Shizuoka Prefecture Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Shizuoka Prefecture



Japanese:	静岡県
	Shizuoka-ken

Capital

Shizuoka, Shizuoka

Region

Chūbu

Island

Honshu

Governor

Heita Kawakatsu

Area (rank)

7,779.63 km² (13th)

- % water

2.6%

Population (July 1, 2010)

- Population

3,774,471 (10th)

- Density

485.17 /km²

Districts

Municipalities

ISO 3166-2

JP-22

Website

www.pref.shizuoka.jp/
a_foreign/english/

Prefectural Symbols

- Flower

Azalea (Rhododenron)

- Tree

Sweet Osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus)

- Bird

Japanese Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone atrocaudata)

- Fish

Symbol of Shizuoka Prefecture

The official emblem of Shizuoka Prefecture.

Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県, Shizuoka-ken) is a special area, like a state, in Japan. It is part of the Chūbu region and is located on the island of Honshu. The main city, or capital, is called Shizuoka City.

History of Shizuoka
- Important Moments in Shizuoka's History
Geography of Shizuoka
- National Parks in Shizuoka
Shrines and Temples
Related pages
Images for kids
See also

History of Shizuoka

Long ago, Shizuoka Prefecture was made up of three older areas. These were called Tōtōmi Province, Suruga Province, and Izu Province.

Important Moments in Shizuoka's History

1586 – Building started on Sumpu Castle. This was an important castle in the region.
1617 – The Tōshōgū Shrine was built. Shrines are special places of worship in Japan.
1949 – The University of Shizuoka was founded. This is a big school where people go to learn.

Geography of Shizuoka

Shizuoka is on the eastern coast of Honshu island. It faces the huge Pacific Ocean. To its west, Shizuoka shares borders with Aichi Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture. Its northern borders are next to Yamanashi Prefecture and Kanagawa Prefecture.

The famous Mount Fuji stands tall on Shizuoka's northern border. It is a very important symbol of Japan.

Suruga Bay is the main part of its coastline. The Izu Peninsula forms the eastern side of this bay.

Shizuoka has experienced big earthquakes in the past. These are known as Tokai Earthquakes. People in Shizuoka are always prepared for them.

National Parks in Shizuoka

About 11% of Shizuoka's land is set aside for National Parks. These are special areas that protect nature and wildlife. They are great places to visit and explore.

Shrines and Temples

Shizuoka is home to many important religious sites. Some of the main Shinto shrines, called ichinomiya, in the Suruga area were Oguni jinja, Kotonomamahachimangū, Sengen jinja, and Mishima taisha. These shrines have been important to the local people for a very long time.