Complete Guide to Suruga-Daira Odori (Shizuoka Prefecture) | Ginkgo Tree Autumn Leaves, Highlights, and Access Information
Suruga-Daira Odori, which runs north to south through Nagaizumi Town in Sunto District, Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of the prefecture’s premier autumn foliage spots, captivating visitors with its golden ginkgo tree-lined avenue stretching approximately 2.5 km when autumn arrives. The landscape of yellow like a carpet spreading with Mount Fuji as a backdrop possesses a beauty reminiscent of a movie scene, attracting many photography enthusiasts and tourists.
This article provides comprehensive information you should know before visiting, covering the appeal of Suruga-Daira Odori, peak viewing seasons, access methods, and nearby tourist facilities.
About Suruga-Daira Odori
Suruga-Daira Odori is a major road located on elevated terrain in Nagaizumi Town, Sunto District, Shizuoka Prefecture. Nagaizumi Town is known for persimmon production in Yotsomizo and clematis seedling cultivation in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture, and Suruga-Daira Odori extends north and south primarily through the Higashino district of the town.
The roadside is lined with quiet residential neighborhoods, and cultural facilities such as the Bernard Buffet Museum and Nagaizumi Town Yasushi Inoue Literary Museum, as well as spots where you can enjoy nature like Clematis no Oka and Suruga-Daira Natural Park are scattered throughout the area.
Geographic Characteristics of Suruga-Daira
The Suruga-Daira district has relatively high elevation within Nagaizumi Town and is characterized by terrain that gently slopes upward toward Mount Fuji. This topography creates the spectacular view of looking up at Mount Fuji beyond the ginkgo tree-lined avenue. Its proximity to the Nagaizumi-Numazu Interchange on the New Tomei Expressway and the Numazu Interchange on the Tomei Expressway is also an appealing aspect of accessibility.
The Appeal of Suruga-Daira Odori’s Ginkgo Tree-Lined Avenue
The main highlight of Suruga-Daira Odori is the ginkgo tree-lined avenue that stretches approximately 2.5 km (some sources indicate 2.4 km or over 2 km) on both sides of the road. When autumn arrives, hundreds of ginkgo trees turn golden yellow all at once, creating a landscape like a golden tunnel across the entire road.
The Beauty of Yellow Foliage
Ginkgo trees are described as displaying “yellow foliage” rather than autumn foliage, characterized by turning a vivid yellow color. The ginkgo tree-lined avenue at Suruga-Daira Odori is extremely beautiful with its contrast between blue sky and yellow on clear days, and you can enjoy a subdued, calm atmosphere on cloudy days.
As the leaves fall, a carpet of yellow fallen leaves spreads along the roadside, creating yet another spectacular view. During the leaf-fall season, you can also enjoy the fantastical sight of ginkgo leaves dancing in the wind.
Collaboration with Mount Fuji
A particularly noteworthy aspect of Suruga-Daira Odori is the ability to view Mount Fuji beyond the ginkgo tree-lined avenue. Weather permitting, you can enjoy the spectacular view of snow-capped Mount Fuji appearing at the end of the golden ginkgo tree-lined avenue. This collaboration between Mount Fuji and the ginkgo tree-lined avenue can be said to be a luxurious landscape unique to Shizuoka Prefecture.
Particularly during early morning and evening hours when slanting light is present, the yellow of the ginkgo trees shines more vividly, and the silhouette of Mount Fuji also appears beautifully. For those who wish to enjoy photography, these times of day are recommended.
Peak Viewing Season for Autumn Foliage (Yellow Foliage)
The peak viewing season for the ginkgo tree-lined avenue at Suruga-Daira Odori is typically mid-November through late November. This varies depending on the climate conditions of each year, but around November 20 is said to be when the most beautiful golden color can be enjoyed.
From the Start of Color Change to Leaf Fall
- Late October to Early November: Color change begins. You can observe the gradual change from green to yellow
- Mid-November: Beginning of peak season. The entire avenue turns yellow, and beautiful scenery can be enjoyed
- Late November: Peak of the season. The most vivid golden color appears
- Early December: Leaf fall progresses, and a carpet of yellow fallen leaves spreads
When planning a visit, it is recommended to check the latest color change status in advance through Nagaizumi Town’s tourism information or autumn foliage information sites.
Appeal of Each Season
Suruga-Daira Odori is most famous for its autumn foliage season, but each season has its own appeal.
- Spring: Fresh green ginkgo trees and various flowers at nearby Clematis no Oka can be enjoyed
- Summer: Lush green ginkgo tree-lined avenue provides cool shade
- Winter: The stern appearance of the tree-lined avenue after leaf fall and views of Mount Fuji capped with snow can be enjoyed
Access Methods and Parking Information
Access to Suruga-Daira Odori is available by both car and public transportation.
Access by Car
From Expressways
- Approximately 10 minutes from the Nagaizumi-Numazu Interchange on the New Tomei Expressway
- Approximately 10 minutes from the Numazu Interchange on the Tomei Expressway
When using car navigation, it is convenient to set “Suruga-Daira Natural Park” (around 515-57 Higashino, Nagaizumi Town, Sunto District, Shizuoka Prefecture) as your destination.
Parking Lots
There is no dedicated parking lot at Suruga-Daira Odori itself, but you can use the parking lot at Suruga-Daira Natural Park. The typical route is to park your car at the park’s parking lot and then enjoy a leisurely walk along the ginkgo tree-lined avenue from there.
During peak autumn foliage season, the parking lot may become crowded, so consider visiting early in the day or during weekdays.
Access by Public Transportation
Train and Bus
- Approximately 30 minutes by bus from JR Tokaido Main Line Mishima Station
- Just a short walk after getting off at the “Suruga-Daira” bus stop
When using public transportation, bus service may be limited, so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.
Tourist Spots Around Suruga-Daira Odori
When visiting Suruga-Daira Odori, consider extending your visit to nearby tourist attractions.
Clematis no Oka
“Clematis no Oka” is located along Suruga-Daira Odori and is a cultural complex facility combining art museums and gardens. It includes the Bernard Buffet Museum, the Vanji Sculpture Garden Museum, and the Inoue Yasushi Literary Museum, allowing you to enjoy both art and nature simultaneously.
Particularly during the autumn season, you can fully enjoy autumn culture alongside the yellow foliage of ginkgo trees. You can spend a culturally rich day combining museum tours with autumn foliage viewing.
Suruga-Daira Natural Park
Suruga-Daira Natural Park, adjacent to Suruga-Daira Odori, is a park cherished by local residents. It features spacious grassy areas and play equipment, making it ideal for family picnics. It can also serve as a rest stop during your ginkgo tree-lined avenue walk.
Bernard Buffet Museum
This museum houses and displays works by Bernard Buffet, a 20th-century French figurative painter. It boasts approximately 2,000 pieces in its collection and provides a comprehensive introduction to Buffet’s artistic career. The building itself is architecturally interesting and creates a beautiful space harmonizing with the surrounding natural environment.
Nagaizumi Town Yasushi Inoue Literary Museum
This literary museum introduces the literary world of Yasushi Inoue, an author from Nagaizumi Town. It displays information about Inoue’s life, works, and creative background, making it a must-see spot for literature enthusiasts.
Nearby Facilities Accessible from Suruga-Daira Odori
Within a 30-minute drive from Suruga-Daira Odori, there are numerous additional tourist spots.
Mishima Taisha Shrine
Known as the chief shrine of Izu Province, Mishima Taisha is located approximately 15 minutes by car from Suruga-Daira Odori. This historic shrine is famous for Minamoto no Yoritomo praying for the Genji clan’s revival, and within its precincts stands an osmanthus tree over 1,200 years old that fills the air with fragrance in autumn.
Numazu Port Deep Sea Aquarium Coelacanth Museum
This rare deep-sea specialist aquarium in Japan primarily displays deep-sea creatures from Suruga Bay. You can view freeze-preserved coelacanths and observe diverse deep-sea creatures inhabiting Suruga Bay. It is approximately 20 minutes by car from Suruga-Daira Odori.
Juvenile Fish Aquarium (Numazu Port Area)
A unique aquarium specializing in fish larvae, where you can observe juvenile fish in completely different forms from their adult counterparts. Located in the Numazu Port area, it can be enjoyed alongside fresh seafood cuisine.
Hot Spring Facilities Within a 10 km Radius from Suruga-Daira Odori
After enjoying the autumn foliage, why not soothe your fatigue with a relaxing hot spring?
Susono Bijin no Yu Healthy Park Susono
A day-use hot spring facility offering natural hot springs from the foothills of Mount Fuji. Located approximately 15 minutes by car from Suruga-Daira Odori, this facility is known for hot spring water with reputed skin-beautifying effects, and its outdoor bath offers views of Mount Fuji. Restaurant and rest facilities are well-equipped, allowing you to spend a full, leisurely day.
Natural Hot Spring Kiraku-bo (Numazu City)
A day-use hot spring facility in Numazu City, located approximately 20 minutes by car from Suruga-Daira Odori. Various types of baths and saunas are available, with a dining area also included. It is popular with locals for enjoying hot springs at reasonable prices.
Numazu/Yugawara Hot Spring Manyou no Yu
A hot spring facility using hot spring water from Yugawara Hot Spring. Located approximately 25 minutes by car from Suruga-Daira Odori, it operates 24 hours, allowing use even late at night. Relaxation facilities such as stone bed bathing and massage are well-equipped.
Nearby Autumn Foliage Spots from Suruga-Daira Odori
When visiting Suruga-Daira Odori, it is recommended to combine your visit with other nearby autumn foliage spots.
Kanuki-yama Autumn Foliage (Numazu City)
Kanuki-yama, a symbolic landmark of Numazu City, is a low mountain with an elevation of 193 meters that offers spectacular views of Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji from its summit. In autumn, the entire mountain turns to autumn foliage, and the view from the observation deck is particularly renowned. It is located approximately 20 minutes by car from Suruga-Daira Odori.
Walking trails are well-maintained, allowing you to enjoy autumn foliage while engaging in light hiking. The appeal is the ability to enjoy autumn foliage of diverse tree species, different from the ginkgo tree-lined avenue.
Kakita River Park (Shimizu Town)
This park centers on the Kakita River spring group, designated as a Japanese national natural monument. During autumn foliage season, the contrast between the high-clarity spring water and the color-changing trees creates a beautiful, mysterious atmosphere. It is located approximately 10 minutes by car from Suruga-Daira Odori.
Precautions and Etiquette When Visiting Suruga-Daira Odori
Please follow these points to preserve the beautiful landscape and ensure other visitors can also enjoy it comfortably.
Traffic Safety
Suruga-Daira Odori is also a residential street with vehicle traffic. Please note the following when strolling:
- Walk on the sidewalk and avoid stepping onto the roadway
- Avoid becoming so focused on photography that you run into the road
- If visiting by car, absolutely avoid parking along the roadside and use designated parking areas
- Be careful not to become distracted while driving
Environmental Conservation
- Always take your trash with you
- Avoid breaking ginkgo branches or damaging trees
- Avoid taking away large quantities of fallen leaves (small amounts are acceptable, but consideration for landscape preservation is necessary)
Photography Etiquette
- Be considerate of other visitors
- Do not trespass on private property without permission
- Be respectful of nearby residents’ privacy
Photography Tips at Suruga-Daira Odori
Here are some tips for capturing the beautiful scenery of Suruga-Daira Odori in photographs.
Times Suitable for Photography
- Early Morning (7:00–9:00): Ginkgo trees illuminated by morning sun shine beautifully. With few people around, you can photograph in a calm setting
- Afternoon (14:00–16:00): Sunlight coming in at angles makes the yellow ginkgo trees appear vivid
- Evening (16:30–17:30): The ginkgo tree-lined avenue dyed by sunset and the silhouette of Mount Fuji create a mystical appearance
Composition Ideas
- Tree-lined Avenue Perspective: Capture both sides of the ginkgo tree-lined avenue from the center of the road to emphasize depth
- Collaboration with Mount Fuji: A composition placing Mount Fuji at the end of the ginkgo tree-lined avenue
- Close-up of Fallen Leaves: Macro photography of the yellow fallen leaves spread on the ground
- Contrast with Blue Sky: Utilize the contrast between blue sky and yellow ginkgo trees on clear days
Photography Equipment
- Wide-angle Lens: Suitable for capturing the overall atmosphere of the tree-lined avenue
- Telephoto Lens: Convenient for close-ups of Mount Fuji or cropping portions of the tree-lined avenue
- Tripod: Effective for preventing blur in low-light conditions during early morning or evening (be careful not to obstruct foot traffic)
History of Suruga-Daira Odori and Community Efforts
The ginkgo tree-lined avenue at Suruga-Daira Odori has been developed as part of Nagaizumi Town’s landscape preservation efforts. With the cooperation of local residents and town authorities, regular maintenance and cleaning are performed to preserve the beautiful landscape.
Nagaizumi Town has a culture rooted in agriculture and nature conservation, exemplified by clematis seedling production and Yotsomizo persimmons, and the ginkgo tree-lined avenue at Suruga-Daira Odori is cherished as part of this tradition. In recent years, with information spreading through social media, increasing numbers of tourists from within and outside the prefecture have visited, making it an important tourist resource for the region.
Conclusion: Spend a Wonderful Autumn Day at Suruga-Daira Odori
Suruga-Daira Odori in Nagaizumi Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a premier autumn foliage spot representing Shizuoka Prefecture, featuring a golden ginkgo tree-lined avenue stretching approximately 2.5 km and views of Mount Fuji. During peak season from mid-November through late November, a landscape that seems like a movie scene unfolds.
The surrounding area boasts numerous cultural facilities including Clematis no Oka, Suruga-Daira Natural Park, and the Bernard Buffet Museum, allowing you to enjoy the cultural autumn alongside autumn foliage viewing. Furthermore, there is an abundance of tourist spots within reach, such as Mishima Taisha Shrine, Numazu Port, and hot spring facilities.
With convenient car access and available parking, this spot can be enjoyed by a wide range of visitors, from families and couples to photography enthusiasts. Visit while observing proper etiquette and fully enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery of Shizuoka Prefecture.
Check the latest color change information before visiting and choose a day with good weather for an even more wonderful experience. Create unforgettable autumn memories at Suruga-Daira Odori.
