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
- Day-of itinerary
- ・9:00 a.m. meet at Okitsu pier
- ・9:10 leave the pier for Nihon-Daira Hill Top
- ・9:30～11:00 arrive at Nihon- Daira Hill Top
- spend 1 and a half hours
- first going to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine by ropeway
- return to Nihon-Daira to see Mt. Fuji from the highest point in the neighbourhood
- ・11:00 leave the hill for Miho-Matubara Pine Trees' Groves
- ・11:30～12:15 arrive at Miho-Matubara
- spend 45 min.
- ・12:15 leave Miho for the pier by taxi
- ・12:45～13:15 arrive at Minowa-Inari shrine
- spend half an hour visiting Minowa-Inari Shrine
- ・13:30 back to Okitsu pier by taxi
What Is a Private Shimizu Day Tour with Mount Fuji Views Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
At 9:00 a.m., I met the guests, visitors from North America, at Okitsu Pier and began a tour themed around views of Mount Fuji. The guests had a strong interest in the various structures at Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, so our stay there was extended a little. The taxi driver who accompanied us was knowledgeable about the shrine, and I interpreted his explanations. Along the way, Mount Fuji began to come into view, and we stopped at a photo spot recommended by the driver, which the guests seemed to enjoy. We took in the surrounding scenery from the Nihondaira Yume Terrace and headed to the next destination a little early. Because we had visited Kunozan first, the wait time for the ropeway was minimal.
Next, we went to see Miho no Matsubara. The guests said the scenery, with Mount Fuji and the beach as a backdrop, was wonderful.
Since I had set the return time to the pier early, by 13:30, to match the departure time, the guests had requested that we not schedule a lunch, but they became a little hungry and enjoyed Japanese tea and sweets at a souvenir shop.
Finally, we visited Minowa Inari Shrine in the Shimizu district. The guests were interested not only in the torii gate but also in the surrounding residential streets, and they asked about local housing conditions and the like.
Because the departure time was 14:00, limiting the tour to the Shimizu district allowed us to cover the main sightseeing spots, and the guests appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed the views of Mount Fuji and the structures.
Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Other | JR Shimizu Station～Shimizu Okitsu Pier | 3,440JPY |
| Total | 3,440JPY | ||
I am Mr. Yasu Katou . I am an English-speaking excursion guide . I mainly take my guests to the popular tourist places around Shimizu ward and the city of Shizuoka.
I am a typical “Shizuokan citizen”, who are too shy to refer often to the great things we have such as Mt. Fuji-San but are, in the deepest of our heart , very proud of them . It would be wonderful if our great things, which are represented by not only Mt. Fuji-San but also other historical and cultural spots, could be known to others coming from all over the world.
So as a resident here in central Shizuoka-prefecture I would like to show my guests as many things such as our culture, history and nature as I can.
Jul 22, 2026
Silke72
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Great tour of the Shizuoka sights
Even though we did…
Jul 22, 2026
Silke72
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Great tour of the Shizuoka sights
Even though we did not actually get to see Mount Fuji due to the July heat and humidity, this half day excursion was well worth it. The Shizuoka region has a lot to offer beyond mountain views, and our knowledgeable guide Yasu took us on an a memorable tour of shrines and temples, Tokugawa Ieasu’s burial site, shopping areas, and Japanese gardens; all surprisingly quiet without a lot of tourists. We also had a lovely lunch at a small restaurant. If you do not mind walking quite a bit, this tour is a great way to see the sights of Shizuoka.
Jul 11, 2026
theinnocentabroad25
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
An Unforgettable Day in Shimizu with Yasu
Here’s a warm,…
Jul 11, 2026
theinnocentabroad25
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
An Unforgettable Day in Shimizu with Yasu
Here’s a warm, heartfelt review that would work well on Yahoo Travel or any travel review site:
We had the pleasure of exploring Shimizu with Yasu as our guide, and he made our visit truly unforgettable.
Yasu was incredibly knowledgeable about the history, culture, and traditions of the area. Every stop came to life through his detailed explanations and fascinating stories. He took us to beautiful temples and a stunning Japanese garden, making sure we understood the significance and history behind each place.
What impressed us most was his patience and kindness. We were traveling with our 10-year-old daughter, and he did a wonderful job keeping her engaged throughout the day, making the tour enjoyable for our entire family. He was flexible, accommodating, and genuinely cared about making our experience special.
By the end of the tour, it felt like we were saying goodbye to a friend. We only wish we had more time to explore Shimizu. We sincerely hope to return one day and have Yasu as our guide again.
Thank you, Yasu, for your warmth, professionalism, and for making our visit to Shimizu such a memorable experience. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for an exceptional guide in Japan.
Sep 12, 2025
shelleysD5492YS
A Great in Shimizu
Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
Our guide Yasu and his…
Sep 12, 2025
shelleysD5492YS
A Great in Shimizu
Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
Our guide Yasu and his taxi driver were very informative as we explored some of the famous places. They Yasu show us a great view of Mount Fugi. He then gave us the history of the shrine and Buddhist temple. After a delicious lunch of Japanese food we went to a beautiful Japanese garden. It was a great day and I would recommend Yasu
Jul 9, 2025
Jennifer_M
Great tour, great guide.
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Fantastic tour. Traveling in a small…
Jul 9, 2025
Jennifer_M
Great tour, great guide.
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Fantastic tour. Traveling in a small group with a customized tour was great! Yasa created a tour for us and picked us up right at the port. He worked with the ships time and made sure we had a full day. We got to visit popular places and quaint local eats. We loved it. Highly Recommend!