Morning in Yaizu should begin at Ishizu Beach, where Mount Fuji rises majestically over the ocean—a favorite spot among the locals. As we gazed at the sea, we pondered today’s route
To accompany our quiet reflection, we brewed a cup of coffee using ‘Suruga Pure Water.’ This exceptional water, exclusive to Yaizu, originates from seawater that circulates on a global scale. Extracted from depths greater than 200 meters within the Kuroshio current, it flows into Suruga Bay, which lies before us in all its vastness. The water’s pristine clarity and smoothness provide a refreshing, hydrating sensation, offering a serene start to the day.
Yaizu’s charm lies in its blend of sea and mountains. Before hiking Mankanbo for its stunning views, one needs to prepare well. We grabbed some miso manju along the way—a traditional energy snack once favored by Yaizu’s sailors.
Freshly made, the buns boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a salty soy-sauce-scented crust and white bean paste. ‘I recommend the fresh buns, but some regulars prefer those made a few days earlier,’ says Onishi, the owner of Aburaya. We couldn’t resist stepping outside for a quick bite.
Eager to taste the change in flavor, we pedaled our bikes toward Mankanbo, 470 meters above sea level. The hiking trail through Hanazawa, a nostalgic mountain village, was crowded with climbers, even on a weekday
Along the trail, one may come across ancient wild tea trees and the remnants of trolley rails that once efficiently transported harvested citrus fruits down the mountain—echoes of Yaizu’s abundant past. As the climb continues, the summit is reached swiftly, with the local climate in mind, offering a seamless ascent.
After a long day’s walk, the combination of miso manju and GEISHA MOUNTAIN exceeded expectations! It offers a refreshing, relaxing sensation to a body that has put in some hard yards. The fact that it was brewed with pure mountain spring water gathered along the way makde it even more rejuvenating.
After working up a sweat, it was time for some sweets and coffee. As we descended the mountain, we considered our next stop. How about a healthy snack to reward our efforts? With that thought, our minds turned to ‘Lemon and Camel,‘ a mountain shop. The always-smiling owner, Kaneko-san, greeted us warmly, and we quickly began choosing our treats
The selection of vegan sweets, crafted with homemade rice malt, garden-grown citrus, and herbs, changes with the seasons. We asked for recommendations to pair with our coffee, but it was difficult to choose just one.
On the pretext that they were good for us, we ended up buying several baked goods and lemon cakes. While you can enjoy them in the shop, today we decided to take them home and savor them
The water used for the final pairing comes from a well in Yaizu, located right in the town. Rich in carbon gas and minerals, a local resident claims, ‘This water is the secret to good health!’ Untouched by human hands and left to nature, it holds a power beyond the grasp of science. Perhaps that’s the key to its remarkable taste.
Once our appetites were satisfied and our minds at ease, we set out to witness the iconic symbols of Yaizu: Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji. As dusk fell, we made our way to the port. Mount Fuji, serene and majestic, emerged gracefully through the clouds. We raised our glasses once more, toasting repeatedly with SAANCI coffee to the magnificent mountains and sea that bless us with such exquisite waters.
SHOP LIST
Kogetsudo
4-1-17 Honmachi, Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
054-629-2331
Japanese confectionery shop Aburaya
6-9-6 Higashi-Ogawa, Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
054-628-2264
lemon and camel
Family Minshuku Asahina, 388-1 Miyajima, Okabe-cho, Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture
