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
- 9:00 Departure from Shimizu Port
- 9:20 Sightseeing at Miho no Matsubara
- 10:50 Sightseeing at Nihondaira Yume Terrace
- 11:50 Sightseeing at Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
- 13:50 Sightseeing at Sunpu Castle Park
- 15:30 Dismissal at Shimizu Port
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 9:00 at Shimizu Port and ended at 15:30. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Sightseeing at Miho no Matsubara at 9:20, Sightseeing at Nihondaira Yume Terrace at 10:50, Sightseeing at Kunozan Toshogu Shrine at 11:50 and Sightseeing at Sunpu Castle Park at 13:50.
Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Miho no Matsubara and Nihondaira in Shizuoka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
It was still the late rainy season, with heavy downpours hitting various parts of Japan, so the weather was a concern. On the day itself, although heavy rain fell in the early morning, it stopped by the time the tour began, allowing us to start without any trouble. On the way to Miho no Matsubara, we were able to see Mount Fuji in its full form, which is very rare for this time of year. The guests were very excited and delighted. According to the taxi driver, the early morning rain may have pushed the clouds aside, allowing us to glimpse Mount Fuji for a brief moment. Afterward it became covered by thick clouds, so being able to see Mount Fuji even for an instant was a stroke of luck. As it was a public holiday, there was a very long line at the Nihondaira Ropeway with a considerable wait. On top of that, the high humidity and temperature drained our energy, which was challenging. Nevertheless, the guests were able to experience nature as well as traditional culture, and seemed very satisfied.
Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
I have been a guide over ten years. I always make my utmost efforts to make tours enjoyable and memorable for the guests. I always enjoy traveling myself. I have received warm hospitality through my life domestically and internationally. I would like my guests to feel the same hospitality. I would like to entertain tourists from abroad by showing around and explaining about not only the places but also Japanese culture in a friendly way.
I have been an English teacher all my life. I challenged to get the guide license and am enjoying guiding ever since.
I especially guide around Mt.Fuji area. Every time I do guiding around Mt.Fuji, I am impressed by the beauty and its overwhelming power. I want my guests to encounter this beautiful and yet powerful mountain of Mt.Fuji.
May 4, 2026
Jackim2009
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Our Day in Shizuoka
We had a wonderful day in…
May 4, 2026
Jackim2009
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Our Day in Shizuoka
We had a wonderful day in Shizuoka! We were very lucky as the day was clear and able to get a good view of Mt Fuji. Ikuyo was a wonderful guide and really explained how Shinto and Buddhism are different, but still work together. We ended the day at Miho beach, and by this time the clouds had rolled in so we could no longer see the mountain. It was still beautiful though.
Oct 9, 2025
Katie_F
We had a wonderful day…
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
We had a wonderful day…
Oct 9, 2025
Katie_F
We had a wonderful day…
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
We had a wonderful day with Ikuyo and our driver. Ikuyo was very kind and sensitive to our
needs and her communication was excellent.
Jul 13, 2025
H2enjoy
Cruise Visit to Shimizu Area and Day Tour Visiting Miho no Matsubara
Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private…
Jul 13, 2025
H2enjoy
Cruise Visit to Shimizu Area and Day Tour Visiting Miho no Matsubara
Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
During a cruise stop at Shimizu, my family did a part day tour with a guide named Ikuyo from the Japan Guide Agency. She met us at the cruise terminal, and arranged transportation through the day, including use of taxi and metro. The tour visited to the Miho no Matsubara area, which was my favorite tour stop. Ikuyo was flexible and modified the plan to allow us more time at Miho. We also visited a tea farm, which we especially enjoyed. We were very pleased with Ms. Ikuyo as our guide.
May 21, 2025
Traveler33207354848
Tea, tour and Mount Fuji
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Ikuyo customized our tour exactly…
May 21, 2025
Traveler33207354848
Tea, tour and Mount Fuji
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Ikuyo customized our tour exactly how we wanted it. She was professional, knowledge and
so sweet. We had a wonderful time!