Mt Fuji View in Shizuoka: 6-Hour Private Tour with Multilingual Guide

Discover Shizuoka’s unique culture, history, and stunning Mt. Fuji views on a customizable 6-hour private tour with a licensed multilingual guide.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Miho Seacoast (Miho no Matsubara Beach) - 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 Shrine - 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 Ropeway - 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 Parkway - 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.
  • Oigawa Kawagoe Square - Oigawa Railway is famous for the traditional steam locomotives that run for more than 300 days a year. Four steam trains are in operation as a part of its fleet, and the sight of the retro trains running through the pastoral landscape and along the beautiful Oi River is the envy of many railway fans. The trains run between Shin-Kanaya Station and Senzu Station from one to three times a day, taking about 1 hour to go approx. 37km (one way). All seats are reserved, so it is recommended to make advance reservations, although you can get a seat without a reservation if there is availability when you show up.
  • Shizuoka Sengen Shrine - 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 - Tokugawa Ieyasu (originally named Takechiyo Matsudaira) was a hostage of the Imagawa clan in his youth. He spent his young years, middle age, and the end of his life in Sumpu (now Shizuoka City).
    Ieyasu, who united Japan, retired to Sumpu after his son Hidetada became shogun.
    Construction of Sumpu Castle began in 1607 (Keicho 12) by orders of the daimyo (feudal lord), with three concentric moats protected by stone walls (from inside to outside: Honmaru, Ninomaru, Sannomaru). On the north-west side of Honmaru, a seven-story donjon with a five-level roof was constructed.
    In its golden age, Sumpu outshone Edo (Tokyo) politically, economically, and culturally.
    After the death of Ieyasu, the donjon was almost completely destroyed in a fire in 1635 (Kanei 12). While the turret and gate were rebuilt, the tower was not. Sumpu Castle in the Edo era gradually declined in scale after that.
    In the Meiji era, the Honmaru moat was filled in for use by the 34th Infantry Regiment, and Sannomaru was used as a public space for government officers and schools.
    After the war, Honmaru and Ninomaru was turned into a park for citizens’ rest and relaxation.
    Famous for its hundreds of cherry trees which bloom in spring, it also has vivid azaleas which bloom in May.
    Higashi Gomon, Hitsujisaru Yagura, and Tatsumi Yagura have been remodeled using traditional woodworking techniques. Inside, you can see pictures and materials about the reconstruction as well as excavated materials.
What's Included
  • Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Shizuoka
  • Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
  • Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
What's Not Included
  • Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
  • Private Vehicle
  • You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
  • Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Additional Information

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.

Note1: 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.

  • This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Location
Miho Seacoast (Miho no Matsubara Beach)
Miho, Shimizu-ku,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(28 Ratings)
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1 star
Jeffrey_s
Sep 14, 2024
Highly recommend Ikuyo! - Our guide, Ikuyo, is very knowledgeable about the history of this area. And makes sure you have an enjoyable experience. The traditional tea session in a beautiful Japanese garden was especially nice.
Review provided by Viator
Andrew_c
Sep 14, 2024
Amazing Grace - Amazeing alternative tour we decided not to follow the crowds as cloudy and not much to see. Hidden shrines and the real Japan was the result. Great day.
Review provided by Viator
Kevin_g
Sep 13, 2024
Excellent guide made Shimizu/Shizuoka very enjoyable - Our guide, Hisato Hasegawa was incredible. She went above and beyond to make the tour excellent. She communicated with us extensively to set an itinerary based on what our interests were. She also messaged us the day before to tell us that she would check pon Mt Fuji early the next morning to let us know if it was visible. Sure enough, at 6:00 the morning of the tour, she advised us that it was clear. It was only visible until 8:00 a. m. During the tour her explanations were clear and she made it fun for us. We loved Nihondaira and the Shinto shrine, Sumpu Castle Park and the tea ceremony. Lunch was also a highlight. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Guy_p
Aug 30, 2024
Great all around view of Shimizu! - Anne was extremely knowlegeable and authentic! And her recommendation to use a private driver was a must!
Review provided by Viator
Go02797182361
Aug 21, 2024
Too cloudy for Mt Fuji but still a great tour with Terry - Terry was a fantastic tour guide! He had a binder full of photos and images to help us understand Japanese culture , language, and history. He was able to accommodate our request for a specific Japanese meal and secured a local restaurant. Our kids had a lovely time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jonathan_l
Aug 21, 2024
Too cloudy for Mt Fuji but tour with Terry was still fantastic! - Terry was fantastic! Although it was too cloudy to see Mt Fuji, Terry made the tour still very memorable. My husband made a request for a specific type of food on the spot and Terry was able to secure reservations to a restaurant and the entire family loved it! Throughout the tour, Terry kept taking out photos and hand-drawn diagrams to teach us basic Japanese or describe the country's history. He ordered a private taxi for us so that we would be able to get to all the hotspots comfortably without taking public transit. The kids had a ton of fun and Terry was just a great tour guide!
Review provided by Viator
Monika
Aug 19, 2024
Great tour with a wonderful guide! - We had a great 6 hour tour from the Shimizu port with our informative guide Ikuyo! We walked through the pine tree grove to the ocean and enjoyed a view of Mt. Fuji. Took a ride to Yume Terrace for a panoramic view of Mt.Fuji and the surrounding area. Along the way saw green tea tree farms where there was also a beautiful view. Climbed to the top of Mt. Kuno by ropeway and visit the beautifully colored and decorated Toshogu Shrine, which is 400 years old. The ropeway was a fun experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brenda_c
Aug 9, 2024
Wonderful tour - We met our tour guide right off the cruise ship and her assistant, we had a wonderful tour and seen a lot of sights in Shimizue, our tour guides were very knowledgeable, funny, and patient. It was very hot out so we had them hire us a jumbo taxi for our party of 5 and it worked out perfect, the sushi museum and temples were beautiful, we were unable to see Mt.Fuji that day as it was very cloudy. Wonderful tour where you can pick where to go.
Review provided by Viator
Jorge
Aug 7, 2024
Shimizu excellent experience - The most memorable part of the visit was meeting Hisato!, she made the experience worth while, don't get me wrong Shimizu is greate plenty to do in 1 day, but a good guide like Hisato will prove to be the difference between good and excellent.
Review provided by Viator
Excursion14299944709
Jul 26, 2024
Do this instead of a cruise excursion! - We did this tour instead of paying for a cruise excursion. BEST DECISION EVER! Planning was easy, John was funny & accommodating. Book this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
September 2024
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