Susono is located 175km South West of Tokyo, in Shizuoka Prefecture, a semi-rural rice and tea growing area with some light industry. The most recognised landmark near Susono is the beautiful Mount Fuji which lies around 35km to the north. Susono has a population of approximately 52,000 people and nearby cities include Mishima, Numazu and Gotemba.

Susono was five separaate villages until Susono City was founded on 1 January 1971. The Mayor of the city is Dr Shunji Ohashi. The people of Susono practice both Shinto and Buddhism and their symbolic flower is the beautiful Ashitaka Tsutsuji, a specific Azalea that grows to approximately two metres in height and has an abundance of small blossums in late May or Early June.

Bicycle, train, bus, and on foot are all great ways to explore the many shrines and temples, shops, parks, rivers and waterfalls in and around Susono. You can catch the Shinkanse (bullet train) that will have you in Tokyo in 50 minutes.

Stunning Mt Fuji with an altitude of 3,776 metres is the tallest and most famous mountain in Japan and is visible from Susono.  The best season for climbing is July and August, but it is also the most crowded.  Mount Fuji can be ascended all year round, but winter months can get very cold and are only for experienced climbers.