Take photos of the PlaMonuments, come across local restaurants and souvenir shops while walking through downtown Shizuoka, and enjoy a down-to-earth, self-guided trip!
These PlaMonuments, found only in Shizuoka City, are popular with both Japanese and international travelers, and many visitors stop to take photos with them!
Shizuoka City is known as a “City of Hobbies,” home to some of Japan’s leading model manufacturers. As part of the “Shizuoka City Plastic Model Project,” the city has installed PlaMonuments—everyday objects such as post boxes and public telephones designed to look like plastic model parts still attached to their runners.
10 PlaMonuments to Explore on Foot from JR Shizuoka Station
Public telephone plastic monument
Many visitors are surprised by this unique public phones and can often be seen taking photos of it. And yes, you can actually make phone calls with it!
It is located in the center of the north exit area of JR Shizuoka Station.
Shinkansen bullet train plastic monument
This Plamonument features an actual seat used on the N700 Series Shinkansen and a destination display board whose letters change.
Take a look and see which destinations appear on the display!
It is located at the entrance to Shokusaikan, the food and souvenir area of Parche, the JR Shizuoka Station building.
Plastic Monuments of the World Capital of Models
Stand in front of the human-shaped parts, and you can take a fun photo that makes it look as if you have become part of a plastic model yourself. Give it a try!
Near the traffic rotary at the south exit of JR Shizuoka Station, you will find the “Shizuoka: The World Capital of Models” Plamonument.
BOX Art Plastic Monument
This Plamonument is designed like the box art of a plastic model kit and stands next to the “Shizuoka: The World Capital of Models” monument.
The artwork was created by Eiji Shimamura, an illustrator who once worked as a box art illustrator for the world-famous model manufacturer Tamiya.
Ashtray plastic monument
This monument is said to promote good smoking manners, with the aim of creating a society where both smokers and non-smokers can spend time comfortably.
It stands quietly in the smoking area near the police box at the north exit of JR Shizuoka Station.
Vending machine & bench plastic monument
Why not buy a drink from the vending machine and take a short break on the bench next to it?
Did you know? In Japan, vending machines sell cold drinks in summer and hot drinks in winter!
It is located next to Keyaki Plaza, about a 5-minute walk from both JR Shizuoka Station and Shin-Shizuoka Station on the Shizuoka Railway.
Vault door plastic monument
The door of the vault can actually spin around!
The sidewalk where you take photos is not very wide, so please be careful not to step out into the road.
This vault-shaped Plamonument is located in front of Seishin Shinkin Bank in the heart of downtown Shizuoka.
Post box plastic monument
This Plamonument is a real post box that you can actually use.
The street in front of it is called Aoba Symbol Road, a popular place where many events are held.
There is also some traffic nearby, so please be careful when taking photos!
It is located outside Shizuoka City Hall.
Plastic monument of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s armor
This Plamonument is modeled after the “Kindami Gusoku,” a suit of golden armor said to have been worn by Tokugawa Ieyasu in his younger days.
Be sure to check it out when you visit Sunpu Castle Park!
It is located just before the bridge leading to the East Gate of Sumpu castle park.
Hotel sign plastic monument
This Plamonument features icons of a bed, a bathtub, and a suitcase. See if you can spot it while strolling through the area!
It is located in front of KOKO Hotel in the Shichikencho shopping street.
Suruga-ya Main Store 駿河屋本店
Surugaya Main Store is a must-visit spot in Shizuoka for hobby fans. Browse plastic models, anime goods, games, figures, and collectibles in a city known as Japan’s “hobby town.”
With a wide variety of hobby products from the 1st to the 4th floor, you are sure to find some great souvenirs!
At the “SHIZUOKA ALL-STAR FOOD COURT,” where local favorites such as ramen and curry are gathered, families and friends can order from different restaurants and enjoy a variety of Japanese food together.
Check out Suruga-ya Main Store’s website to get a feel for the store’s atmosphere!
