it, the horse is affectionately called the “Kanae-uma” (“Wish-Fulfilling Horse”).
The sacred horse has a very kind and gentle expression, and simply looking at it feels calming and comforting.
Mihoshirube (みほしるべ)
For those who wish to learn more, the Miho no Matsubara Cultural & Creative Center “Mihoshirube,”located near the pine grove, is highly recommended. The center offers exhibitions on the history, culture, and natural environment of Miho no Matsubara, as well as insights into the Hagoromo legend and its artistic interpretations.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Admission: Free
- Open Year-Round
- Museum Shop Available
- Accessible Multipurpose Restroom with Handrails (Diaper Changing Available)
- Wheelchair Rental Available
- Beach Wheelchair Rental Available (Requires Two Assistants) Applications can be made at the General Information Desk on the 1st floor, or by advance telephone reservation (+81-54-340-2100).
- Nursing Room Available
Miho no Matsubara is a must-visit destination when in Shizuoka City. Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the pine groves and along the soft sandy beach, listen to the soothing sound of the waves, visit the Hagoromo Pine, stroll along the Path of the Gods, explore the historic shrine, deepen their understanding at Mihoshirube, and even enjoy choosing local souvenirs—making it a perfect place to relax and connect with nature.
How to Get There
<BUS> About 15 minutes
Take the Shizutetsu Justline Miho-Yamanote Line（三保山の手線） from the “ Verkehr Shimizu Port Terminal Museum” （波止場フェルケール博物館) bus stop, get off at “Miho no Matsubara Ent. (三保松原入口)” and walk for about 15 minutes.
Don’t worry — announcements at the ”Miho no Matsubara Entrance” bus stop are available in English too.
Bus fare: ¥340
Check “How to Ride the Bus in Shizuoka” for details on using local buses.
<TAXI> About 15 minutes to the Mihoshirube by the beach.
Taxi fare: approximately ¥3,000
Taxis can be called using the GO, DiDi, or Uber apps. Fares vary depending on demand and traffic conditions.
