TOUR OVERVIEW
Embark on a scenic journey through Shizuoka's cultural treasures and panoramic Mt. Fuji viewpoints. This thoughtfully designed half-day Shimizu shore excursion is perfect for cruise travelers seeking an enriching yet relaxed excursion. Discover Japan’s spiritual heritage at Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, take in sweeping views from the Nihondaira Ropeway and Yume Terrace, and stroll along the iconic pine grove of Miho-no-Matsubara with majestic Mt. Fuji in sight.
EXCURSION HIGHLIGHTS
Nihondaira Ropeway: Enjoy a peaceful aerial ride over lush hills with spectacular Mt. Fuji vistas.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: Explore this beautifully preserved shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, nestled on a forested hilltop.
Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Marvel at panoramic views of Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji from this elegant observatory.
Miho-no-Matsubara: Walk along the iconic pine grove facing the sea, one of the most beloved Mt. Fuji viewing spots in Japan.
FULL INITERARY
Departure from Shimizu Port
Meet your professional English-speaking guide at Shimizu Port and board an air-conditioned coach. As the tour begins, your guide will introduce the cultural significance of Mt. Fuji in Japanese history and the highlights you’re about to explore.
Kuno-zan Toshogu Shrine & Nihon-daira Rope-way (Mt. Fuji viewspot)
Take a scenic 5-minute ropeway ride from the lush Nihondaira Plateau to the revered Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, a hidden cultural gem perched on a forested mountaintop. This shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, who unified Japan in the early 17th century.
A historic shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo Shogunate. Reach it via a rope-way ride offering sweeping vistas of Mt. Fuji and verdant valleys.
Nihondaira Yume Terrace
Return by ropeway to Nihondaira Yume Terrace, A sleek, modern observation and exhibition center offering panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and lush green tea fields. The terrace features sleek wood-and-glass construction that harmonizes with its natural surroundings, offering an immersive viewing experience.
From the 307-meter-high plateau, take in sweeping 360° views that include Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and even the Izu Peninsula on clear days. Inside, multimedia displays and exhibits provide cultural and geographical context, deepening your appreciation of the region.
This stop is ideal for quiet reflection, panoramic photography, and understanding the geography that makes Shizuoka such a scenic treasure.
Miho-no-Matsubara Pine Grove
Next, travel to one of Japan’s most picturesque coastal landmarks, Miho-no-Matsubara, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Fujisan Cultural Landscape.” This legendary pine grove stretches over 7 kilometers along the shore and has been a beloved subject in Japanese poetry and ukiyo-e woodblock prints for centuries. This site is considered as the scenic coastal stretch lined with thousands of black pine trees, famed in Japanese poetry and offering a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji over the sea.
Leisurely Return Drive to Port
Sit back and relax on your return ride. Along the way, your guide will recap the tour’s highlights and answer any final questions you may have about the region. Disembark at the cruise terminal with a heart full of memories and camera full of stunning Mt. Fuji views.
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Real Guest Moments from Our Shimizu Shore Excursions
Captured during our curated shore excursions - Comfort, Culture and Connection.
Patricia & Howard Feldman –
We appreciated the professionalism of the team from beginning to end. Our consultant, Felix, sent detailed pre-tour notes that helped us prepare. On the day of the tour, every transition, bus, ropeway, walking was smooth and well-timed.
Our guide spoke clearly and paced the group so that even the walk to the shrine stairs was done at a gentle rhythm. The view from Yume Terrace was worth the entire cruise stop. This is a peaceful, visually stunning experience!
Stephen Bellamy –
What stood out most was the balance between sightseeing and serenity. The Nihondaira Ropeway gave us such a peaceful glide above green valleys, and the Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove was a highlight.
The vehicle was modern and climate-controlled, ideal for a humid morning. The guide was knowledgeable yet unintrusive. For mature travelers like me, this tour delivered exactly what I hoped for. Comfort, beauty, and cultural richness without physical strain.
Elizabeth Moore –
This was the most elegantly paced excursion I’ve experienced on any cruise stop. From the smooth ropeway ride to the quiet beauty of Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, everything was handled with subtle care. The guide, Haruka, was poised and gentle in her storytelling, offering insights into the Tokugawa era without overwhelming us. And of course, the views of Mt. Fuji is absolutely breathtaking.