Hanazawa-no-Sato: A Timeless Mountain Hamlet in Yaizu

Hanazawa-no-Sato　Photo courtesy of Yaizu City Tourism Association

In the quiet northern hills of Yaizu lies Hanazawa-no-Sato, a mountain village where time seems to flow more slowly.
Here, traditional stone walls, wooden houses, and mandarin orange groves form a landscape that feels both nostalgic and deeply peaceful. Every turn of the narrow path reveals a view that could have come straight from an old Japanese painting.

A Living Heritage of Tradition

Hanazawa-no-Sato is the first area in Shizuoka Prefecture to be designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Japanese government.
The wooden houses, built during the Edo and Meiji periods, still retain their historic charm and warmth.
The village sits along an ancient route known as Yakitsube no Komichi, believed to date back to the Nara period as part of the old Tokaido road.
Walking through the narrow lanes, surrounded by wooden facades and moss-covered stone walls, visitors can feel a quiet connection to Japan’s distant past.

Hanazawa-no-Sato　Photo courtesy of Yaizu City Tourism Association

Simple Encounters Along the Way

Deeper within the village stands Hokkeji Temple, said to have been founded in 738. The temple’s stillness, wrapped in mountain air and history, offers a place for quiet reflection.
Nearby, the Hanazawa District Visitor Center, housed in a restored traditional building, introduces the architectural features and lifestyle of the region. You can also relax at a cozy café inside a renovated farmhouse—an inviting stop that blends history and hospitality.
Because Hanazawa is a living village, not just a tourist site, visitors can glimpse what everyday life in rural Japan truly feels like.

Hokkeji Temple　Photo courtesy of Yaizu City Tourism Association

Climb to Hanazawa Castle Ruins — A Walk Through History and Nature

If you’ve come this far, take a short hike up to the Hanazawa Castle Ruins, a mountain fortress from Japan’s Sengoku period.
The trail is well maintained, and from the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Yaizu City and Suruga Bay.
Imagining the samurai who once guarded this land adds a layer of depth to your walk—transforming a simple stroll into a quiet journey through history.

For Visitors

Hanazawa-no-Sato reveals a different kind of beauty in every season:
the fresh greenery of spring, the fiery red leaves of autumn, and the crisp clarity of winter.
Rather than sightseeing, it’s a place to breathe in the atmosphere of old Japan—to step away from the noise of daily life and let time slow down.
Just a short trip from Yaizu’s coastal town, this hidden hamlet offers a rare harmony of nature, history, and stillness.

Please note: Hanazawa-no-Sato is a living residential area. Be respectful of private property and avoid entering any homes or yards without permission.

Address: 1 Hanazawa, Yaizu City, Shizuoka 425-0001
Access: About 15 minutes by car from Yaizu Station;
Approx. 30 minutes on foot from “Takakusayama Ishiwaki Iriguchi” bus stop;
Around 30 minutes by rental bicycle from Yaizu Station (about 4.5 km one way).