Flights to Shizuoka – High cost or car travel instead?

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know why flights to Shizuoka (from UK) are so expensive? I am intending to stop there for a week or so next year, but the prices are easily double what it would cost going to Tokyo (Haneda airport) or Nagoya (Chubu airport).

At the moment my plan is to go to either Nagoya or Tokyo and then rent a car to go to Shizuoka, but it seems rather silly when there is an airport right there.

But I just can't justify playing almost double the flight price.

Anyone else found this issue?

Also, would it be easier to drive from Tokyo or Nagoya to Shizuoka?

Many thanks.