Shizuoka offers a compelling mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and culinary delights, making it an excellent destination for shore excursions. Unlike some ports that are purely for shopping or quick sights, Shizuoka provides authentic experiences in its temples, landscapes, and food. We particularly like the Shizuoka Shore Excursion: Zen, Matcha & Calligraphy because it combines spirituality with hands-on tradition in a small-group setting. For travelers wanting a deeper connection with Japan’s cultural roots, this tour offers a relaxed, meaningful introduction without long walks or touristy crowds. It’s perfect if you’d like to meet the real Shizuoka, especially with the added bonus of practicing calligraphy on a washi scroll.
If you’re after a more expansive, private experience, the Private Mt. Fuji Cultural Experience takes you to iconic spots like Miho no Matsubara Beach and Shiraito Falls. This tour offers a personalized day with a local guide, emphasizing the spiritual and scenic significance of Mt. Fuji. Meanwhile, for those who love culinary hands-on activities, the Sushi Class at Shimizu Port provides a fun, interactive way to learn about Japan’s most famous dish, with a visit to the Sushi Museum and a sushi-making session with a professional chef.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of each tour, helping you decide which fits your interests and schedule best.
1. Shizuoka Shore Excursion: Zen, Matcha & Calligraphy Shimizu Port
This highly-rated tour (5.0/5 based on 14 reviews) is a perfect blend of spiritual practice, cultural crafts, and local flavors. Designed for cruise travelers at Shimizu Port, it lasts around 3.5 hours and involves a small-group experience with an English-speaking local guide. You’ll meet at Shimizu Station, making logistics simple and easy, with no long walks involved. The highlight is visiting Seikenji Temple, linked to Tokugawa Ieyasu, where you’ll explore traditional Zen architecture and learn about Japan’s samurai history.
Next, the tour continues to Zuiunin Temple for a calming Zen meditation session called zazen, guided by a Zen monk. This is a chance to experience traditional mindfulness and quiet reflection. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a cup of matcha green tea paired with seasonal sweets in a tatami room, gaining insight into Japan’s tea culture. The final activity is a calligraphy session where you’ll learn to write your name in beautiful kanji, using traditional brushes and ink, and take home a personalized washi scroll. The reviews highlight how moving and rewarding the meditation and calligraphy experiences are, with many describing it as “delightful” and “very special.”
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, intimate cultural experience that’s ideal for cruise travelers wanting a taste of Japan’s spiritual and artistic traditions without hassle or long walking.
2. Shimizu Shore Excursion: Private Mt. Fuji Cultural Experience
This private tour (rated 5.0/5 from 1 review) offers a personalized, in-depth exploration of Mt. Fuji’s cultural landscape. It lasts roughly 5 to 6 hours and is best suited for travelers seeking a flexible, all-encompassing day. Led by a bilingual local guide, this journey emphasizes experiential encounters: from walking along the historic Miho no Matsubara Beach (famous for its black sand and scenic views of Fuji) to visiting Yamamiyasengen Shrine, where the landscape is aligned with Fuji’s cone on clear days.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on cultural and spiritual sites like Shiraito Falls, where snowmelt creates delicate water threads that are both beautiful and symbolic. You’ll learn how landscape and etiquette are intertwined with the reverence for Mt. Fuji. The tour also includes sampling Fuji’s famous sake at a brewery, and trying Fujinomiya-style yakisoba at Omiya Yokocho. The guide’s personal knowledge makes each stop meaningful, and the scenic viewpoints provide many photo opportunities.
Reviewers appreciate the clear communication and tailored experience, calling this “the best private tour” they’ve done. It’s an excellent choice for travelers interested in cultural significance, nature, and scenic views, particularly those who want a private, relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: A premium, customizable experience ideal for lovers of Japan’s sacred landscapes and local traditions, with a focus on scenic beauty and cultural depth.
$1,200.00 per group (up to 5)
3. Private Shizuoka Shore Excursion: Sushi Class at Shimizu Port
For those who want to get hands-on with Japanese cuisine, this 2-hour private sushi-making class is a fantastic fit. Rated 5.0/5 by a recent traveler, it’s perfect for families, couples, or culinary enthusiasts. Starting at S-Pulse Dream Plaza, the tour includes a visit to the Sushi Museum, which recreates Shimizu’s streets from a century ago, offering a fun historical backdrop to your culinary experience. The museum itself is a great photo spot and provides context to the local fish and sushi traditions.
Then, you’ll learn to make your own nigiri and maki rolls with a professional sushi chef. Using locally caught seafood from Shizuoka, you’ll get a true taste of regional flavors. The chef will guide you through techniques, and you’ll taste your creations plus additional pieces prepared by the chef. There’s an option for sake tasting (for those 20+), adding a bit of local flair to the lesson. The tour’s compact size makes it highly interactive and personal, ideal for travelers wanting a fun, memorable activity that also teaches a useful skill.
Many reviewers, including one who described it as “short but very fun,” highlight how easy it was to follow along and how delicious their sushi turned out. It’s best suited for foodies and those eager to bring a piece of Japan home through their own sushi.
Bottom Line: A lively, engaging activity that combines cultural history with practical skills, perfect if you love Japanese food and want a memorable hands-on experience.
$163.34 per person
How to Choose the Right Shore Excursion in Shizuoka
When deciding among these options, consider your interests and schedule. If you prefer a cultural, spiritual experience with gentle activities, the Zen, Matcha & Calligraphy tour offers a peaceful introduction. For those wanting a more scenic and personalized exploration of Mt. Fuji, the private Cultural Experience provides flexibility and depth. If culinary skills and tasting local seafood are your priority, the Sushi Class combines fun, learning, and delicious results.
Budget-wise, the first and third tours offer more affordable options, while the private Mt. Fuji tour provides a customized experience at a higher price point. Consider your fitness level—these tours are generally gentle, but walking at scenic sites can vary. Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, to ensure availability.
In summary, Shizuoka offers a range of memorable shore excursions that go beyond the typical tourist spots. Whether you want a peaceful Zen experience, an exclusive private tour of Mt. Fuji, or a fun sushi-making class, there’s something to match your interests. For a more immersive trip, we recommend booking your favorite early—these experiences fill up quickly in the busy cruise season. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to come away with a richer understanding of Japan’s culture, landscapes, and flavors.