Shizuoka: the port say good-by — Guide Yasu
April, 2025
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's Itinerary
- 9:00 a.m. meet at Hinode port
- 9:10 leave the pier for Nihon Daira by taxi
- 9:35～10:25 arrive at Nihon Daira spend 50 mini.
- 10:30 leave Nihon Daira for Rinzai-ji Temple by taxi
- 11:10～11:25 arrive at Rinzai-ji Temple in the city of Shizuoka
- spend 15 min.
- 11:25 leave Rinzai-Ji Temple for Shizuoka-Sengen Shrine " by taxi
- 11:30～12:15 arrive at Shizuoka-Sengen Shrine spend 45 mini
- 12:15 leave the Shizuoka-Sengen Shrine for Sumpu Castle Park in the city of Shizuoka by walk
- 12:30～14:00 arrive at Sumpu Castle Park spend 1and half hours taking a rest （including light lunch if you like ）
- walking around the park with the restored castle's buildings
- or enjoying Japanese green tea in a Japanese garden by walk
- 14:00 leave Sumpu Castle Park for Hinode port by train
- 14:40 arrive at the port say good-by
Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Shizuoka City Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Temples, Shrines, and Sunpu Park
The guest was a visitor from Europe. Since the guest was interested in temples and shrines, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) arranged a tour covering Rinzai-ji Temple, Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, and Sunpu Park by taxi and on foot. At Rinzai-ji Temple, we viewed the grounds from outside the gate due to the temple's circumstances, but the guest was impressed by the temple's grandeur. At Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, I introduced each of the shrine halls in English, based on explanations from the accompanying taxi driver, who had experience as a Japanese-language guide. We were also able to observe a kyudo (Japanese archery) competition that day, and the guest said it was a chance to experience Japanese culture firsthand. For lunch, we had Japanese soba at a shop along the approach to the shrine, and we went a little further to visit a Japanese tea café in Chamachi. Finally, we strolled through Sunpu Park before returning to Shin-Shimizu on the Shizutetsu line. Although Mount Fuji was not visible all day, the guest interacted with local people at various places and seemed to feel a genuine connection with Japan and its culture, saying they would love to visit again. It reminded me anew of how much foreign travelers wish to connect with local people in Japan.
Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Shin-Shizuoka～Shin-Shimizu | 350JPY |
| Total | 350JPY | ||
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!