This tour includes the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji from Miho no Matsubara and Nihondaira, and a georgius and vivid vermillion collared shrine called Kunozan Toshogu where you will feel Japanese artisan sprit and their masterpieces. Visiting the port seamen's inn will give you an image of how Japanese lived in the Meiji Restoration period about 150 years ago.
At you hotel in Tokyo or JR Shizuoka Station
See and enjoy the beautiful contrast of scenery and color among Mt. Fuji, Pine Tree Grave and seashore at Miho no Matsubara
Enjoy scenic view of Mt. Fuji at Nihondaira and explore the vivid colored architectures and sculptures with stories behind at Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
Shimizu Port Seamen's Inn Museum will tell you how the seamen's life in the late 19th century
Enjoy shopping the local specialties and souvenirs in S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA
At JR Shizuoka Station or your hotel
The first place you visit after arriving at JR Shizuoka Station is "Miho no matsubara pine tree grove," that is one of the 25 sightseeing places designated as the UNESCO World Heritage under "Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration." When the weather is fine and clear, you can see Mt. Fuji so beautifully at the seashore after walking through the pine trees. You can really enjoy its beautiful shape with snow on top while listing to the sound of waves from the sea. You can walk on the seashore while you are looking for the best scenic spot for your memorable photos.
You will be driven up to Nihondaira where you can see Mt. Fuji with Suruga Bay magnificently, if the weather is fine. You will take a ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu.
If you are interested in Japanese history, it is worthwhile to visit and see its sophisticated historical architectures and statues by your own eyes.
Kunozan Toshogu is a shrine built in 1617 for Tokugawa Ieyasu to be enshrined, by the order of his son, Tokugawa Hidetada.
Ieyasu was the first Shogun of the Edo period. The Shogun was the supreme commander in the feudal system, the highest position of samurai given by the Empire at that time. The shrine has 14 buildings including its main building which is the origin of an architectural style called "Gongen-Zukuri" and was designated as a National Treasure. They were beautifully painted with lacquer and gorgeously decorated with gold foils. Each architecture and sculpture has some legendary stories, which I will explain you in detail if you like. If you are interested in Samurai swards and armors, it would be interesting to visit the museum just in front of the shrine.
After getting back to Nihondaira by the ropeway, it can be good to have a lunch at Nihondaira Hotel, while watching Mt. Fuji just in front.
When we drive down to Shimizu Port, we will visit Shimizu Port Seamen's Inn Museum "Suehiro," where you can see the displays of Jirocho's final years and the history of Shimizu Port. Jirocho is probably not famous overseas, but he is still very popular among seniors in Japan because his biography as the hero of that time was often performed by "Rokyoku" recitation at the theaters and aired on the radio till the end of the 20th century. In fact he lived there at the end of Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration. You can see the lifestyle and culture of those days.
Since Shimizu Port is a fishery port famous for tuna and local fishes, we will stop by at S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA and enjoy some shopping before returning to Shizuoka Station.
It includes guide & lunch fee and transportation fee to Shizuoka Station from my home and vice versa and hotel pick-up fee in case you stay in Shizuoka City
In case if you want to come from Tokyo area:JR Shinkansen fee from Tokyo Station to Shizuoka Station can be 5830 yen (Non-reserved seat).
If you want me pick you up at your hotel in Tokyo early in the morning the Shinkansen fee will be charged separately.
Transportation fee from Shizuoka Station to Miho no Matsubara: 900 yen per person
Transportation fee from Mino no Matsubara to Nihondaira: 1210 yen per person
Nihondaira Ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu: 1100 yen per person (Return ticket)
Admission Fee to Kunozan Toshogu: 800 yen per person (including museum)
If you prefer to have buffet lunch at Nihondaira Hotel: 3600 yen per person
Fees for transportation, admission and lunch for the group (including the guide) during the tour will be paid by the customer.
Travel fees from my house to the venues will be additionally charged. The followings are rough estimations: Yokohama: 1,000 JPY, Kamakura; 1,100 JPY, Hakone; 3,000 JPY, Mount Fuji: 9,000 JPY, Nikko: 8,000 JPY
Shizuoka: 11,000 JPY (If the tour starts before 9:00, another 7,000 JPY is reqired for an accomodation as the guide have to go to Shizuoka one day before.)
It is rare to see Mt. Fuji clearly even if the weather is fine. We have more chance to see it in the morning when the air is clear, therefore it is better to arrive at Mino no Matsubara, the first sightseeing spot, possibly early in the morning.
You also see it from Shinkansen bullet train on the way to JR Shizuoka Station.
In order to enjoy the beauty and history of Kunozan Toshogu, it would be better to have some idea about Japanese feudal times and the great achievement of Tokugawa Ieyasu, which I will explain you on the way to Kunozan Toshogu.
There is another "Toshogu" in Nikko which is very famous not only for Japanese but also overseas visitors. Kunozan Toshogu was built in 1617, just one year after Ieyasu died. Nikko Toshogu was built later than that. I will tell you the similarities and differences between two Toshogus from various angles such as architecture, sculpture and historical importance, which may lead you more interest in Japanese architectures and history.
Macky took me to multiple places around Mt Fuji I would have never know about. Several great views of Mt Fuji from the various stops. He was very kind and informative. I can't imagine how I could have made the day any better!
Our day with Macky was excellent. In every way, Macky delivered. We had a full itinerary planned, and even with a last minute request to change one of our stops from a bike ride to a winery visit, Macky was able to accommodate. If you are looking for a guide that will find a way to squeeze in all that you want to do within a short time frame without sacrificing the integrity of your trip, Macky is your guide. Prior to our tour, Macky sent us a detailed itinerary down to the hour (while also allowing for flexibility). He really listened to what we wanted to do and what we wanted to accomplish in one day and he made it all happen. Macky is a great tour guide with a wealth of knowledge about Japan who will work with your requests and make sure your day/tour is time extremely well-spent. Thank you, Macky!
Dear Aubrey, It was really pleasure to have you guided the areas where you can see Mt. Fuji. Thank you very much for rating your high evaluation to my guide. I really appreciated your comments. I will work hard to make my guests more enjoyable in my guided tour in the future. I hope you have enjoyed tours in Tokyo and return to your home safely. I wish you and your parents have healthy and enjoyable life. Best regards, Macky Hagiya