This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- Lake Tanuki, Shiraito Falls, Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, World Heritage Center, Sagami Japanese Restaurant, S-Pulse Dream Plaza

Title: What's a Private Day Tour to Fujinomiya and Mount Fuji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I had the pleasure of guiding the guests on a private day tour to the Fujinomiya area. The guests were a group visiting from North America. We visited Lake Tanuki, which is famous for its "Diamond Fuji" phenomenon, as well as Shiraito Falls (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site), Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, and the World Heritage Center. Unfortunately, Mount Fuji was covered in thick clouds and only the base of the mountain was visible, but the beautiful footage at the World Heritage Center made up for it. Since the guests wanted to eat Japanese food, I took them to a Japanese restaurant. The picture-based menu and the wide variety of dishes were very well received. On the way back, the guests wanted to see the Espulse Dream Plaza in Shimizu, so we ended the tour there.
Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
My name is Terry Hirao, Shizuoka’s local tour guide. You can call me Terry, as in Teriyaki. I love Japan and Japanese culture and can show you the best of Japan, its history, breathtaking beauty, delicious foods, Japanese Tea. Shizoka is located in the middle of Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka, two largest metropolitan cities and famous for Mt. Fuji, Japanese Tea and a lot more. The most popular destinations in Shizuoka are Nihon Daira Plateau, Kunozan Toshogu Shrines (National Treasure), Miho Pine Tree Grove (World Cultural Heritage). I hope I can help you enjoy your trip!!
Nov 6, 2024
andrew h
Very knowledgeable tour guide of the area
Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
Very…
Nov 6, 2024
andrew h
Very knowledgeable tour guide of the area
Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
Very nice tour, Terri san also very knowledgeable about the history of Japan and also of the area. Pick us up direct from cruise port and dropped us back – so no worries about getting to and from boat.
Will recommend to others.
Oct 21, 2024
Adventurer_from_Cda
We had a great time – we enjoyed having Terry H as our guide for Shizuoka/Shimizu! Thank you!
Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu…
Oct 21, 2024
Adventurer_from_Cda
We had a great time – we enjoyed having Terry H as our guide for Shizuoka/Shimizu! Thank you!
Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
We had booked a 6hr guided tour at Shizuoka/Shimizu. Terry H was our guide- He was very easy to find, with his orange bandana and jacket! Our adventure for the day included: Nihondaira Ropeway/ Kunozan Toshogu Shrine; Yume Terrace Observatory, Sumpu Castle Park (incl green tea tasting) and Shizuoka city tour. Terry then brought us back to the cruise port. We enjoyed our time with Terry- he was well prepared and even had some hand drawn pages to help explain some of the relevant history throughout the day’s tour stops. Thank you!
Sep 16, 2024
Jane_R
Great experience on this Mt Fuji private tour
Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
Terry…
Sep 16, 2024
Jane_R
Great experience on this Mt Fuji private tour
Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
Terry was a most amazing guide. He explained the history and culture of Japan so well and was so flexible in where we wanted to go on the day . The driver he engaged for us kept us safe and came with a very comfortable car for 6 . Even though Mt Fuji was shy on the day we had a most memorable experience . Thank you Terry – we can highly recommend you
Aug 21, 2024
Go02797182361
Too cloudy for Mt Fuji but still a great tour with Terry
Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private…
Aug 21, 2024
Go02797182361
Too cloudy for Mt Fuji but still a great tour with Terry
Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
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.
