Shimizu Shore Excursion: Fuji View Car Tour, Licensed Guide

Miho-no-Matsubara has long been known as a fantastic spot from which to view Mt. Fuji, and has even been featured in traditional Japanese ukiyo-e paintings. There are approximately 30,000 pine trees on the 7km coastline, and the sight of Mt. Fuji beyond them is one that has represented Japan over the ages. When Mt. Fuji was registered as a World Heritage Site, Miho-no-Matsubara was included as a component. On the coast there you can also find Hagoromo no Matsu, a pine tree that is said to have been visited by an angel.

Kunozan Toshogu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan after it had been divided by war for centuries and established the Edo Shogunate about 400 years ago. The shrine is on the 216m-high Mt. Kuno in Nihondaira, and the recommended way to get there is by ropeway gondola from Nihondaira. There, you can witness a view of Suruga Bay and all the way to Izu Peninsula from the precincts. Once you've finished paying your respects at the shrine and enjoying the buildings with their richly colored decorations, be sure to stop in the Kunozan Toshogu Museum where you can see various treasures related to the Tokugawa family, such as armor and helmets. Entrance fee to shrine building: 500 JPY/adult, 200 JPY/elementary school and junior high school student; entrance fee to museum: 400 JPY/adult, 150 JPY/elementary school and junior high school student ※Joint ticket for shrine building and museum: 800 JPY/adult, 300 JPY/elementary school and junior high school student

Nihondaira is a hilly area at an altitude of about 300m facing Suruga Bay and is known as a wonderfully scenic spot from which to see Mt. Fuji. The Mt. Fuji from here stands beyond the tea fields and looks as if it is attended by Suruga Bay, and if you change the direction of your gaze, you will also see the southern Japan Alps. A sight not to miss here is the nighttime view that can be enjoyed from sunset. As the sun sets, the lights of Shimizu City below will begin to shimmer, creating a romantic scene. Be sure to take a photograph with the nightscape in the background.

Nihondaira is a hilly area at an altitude of about 300m facing Suruga Bay and is known as a wonderfully scenic spot from which to see Mt. Fuji. The Mt. Fuji from here stands beyond the tea fields and looks as if it is attended by Suruga Bay, and if you change the direction of your gaze, you will also see the southern Japan Alps. A sight not to miss here is the nighttime view that can be enjoyed from sunset. As the sun sets, the lights of Shimizu City below will begin to shimmer, creating a romantic scene. Be sure to take a photograph with the nightscape in the background.

Oigawa Railway is famous for the traditional steam locomotives that run for more than 300 days a year. Four steam trains are in operation as a part of its fleet, and the sight of the retro trains running through the pastoral landscape and along the beautiful Oi River is the envy of many railway fans. The trains run between Shin-Kanaya Station and Senzu Station from one to three times a day, taking about 1 hour to go approx. 37km (one way). All seats are reserved, so it is recommended to make advance reservations, although you can get a seat without a reservation if there is availability when you show up.

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine is the collective name for a group of three shrines: Kanbe, Asama, and Otoshimioya. Standing in the vast precincts are magnificent shrine buildings such as the bright vermilion Romon Gate, the Ohaiden Hall, and the main shrines of Kanbe and Asama Shrines. "Chigomai", which is said to have moved Lord Ieyasu, is dedicated during Hatsukaesai, the annual festival in April. The Shizuoka City Cultural Assets Museum, where precious documents connected with the Imagawa and Tokugawa families are preserved and exhibited, is located within the precincts.

Sumpu Castle Park is a historic site located in the center of Shizuoka City, built on the grounds of the former Sumpu Castle. The castle was originally constructed in the late 16th century and later served as the retirement residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Today, the park features reconstructed structures such as the East Gate and Tatsumi Yagura (corner tower), along with peaceful gardens, open lawns, and walking paths. Visitors can explore exhibits about the castle’s history, enjoy seasonal flowers, and experience a calm atmosphere in the heart of the city. It’s a pleasant spot for history lovers and anyone looking for a relaxing break while learning about the legacy of the Tokugawa era.

"Tea Museum, Shizuoka" features exhibits introducing tea industry, history, and culture, as well as rich tea picking and rubbing experiences as well as courses that teach using the five senses, and offers opportunities for everyone both young and old to enjoy learning about tea. In addition, the museum holds training sessions and collects and distributes information for people in the tea industry and tea lovers both in Japan and abroad.

The Mt. Fuji World Heritage Exhibition is a museum dedicated to exploring the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of Mt. Fuji, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. The exhibition highlights why Mt. Fuji is considered both a sacred mountain and an enduring symbol of Japan. Inside the museum, visitors can learn about Mt. Fuji’s geological formation, its influence on Japanese art and literature, and the traditions of mountain worship that have continued for centuries. Interactive displays, videos, and models help explain how the mountain has shaped Japanese culture and why it was recognized as a site of Outstanding Universal Value. It’s an informative and engaging place for anyone who wants to understand the deeper meaning behind Japan’s iconic mountain.

Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha is the head shrine of more than 1,300 Sengen shrines across Japan and is deeply connected to the worship of Mt. Fuji. Located in Fujinomiya City at the southwestern foot of the mountain, it has been a sacred site for centuries, dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, the Shinto deity associated with Mt. Fuji and the protection from volcanic eruptions. The shrine features elegant traditional architecture, a serene atmosphere, and a beautiful spring-fed pond called Wakutama Pond, which is designated a national natural treasure. Historically, this shrine served as the official starting point for climbing Mt. Fuji, and it remains an important cultural and spiritual landmark. A visit offers a peaceful setting and a chance to experience the long history of Mt. Fuji worship in Japan.