Private Tour
Shimizu Shore Excursion: Private Mt. Fuji Cultural Experience
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This private tour is designed for cruise ship guests who want to experience the cultural heart of Mt. Fuji and Japan.
For more than 1,300 years, Japanese life and faith have looked to one sacred peak—Mt. Fuji. On this journey, you’ll discover its significance through visits to historic shrines, a beloved local eatery, a sake brewery, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Led by a bilingual local guide, the tour focuses on ”experiences": savor local dishes and drinks, learn basics of matcha, and join shrine purification rituals.
Choose destinations that best fit your interests & schedule.
“What if Mt. Fuji is hidden by clouds?”
✅ Even unseen, you’ll feel its presence and learn about Japan through shrines, a sake brewery, and cultural encounters.
“We’re 5 people.”
✅ Perfect! The tour is ideal for 1–5 guests. For groups over 5, you may be able to join by making multiple bookings (max 5 per booking). Please contact us for confirmation.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Miho Seacoast (Miho no Matsubara Beach)
A black-sand shoreline framed by ancient pines with classic views of Mt. Fuji across Suruga Bay. Learn how this coast inspired centuries of Fuji viewing in art and poetry while enjoying a flat, easy walk along the sea-to-mountain landscape.
Yamamiyasengen Shrine
Enter a quiet cedar grove where Mt. Fuji is directly honored in the open air. From the prayer hall, the axis lines up with Fuji’s cone on clear days—your guide explains how landscape and simple etiquette (low voices, keep to paths) shape local devotion. Photos are welcome from designated areas; comfortable shoes recommended.
What‘s Included
One bottle of mineral water per person
Lunch at Omiya Yokocho is included. Alcoholic drinks are not included.
Bilingual local guide providing cultural context, etiquette, and stories.
Private van with driver. Fuel, tolls, and parking included.
All optional and paid on-site in JPY (cash). Eg: goshuin stamp (¥500), shrine offering (¥100), special prayers (¥5,000–6,000), kimono rental (¥4,000), calligraphy lesson (¥5,000). Prices may change.
Drinks at cafes are not included. Credit cards are accepted. Most drinks are under USD 7.
Not included.
Options
Shimizu Shore Excursion: Private Mt. Fuji Cultural Experience
Pickup included
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Shimizu Excursion
milldog1235,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Takumu was an outstanding tour guide for our trip to Shimizu. We had a fantastic day even though it was too overcast to really view Mt Fuji. He more than made up for it by taking us to local spots that he really had a connection with. We enjoyed waterfalls, a Shinto temple, lunch at a local restaurant (we would have never found on our own), taught us to properly use chop sticks, and an authentic tea ceremony . He provided a lot of local and interesting information. Highly recommend!
We had an incredible day...
Karen L,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an incredible day with Takumu. Although we did not get a clear view of Mt, Fuji due to weather conditions, he made up for it by taking us to some incredible places. We had a delicious lunch in a small local restaurant , and a tea ceremony at a local tea house. Absolutely great day…. Highly recommend.
Best tour on our entire cruise!
Twila E,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Takumu provided the best tour we have had on our entire cruise around Japan. He was so personable, and knowledgeable regarding the area and sites. He had a huge job with us since it was POURING rain throughout the entire day. In addition, we are an elderly couple and I depend on a walker to assist me with mobility. Takumu completely revised our tour due to the inclement weather and somehow managed to keep us dry and safe without sacrificing ANY of the main sites in the area. He picked us up and dropped us back off at the correct times. We are so grateful to Takumu and Viator for providing us with an amazing day. It was our first private tour with Viator and because of our positive experience we have already booked many more with this company. Thanks again.
Personal, Professional and Flexible Experience with Takumu
BobWE,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was pouring rain today and our tour guide and tour owner, Takumu Makino, offered us the opportunity prior to the tour to cancel. We decided to move forward with the tour which was re-organized because of the rain. We visited the Mt. Fuji UNESCO Heritage Center, had lunch at a local 100 year old restaurant and then ended the day with a green tea experience. What an exciting adventure with a personable and knowledgeable guide who spoke perfect English and provided a large and very comfortable car for transportation. Because one of us has mobility issues and uses a wheeled walker we had concerns about moving about--not a problem--Takumu was always watchful and made sure that we had handicapped access in the pouring rain. Definitely book with Takumu if you are in Shimizu.
Excellent Tour and highly recomnebded
Lena M,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our day with Takumu was a very enjoyable and memorable one. He customized our tour to our interests and made it a delightful experience. His warm hospitality, friendliness and personality left us with a wonderful impression of him and we would highly recommend Takumu to anyone.
Superb!
Dan J,Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We do many of these private tours and this was the best. Before we even met Tamuku, he was very communicative to ensure we could meet up easily and that the tour was just what we hoped for. He was well-groomed (without cologne- yay!) and his car was comfortable and spotless. Tamuku’s English is outstanding and we were all able to hear him clearly and easily. The stops he chose were spot on and we enjoyed them very much. He also stopped for personal needs for 2 of us. He was a wonderful ambassador for Japan today. You would be lucky to share a day with him.
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Operated by Fuji Soul Tours: Private Mt. Fuji Cultural Experiences (Shin-Fuji & Shimizu)