Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide





Description
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Central Shizuoka/Shimizu! Shizuoka is home to amazingly unique food, history, culture and natural beauty. Follow in the footsteps of ancient travelers along the Old Tokaido Road while taking in the majestic views of Mt. Fuji and other natural attractions. Come to Shizuoka and see the unforgettable sightseeing spots for yourself! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you. Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Miho-no-Matsubara has long been known as a fantastic spot from which to view Mt. Fuji, and has even been featured in traditional Japanese ukiyo-e paintings. There are approximately 30,000 pine trees on the 7km coastline, and the sight of Mt. Fuji beyond them is one that has represented Japan over the ages. When Mt. Fuji was registered as a World Heritage Site, Miho-no-Matsubara was included as a component. On the coast there you can also find Hagoromo no Matsu, a pine tree that is said to have been visited by an angel.
Kunozan Toshogu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan after it had been divided by war for centuries and established the Edo Shogunate about 400 years ago. The shrine is on the 216m-high Mt. Kuno in Nihondaira, and the recommended way to get there is by ropeway gondola from Nihondaira. There, you can witness a view of Suruga Bay and all the way to Izu Peninsula from the precincts. Once you've finished paying your respects at the shrine and enjoying the buildings with their richly colored decorations, be sure to stop in the Kunozan Toshogu Museum where you can see various treasures related to the Tokugawa family, such as armor and helmets. Entrance fee to shrine building: 500 JPY/adult, 200 JPY/elementary school and junior high school student; entrance fee to museum: 400 JPY/adult, 150 JPY/elementary school and junior high school student ※Joint ticket for shrine building and museum: 800 JPY/adult, 300 JPY/elementary school and junior high school student
Nihondaira is a hilly area at an altitude of about 300m facing Suruga Bay and is known as a wonderfully scenic spot from which to see Mt. Fuji. The Mt. Fuji from here stands beyond the tea fields and looks as if it is attended by Suruga Bay, and if you change the direction of your gaze, you will also see the southern Japan Alps. A sight not to miss here is the nighttime view that can be enjoyed from sunset. As the sun sets, the lights of Shimizu City below will begin to shimmer, creating a romantic scene. Be sure to take a photograph with the nightscape in the background.
Nihondaira is a hilly area at an altitude of about 300m facing Suruga Bay and is known as a wonderfully scenic spot from which to see Mt. Fuji. The Mt. Fuji from here stands beyond the tea fields and looks as if it is attended by Suruga Bay, and if you change the direction of your gaze, you will also see the southern Japan Alps. A sight not to miss here is the nighttime view that can be enjoyed from sunset. As the sun sets, the lights of Shimizu City below will begin to shimmer, creating a romantic scene. Be sure to take a photograph with the nightscape in the background.
Shizuoka Sengen Shrine is the collective name for a group of three shrines: Kanbe, Asama, and Otoshimioya. Standing in the vast precincts are magnificent shrine buildings such as the bright vermilion Romon Gate, the Ohaiden Hall, and the main shrines of Kanbe and Asama Shrines. "Chigomai", which is said to have moved Lord Ieyasu, is dedicated during Hatsukaesai, the annual festival in April. The Shizuoka City Cultural Assets Museum, where precious documents connected with the Imagawa and Tokugawa families are preserved and exhibited, is located within the precincts.
Sumpu Castle Park is a historic site located in the center of Shizuoka City, built on the grounds of the former Sumpu Castle. The castle was originally constructed in the late 16th century and later served as the retirement residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Today, the park features reconstructed structures such as the East Gate and Tatsumi Yagura (corner tower), along with peaceful gardens, open lawns, and walking paths. Visitors can explore exhibits about the castle’s history, enjoy seasonal flowers, and experience a calm atmosphere in the heart of the city. It’s a pleasant spot for history lovers and anyone looking for a relaxing break while learning about the legacy of the Tokugawa era.
The Mt. Fuji World Heritage Exhibition is a museum dedicated to exploring the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of Mt. Fuji, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. The exhibition highlights why Mt. Fuji is considered both a sacred mountain and an enduring symbol of Japan. Inside the museum, visitors can learn about Mt. Fuji’s geological formation, its influence on Japanese art and literature, and the traditions of mountain worship that have continued for centuries. Interactive displays, videos, and models help explain how the mountain has shaped Japanese culture and why it was recognized as a site of Outstanding Universal Value. It’s an informative and engaging place for anyone who wants to understand the deeper meaning behind Japan’s iconic mountain.
Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha is the head shrine of more than 1,300 Sengen shrines across Japan and is deeply connected to the worship of Mt. Fuji. Located in Fujinomiya City at the southwestern foot of the mountain, it has been a sacred site for centuries, dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, the Shinto deity associated with Mt. Fuji and the protection from volcanic eruptions. The shrine features elegant traditional architecture, a serene atmosphere, and a beautiful spring-fed pond called Wakutama Pond, which is designated a national natural treasure. Historically, this shrine served as the official starting point for climbing Mt. Fuji, and it remains an important cultural and spiritual landmark. A visit offers a peaceful setting and a chance to experience the long history of Mt. Fuji worship in Japan.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Reviews(93)
Here’s a warm, heartfelt review that would work well on Yahoo Travel or any travel review site: We had the pleasure of exploring Shimizu with Yasu as our guide, and he made our visit truly unforgettable. Yasu was incredibly knowledgeable about the history, culture, and traditions of the area. Every stop came to life through his detailed explanations and fascinating stories. He took us to beautiful temples and a stunning Japanese garden, making sure we understood the significance and history behind each place. What impressed us most was his patience and kindness. We were traveling with our 10-year-old daughter, and he did a wonderful job keeping her engaged throughout the day, making the tour enjoyable for our entire family. He was flexible, accommodating, and genuinely cared about making our experience special. By the end of the tour, it felt like we were saying goodbye to a friend. We only wish we had more time to explore Shimizu. We sincerely hope to return one day and have Yasu as our guide again. Thank you, Yasu, for your warmth, professionalism, and for making our visit to Shimizu such a memorable experience. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for an exceptional guide in Japan.
Great trip out of a city. Use public transit and visit local exhibit of My Fuji and had a great guide also!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I enjoyed the tour with you, too! Acchan
I wish I could give 4.5 stars! Ikuyo was a great guide very communicative before our trip and helped us plan. Our stop at the tea farm seemed a little superfluous (we selected it but did not realize there was not really much to do there.) She kept us on a great time schedule and was helpful in arranging taxis. This is not a tour that is great in the rain but of course this was out of everyone’s control. However most activities were outside and/or focused on seeing Fuji-San so if going in rainy season know you may be disappointed. She was kind and knowledgeable and her English was excellent!
We had a fantastic day with Mika in Shimizu. Mika picked us up at the cruise terminal and showed us the beautiful sights nearby. The sushi lunch at the counter is also highly recommended (do keep in mind that lunch takes about 1.5 hours).
It is extremely kind of you! I also enjoyed the day with you both. I am very happy to know you had a good time in Shimizu and Shizuoka. Although I walk a lot in my daily life, the day after the visit to Kunozan Toshogu I realized I had sore muscles. I hope it was not too much exercises to you. I am sorry the sushi lunch took so much time. On that day the sushi counter was full — with late comers — and there was only one sushi chef; this was one of the reasons for the long lunch. Probably I should have told the chef to manage more efficiently. From my experience, I had a notion that one should accept what sushi chef does at the sushi counter but I should not have taken this for granted. Or I should have explained this before we sat and discussed what we could expect there. Mika
Yasu was very friendly and accommodating. Speaks English well and very informative in local culture and history.
Hello guest This is Yasu, your excursion guide in Shimizu on the 29th Mar. and a friend of yours. How are you doing these days? I am fine. More than 2 months have passed since I showed you both around Shimizu and Shizuoka. It seems as if yesterday ,though. Thanks a lot for your good review on the excursion. I have just heard it from my guide agency. I really appreciate it. I hope that you will come to Japan in the near future and inform me of the visit. best regards Yasu Katou
The guide was very nice and knowledgeable. Introduced us to very interesting people. Very cloudy that day so Mt. Fuji was not visible but that was OK the countryside was beautiful. Very enjoyable experience. Would book again. thank you so much
Thank you very much for your wonderful comment. The day of the tour was cloudy, so we couldn’t see Mount Fuji, but instead, I think the grilled salmon set meal at the Japanese restaurant and the matcha and green tea tasting at the tea shop surely became good memories for you. If you have the opportunity to visit Japan again next time, let’s enjoy Mount Fuji to the fullest. Kaz
Yao was extremely hard to understand. And he sometimes had difficulty finding the right English words
We require all our guides to be certified in order to work on out tours. We ask you that you review your reservation and if this tour was truly with us.
Lots of walking. Expensive taxi ride. Ok tour guide. Good knowledge especially about shrines and temples
Naoko Nitta was incredible Guide. She is very knowledgeable, very kind and sweet. She went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of and explained everything we asked in detail. Awsome experience
Thank you very much for your very warm message. Although it was a pity that we couldn’t see Mt. Fuji that day, I truly enjoyed guiding such wonderful and enthusiastic guests like you. As a local guide, it was a great pleasure to welcome you to Shizuoka. I sincerely hope you will come back someday and enjoy Shizuoka’s tuna again. Thank you very much! - Noah
Loved our guise! She was so sweet and we enjoyed spending the day with her. We did not get to see Mt. Fuji as the weather was bad but she did a great job showing us other things in the area.
Thank you so much for your kind message. It truly made my day. I am so glad to hear that you had a good time in Shizuoka /Shimizu and hope that the rest of your trip in Japan was just as wonderful. Wishing you both good health and many more great travels ahead. - Mariko



