Shizuoka Highlights Tour Cruise Shore Excursion from Shimizu Port

Overview

Experience the serene beauty and legendary history of Shizuoka with this curated 4-hour shore excursion from Shimizu Port. This tour is designed for travelers who want to capture the “soul of Japan” through its most iconic imagery: the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji, bright vermillion shrines, and ancient coastal pine groves. It is a compact yet deeply enriching journey that brings you to the heart of the region’s cultural and natural heritage.

The adventure begins with a panoramic ascent via the Nihondaira Ropeway to the historic Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of the Great Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. This architectural marvel, perched high on a plateau, offers a stunning juxtaposition of intricate carvings and sweeping ocean views. You will then transition to the legendary shores of Miho no Matsubara, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated in Japanese art and poetry for centuries.

Specifically timed for cruise passengers, this excursion maximizes your limited hours in port by utilizing a private chartered vehicle and a licensed expert guide. Whether you are marvelling at the “celestial maiden’s” pine tree or browsing the local boutiques at S-Pulse Dream Plaza, you will experience the absolute best of Shizuoka with the peace of mind provided by our “Back-to-Ship Guarantee.”

Highlights

• Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: Discover the birthplace of the Edo period at this stunning, gold-leafed shrine dedicated to Japan’s most famous shogun.
• Nihondaira Ropeway: Enjoy an aerial gondola ride providing breathtaking 360-degree views of Suruga Bay and the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji.
• Miho no Matsubara: Stroll through a mystical grove of 30,000 pine trees along a volcanic beach, famous for providing the most classic “postcard” view of Mt. Fuji.
• S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Explore a vibrant seaside mall near the port to sample Shizuoka’s world-famous green tea and shop for unique regional souvenirs.

Cruise Information

This tour is meticulously synchronized with the docking schedules of the Diamond Princess and other major vessels at the Port of Shimizu (Sodeshi Pier). We offer fixed departure dates on February 23, March 16, and April 07, 2026, with times specifically adjusted to match your ship’s port hours. Our team monitors arrival and departure times in real-time to ensure you are back at the pier at least one hour before the “all aboard” call.

Complete Details

Your Shizuoka exploration starts with a warm welcome at the Shimizu Port terminal. Your licensed English-speaking guide will lead you to a comfortable, air-conditioned coach for the drive to the Nihondaira plateau. From here, the Nihondaira Ropeway whisks you across a deep valley to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Your guide will explain the fascinating history of the Tokugawa Shogunate as you admire the vivid “Gongen-zukuri” architectural style and the quiet dignity of the inner sanctum.

The tour then heads to the coast for Miho no Matsubara. As you walk the “God’s Road” (Kami-no-michi) boardwalk, you’ll reach the ancient Hagoromo-no-Matsu pine tree, the center of a famous local legend involving a celestial maiden. This beach is one of the few places in Japan where you can see the deep blue of the Pacific, the dark volcanic sand, and the white-capped Mt. Fuji all in a single frame. If time permits, the final stop is S-Pulse Dream Plaza, where you can find the Chibi Maruko-chan Land (dedicated to a famous local anime) or simply enjoy some fresh sushi before a 6-minute return walk to the ship.

Booking with Jasumo

To join one of our Upcoming Shared Tours for 2026 or to request a private vehicle for your family, please contact us via our Contact Us Form. Our travel consultants will verify your ship’s docking schedule to ensure a seamless experience.

Jasumo also operates as a Destination Management Company (DMC), providing end-to-end support and reliable local coordination for individual travelers and travel agencies.

Complimentary 10GB eSIM with Every Jasumo Tour Booking

When you book your tour through Jasumo, we make your journey even smoother by giving you a free 10GB eSIM. Stay connected across Shizuoka from the moment you arrive—use maps to navigate the shrine grounds, message your group, and share your Mt. Fuji photos instantly without worrying about finding Wi-Fi or buying a local SIM. It’s our way of ensuring a stress-free and fully connected travel experience.

Faqs

What is the best viewpoint for Mt. Fuji on this Shizuoka tour?

Both the Nihondaira Ropeway and Miho no Matsubara offer spectacular views. Nihondaira provides an elevated, panoramic mountain perspective, while Miho no Matsubara offers the famous coastal view of the peak framed by ancient pine trees.

Is the walk to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine difficult?

By using the Nihondaira Ropeway, we skip the 1,159 stone steps typically required to reach the shrine from the coast. There is still some light walking and a few stairs within the shrine complex, but it is much more accessible for all guests.

Which pier will my cruise ship dock at in Shimizu?

Most major cruise ships, including the Diamond Princess, dock at the Sodeshi Pier (Shimizu Marine Terminal). Your guide and vehicle will be waiting right outside the secure arrivals area with a welcome sign.

What happens if Mt. Fuji is not visible due to clouds?

While Mt. Fuji visibility is weather-dependent, the Shizuoka region offers rich cultural sites like Kunozan Toshogu and the beautiful Miho coastline that are stunning regardless of the weather. Our guides are experts at sharing the history and legends that make these sites special.

Does the “Back-to-Ship Guarantee” cover the return from S-Pulse Dream Plaza?

Yes. S-Pulse Dream Plaza is located extremely close to the cruise terminal (approx. 6 minutes on foot). Our guide will ensure you know exactly how to return to the gangway and will only include this stop if your ship’s schedule allows for a safe and comfortable return.

Location