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

  • Hotel 9:00 – Taisei-en 10:00 – Nihondaira Ropeway Entrance ~ Yume Terrace ~ Kunozan Toshogu Shrine 12:00 – Higashi-Shizuoka Station ~ Shimizu Station ~ Kawamura Farm ~ Miho no Matsubara 14:00 – Shimizu Station ~ Shizuoka Station 15:30

Can You Do a Private Day Trip in Shizuoka to See Bonsai, Melon, and Mount Fuji? A Licensed Guide's Report

I believe this was a tour that met the guests' expectations by incorporating the bonsai, melon, and Mount Fuji they had requested into the itinerary. First, we headed to Koku-sei-en, which I had called in advance. We were warmly welcomed, and since bonsai cannot be brought onto an airplane, we only viewed the bonsai and intended to purchase just a pot. As we admired the beauty of the bonsai of various sizes, the owner kindly gave us a pot as a gift. It was a moving moment for me as well to have the chance to experience Japanese traditional culture with my own eyes. Next, we headed to Yume Terrace to view Mount Fuji. After carefully watching the video explaining how Nihondaira was created, we could see just a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the third-floor terrace. Then we took the ropeway to Toshogu Shrine. All of the guests listened carefully to my entire explanation. After that, we headed to Kawamura Farm in Miho, which I had reserved, to eat the long-awaited melon. When the melon parfait, just like in the photos, was brought to the table, there was a cheer of delight, and they were deeply impressed by the incredible deliciousness of Japanese fruit. Since everything they had hoped for was fulfilled, they seemed very satisfied, and I said goodbye after informing them about the reservation for the next day's bullet train to Osaka at the Hotel.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1BusShizuoka Station / Shizutetsu Just Line~Eiwa Gakuin University Ikedayama Housing Complex / Shizutetsu Just Line390JPY
Section 2OtherEiwa Gakuin University Ikedayama Housing Complex / Shizutetsu Just Line~Nihondaira Ropeway / Shizutetsu Just Line440JPY
Section 3OtherNihondaira Ropeway / Shizutetsu Just Line~Higashi-Shizuoka Station South Exit / Shizutetsu Just Line570JPY
Section 4TrainHigashi-Shizuoka~Shimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)200JPY
Section 5BusShimizu Station / Shizutetsu Just Line~Miho Matsubara Entrance / Shizutetsu Just Line440JPY
Section 6BusMiho Matsubara Entrance / Shizutetsu Just Line~Shimizu Station / Shizutetsu Just Line440JPY
Section 7TrainShimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)~Shizuoka240JPY
Total2,720JPY

I have been teaching high school students for 40 years as an English teacher and guiding for 10years including a volunteer guide .Now I am a national government licensed guide. I have been dreaming to introduce Japanese culture including tasty Japanese food and history , our society and also some problems in it. It is a great moment of joy and excitement to be with you from all over the world. I love traveling around Japan and abroad myself. I visited East Germany ,too that does not exist any more. I am looking forward to guiding you in and around Shizuoka!

Jul 26, 2026
Edward_H
Viator review: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide
The only way to tour if…
The only way to…

Jun 30, 2026
Louisa_B
Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
My Fuji Experience and temple visit
Great trip out…

Apr 14, 2026
Bret_F
Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
Great Shizuoka Area Experience
We enjoyed a memorable day…

Mar 27, 2026
James_M
Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
Loved are guide.
Great tour guide. We loved her…