Fujieda City, which consists of both urban areas and farmland, is located near the centre of Shizuoka Prefecture, and has an elongated shape that extends from north to south. The city starts from the Shida Plain that stretches along Seto River in the south and extends to the north where the forest of the Akaishi Mountains lies within the view of the Southern Japanese Alps.
Historically, the city is a transportation hub with two bustling post towns, Okabe-shuku and Fujieda-shuku, along the Tokaido route which people used to travel a long time ago.
Fujieda city boasts a rich history and culture, including historical sites such as the Ohatago Kashibaya Inn and Tanaka Castle, traditional events such as the Fujieda Grand Festival and the Asahina Ohryusei fireworks, the tea culture developed as a tea production area, and soccer which has been a favourite sport of the locals since the Taisho era.
Fujieda City can be described as both moderately urban and moderately rural. Around the Fujieda Station, there is a commercial facility with a library and a movie theatre as well as a complex with an international tourist hotel, restaurants and offices. The rural area, which is easily accessible from the urban area, has many places where visitors can enjoy the richness of nature, such as campsites, a grass ski site, natural hot springs, and markets selling fresh local produce.
Fujieda City looks forward to welcoming visitors to experience its attractions firsthand, which offers both the convenience of city life and abundant nature.
Fujieda City formed a sister city relationship with City of Penrith in New South Wales, Australia in 1984, and this year marks the 40th anniversary. Since then, they have been conducting the high school student exchange program for over 30 years and so far, 348 students have expanded their circle of interaction.
Due to the pandemic, the two cities have been holding online exchange meeting for junior high/high school students. Fujieda City considers such exchanges among the younger generation, who will be responsible for the future generation, are great opportunities to foster a global mindset and promote cross-cultural understanding.
Fujieda City hopes that the city will continue to work together with the City of Penrith to achieve mutual exchanges between the respective locals from various generations, further deepening the bond the two cities have cultivated, and that these exchanges will continue for many years to come.
