Shizuoka: Sunpu Castle Park — Guide Anne

Title: What Is a Private Cruise Shore Excursion in Shizuoka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Miho no Matsubara, Nihondaira, and Sunpu Castle Park

I guided guests visiting from Europe who arrived by cruise ship. One of the guests was not confident in English and had difficulty speaking clearly, so communication was challenging, but with the support of the other guest who was fluent in English, we were able to carry out the tour.

Since rain had been forecast for several days, I prepared alternative plans, but as it was only light rain in the morning, we proceeded as scheduled. We chartered a taxi at Shimizu Port and visited Miho no Matsubara and Nihondaira. While the guests were viewing the exhibits inside Mihoshirube, the rain stopped, and they were able to enjoy the scenery at Miho no Matsubara and Nihondaira (Mount Fuji was not visible).

We had planned to have lunch in the downtown area of Shizuoka City, but as the guests said they were not hungry and did not need lunch, we skipped the lunch plan and went to Sunpu Castle Park. The guests were a little disappointed, saying they had expected a castle keep. (I had explained in advance by email that the castle keep no longer remains and that the other buildings are reconstructions.)

As soon as we began strolling through Sunpu Castle Park, it started raining heavily, making it impossible to move around, so we took shelter at a shop inside the park. Thanks to the kindness of the shop staff, we received some origami paper, and the guests were pleased when I made a paper crane for them.

Since it did not seem the rain would stop, I proposed changing the itinerary to a museum visit, which I had mentioned in advance as an alternative, but the guests said they did not want to go to a museum. Instead, they wished to have pancakes, so I guided them to a pancake shop inside the Shizuoka Station building. However, several people were waiting in line, and we could not enter right away. When I asked the shop staff about the waiting time, they replied that they did not know, and one of the guests became very frustrated, saying, "There are open seats, so why can't we go in!" I should have explained in advance the possibility of having to wait before entering. Since the guest did not like waiting, I instead guided them to a nearby mille crepe shop, after which they seemed satisfied.

Because the guests did shopping for souvenirs at Shizuoka Station, there was not enough time to take them back to Shimizu Port, but I guided them as far as boarding the shuttle bus for cruise ship passengers at Shimizu Station, and we parted ways. (I discussed the itinerary with the guests and they agreed.) When we arrived at Shimizu Station, Mount Fuji revealed itself, so we were able to take photos with smiles and see them off.

Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Anne

Hello, I’m Anne. I was born and raised in Shizuoka. As a student, I volunteered as an interpreter guide in Kyoto. I love traveling and even worked for a travel company in the past. I like learning different cultures, too. After graduating from a graduate school in Australia, I came back to Shizuoka and have been teaching at a high school and a university. I am also certified as a Japanese (language) teacher. Through my experiences living in different places and my interest in Japan, I realized again the charms of Japan and Shizuoka. This passion for sharing the attractions of Japan, especially Shizuoka, led me to become a national licensed guide interpreter in March 2024. Shizuoka is an attractive destination for its rich nature, fascinating history and culture, and delicious local foods. I would be delighted to help you discover more about Shizuoka and make your stay even more memorable!