[Mochimune Port Town] (Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, former province name: Suruga)

＜A port town riding the wave of "diversification of tourism" - nostalgic streets and cutting-edge charm coexist＞ Suruga Province (present-day eastern Shizuoka Prefecture) is home to majestic natural sights such as Mt. Fuji. The benefits of these sights have had a major impact on the development of the country's culture and industry. In particular, Suruga Bay, which stretches 60 km deep in the southeastern part of the country, has one of the world's largest undersea canyons, reaching a depth of 2,500 m, and its unique topography fosters a rich ecosystem. As a result, many fishing ports are dotted along the coast, and the region still leads Japan's fishing industry. Among them, Suruga Province's capital, Sumpu (present-day Shizuoka City), and the nearby fishing port of Mochimune have retained their unique history and climate since ancient times. Mochimune is located about 7km southwest of the center of Shizuoka city, and is separated to the west by a mountain range that flows from Hanazawayama to Okuzure Coast, and has been valued as a key location for guarding Sunpu. In the Middle Ages, Mochibune Castle was built and it became a disputed area between the daimyo Imagawa, Takeda, and Tokugawa, and the Takeda clan in particular stationed their navy at Mochibune, suggesting that it was a strategically and politically important location. After Mochibune Castle was abandoned, the port flourished as a fishing port in the Edo period, boasting large catches from the rich waters where the Abe River flows. However, in modern times, the catch volume decreased, and while the nearby port of Yaizu rapidly became a major base for deep-sea fishing, its prosperity as a fishing port began to wane. Although Yoso was in decline, as tourism diversified in modern times, its nostalgic blocks and alleys, and the atmosphere of a peaceful port town, suddenly attracted attention. A local real estate company renovated old houses, and a facility was created where people can experience life in a port town through lodging. This initiative has led to a unique and lively area around the port. A representative example of this is Yoso Minato Onsen (photos 3 and 4). This day-trip hot spring facility adjacent to Yoso Port allows you to soak in the weakly alkaline hot spring water pumped up from a depth of about 1,000m on the premises. The facility was originally used as a tuna processing plant, so its unique location close to the port makes sense. The scenery and activities of fishing boats gliding across the calm waters with the majestic Mt. Fuji in the background, where stillness and movement coexist, are reminiscent of ukiyo-e paintings from the Edo period. All the baths are spacious and clean, and you forget that you are not far from the prefectural capital's downtown. To cool down after your bath, you can visit the restaurants in Minato Onsen, but we also recommend the WCB Yomune Taproom (pictures 5-10) across the street from the hot springs. This craft beer taproom is brewed in Yomune by the owner from Seattle, USA, and offers around 16 types of fresh beer. Although there are many types of beer, they all have a common avant-garde design and names that are reminiscent of American comics. For example, No Clouds, No Problem, the brewery's first pilsner, has a unique design that combines Suruga Bay with a perpetual summer resort, and its light taste enhances the summery atmosphere. On the other hand, "The Black Book BV" creates an original mysterious incident set in Yomune, and brews it as an item related to that story. Its unique concept and heavy, heavy flavor leave a deep impression. Furthermore, the food menu available at the taproom is packed with Shizuoka-style charms that are unique to Yochimune, such as "Ajillo with plenty of whitebait from Yochimune" and "Quesadillas with cherry shrimp and spring vegetables," making it a popular hub for promoting the charms of the region. The highlight is "The Villa & Barrel Lounge" on the second floor of the brewery. It is a hotel directly operated by the brewery, and every room has a tap, making it a paradise for beer lovers. The experience of being able to enjoy beer to your heart's content without having to worry about catching the last train, or even getting around, is truly symbolic of the ingenuity and ingenuity that has made Yochimune a popular "destination." Recommended for solo travelers: ★★★ (There are quite a few people, but it's a large place so it doesn't bother me) Visited: Saturday, 3rd week of May, around 6pm Access: About 11 minutes walk from Yosizu Station (to Yosizu Minato Onsen) #Yoshizume #Yoshizume Minato Onsen #WCB Yosizu Taproom #Shizuoka Trip #Shizuoka Tourism #Shizuoka Prefecture Tourism #Shizuoka Genki Trip #Shizuoka City #picshiz #Domestic Travel Lover #Domestic Travel Lover #Yoshizume Gourmet #Shizuoka Onsen #Shizuoka Day Trip Onsen #Yoshizume Coast #Yoshizume Port #Port Town #Nostalgic #Nostalgic #Nostalgic Scenery #Nostalgic Streetscape #Craft Beer Lover #Craft Beer Specialty Shop #Craft Beer Bar #Beer Bar #Beer Bar Tour #Beer Bar Lover #Solo Travel #Life with Travel