National Suruga Sanatorium (Suruga Ryoyojo, 国立駿河療養所) was opened in December 1944, just before the end of World War II, and was primarily for soldiers who developed leprosy at the war front. It was based on an appeal presented by the leprologist Dr. Matsuki Miyazaki, who argued that soldiers who developed leprosy during military service should be given the same degree of treatment and pension as those who developed tuberculosis during their military service.
Suruga Sanatorium had 453 inpatients in 1960, its maximum number of admissions. As of December 31, 2015, the number of residents (former patients) was 63, with an average age of 82.9.
Suruga Sanatorium is located on a hill side, 500 metres above sea level, facing the majestic World Heritage Site Mt. Fuji. It has a small museum which tells the history of the sanatorium.