Shore Excursion from Shimizu Port to Minobu, Deep Cultural Tour

Our guide and driver will meet you with a private chartered vehicle. During the drive to Mt. Minobu, you can enjoy conversation with our experienced local guide, who will share insights into the culture and more. *Start and end times for the tour vary depending on the arrival and departure times of your cruise ship.

Climb 287 steps (104m high) of Bodaitei stairs on foot to reach Kuon-ji Temple. Throughout its 750-year history, climbing this path is a re-experience of the life of the monks who studied, trained, and devoted their days to the sacred Mt. Minobu. *Shortcut available by car.

Visit Kuon-ji Temple at sacred Mt. Minobu, one of Japan’s three most revered Buddhist peaks, which is a peaceful Buddhist retreat with 750 years of history. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the temple’s rich history.

Take the Ropeway to the Summit and Okunoin, the inner sanctuary, and enjoy a serene traditional mountain setting. Mt. Fuji can be seen if the weather conditions are good.

You will enjoy a vegetarian Zen lunch course in a Monastery. The beautifully presented course includes; Seasonal appetizer, Homemade natto, Yuba sashimi, Seasonal salad, Assorted fries, Steamed yuba with cherry blossoms, Soy-based hotpot, Grain rice, soup, pickles, and Soymilk ice cream topped with local fruit jam.

Cultural Experience Activity *choose 1 per group *Activity fee is not included and we ask for pre-pay for reservation A: Kimono & Calligraphy Wear a gorgeous wedding kimono and take souvenir photos for lifetime memory. Immerse yourself in the art of Zen through a calligraphy experience. Your calligraphy work will be transformed into an original hanging scroll you can take back home. (9,000JPY/person) B: Kimono & Craft Buddhist Prayer Beads Create your prayer beads using a variety of natural stones(crystal, rose quartz, tiger's eye, etc). Learn about the meaning and significance of each stone as a Buddhist altar item. (10,000JPY/person) C: Visit the Buddha Statue Restoration Workshop Explore Japan's one-of-a-kind facility specialized in creating and restoring Buddhist statues, including World Heritage sculptures. Discover ancient techniques and witness efforts to preserve beautiful Japan's cultural heritage. (4,500JPY/person)

D: "Kintsugi" Golden Repairing Experience Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Learn this legacy that celebrates imperfections, turning cracks into unique beauty. Take home your golden masterpiece as a meaningful souvenir of Japan’s craftsmanship and philosophy. (25,000JPY for small plate, 35,000JPY for tea bowl) E: "Washi" traditional Japanese Paper Workshops hosted by local papermakers take you through the step-by-step process of crafting Japanese traditional washi paper. You will find it a simple yet heartfelt creation, entirely distinct from industrial products. (7,500JPY/person)

Leave Mt. Minobu for Shimizu Port. *Start and end times for the tour vary depending on the arrival and departure times of your cruise ship.