Kunozan Toshogu Shrine & Nihondaira tour from Shizuoka

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, a ropeway crossing, and Mt. Fuji framed by tea fields

A private van tour departing from Shizuoka Station visits three major sites around Shimizu in a morning: Kunozan Toshogu Shrine (a national treasure shrine with the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu), reached by a five-minute ropeway ride over Suruga Bay. Nihondaira Plateau, where you see Mt. Fuji above green tea fields and from the Nihondaira Yume Terrace Observatory; and Miho no Matsubara, a World Heritage pine grove and black sand beach on the coast. An English or French-speaking local guide leads the tour. The ropeway and shrine admission are separate purchases. Starting early reduces wait times at the ropeway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Nihondaira, Shrine, and Miho Beach

• Travel from Shizuoka Station to Nihondaira Ropeway Station
• Ride Nihondaira ropeway round trip
• Visit Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
• Visit Nihondaira Yume Terrace Observatory
• Visit Nihondaira Ocha Kaikan green tea field
• Travel from Nihondaira to Miho no Matsubara
• Explore Miho no Matsubara pine tree grove and beach
• Visit Miho no Matsubara Culture & Creativity Center
• Return to JR Shizuoka Station by van taxi

The Experience

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine sits on a plateau above Shimizu, and the only way up is a five-minute ropeway that crosses Suruga Bay. The round trip takes about twenty minutes and gives you views across the water and down to the port. The shrine itself is a national treasure, built to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, and his mausoleum stands at the site. From there, the tour moves to Nihondaira Plateau, where the Nihondaira Yume Terrace Observatory opened in late 2018 and frames Mt. Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, and the Southern Alps in a single view. The Nihondaira Ocha Kaikan, a Japanese tea shop with its own green tea field, sits nearby. On clear days the mountain rises directly above the rows of tea plants.

The final stop is Miho no Matsubara, a World Heritage site on the coast where a grove of black pine trees lines a black sand beach. The view of Mt. Fuji from the shore is distinct from the plateau views: the mountain sits across the water with white waves and blue sky behind it. The Miho no Matsugara Culture & Creativity Center, which opened in March 2019, holds the history of the site, the Hagoromo legend, and a short film about the beach. It stays open even when weather keeps Mt. Fuji hidden. Transportation between all three sites is by comfortable van, with pickup and return at JR Shizuoka Station.

What’s included

• Private van transportation from JR Shizuoka Station to Nihondaira Plateau, Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, and Miho no Matsubara, with return to the station.
• a live English or French-speaking guide who knows the local area.
• the ropeway round trip over Suruga Bay (about twenty minutes including wait and ride time).

Days and timesDaily · 12 departure times, from 08:30 to 14:00

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “Our guide waits for you showing your Name-Sign around Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket gate of JR Shizuoka Station.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Local Travel Partners,Inc

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want live commentary in English or French as you explore three World Heritage sites around Shimizu. The guide's local knowledge brings the Tokugawa history and landscape to life without needing translation.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

How long does the whole tour take from Shizuoka Station?

The tour runs four hours total, including van travel between the three sites, the ropeway ride, time at each stop, and return to the station. Starting earlier in the day reduces the chance of waiting in line at the ropeway.

What is Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and why is it important?

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine is a national treasure registered shrine built to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. His mausoleum is located at the shrine, and it sits on a plateau reached only by the ropeway crossing Suruga Bay.

Can I see Mt. Fuji on this tour?

Mt. Fuji appears at two stops: from the Nihondaira Yume Terrace Observatory on the plateau, and from Miho no Matsubara on the coast. On clear days, you can photograph Mt. Fuji rising above the green tea fields at Nihondaira Ocha Kaikan. If weather clouds the mountain, the Miho no Matsugara Culture & Creativity Center offers indoor exhibits about the site.

What is included in the tour price?

Private van transportation from JR Shizuoka Station to all three sites and back, plus an English or French-speaking guide who lives in the area. The ropeway round-trip fare and admission to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine are purchased separately.

Is there a meal included during the tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour. You can eat at the Nihondaira Ocha Kaikan tea shop or bring your own food.

What physical demands should I expect?

After the ropeway brings you to the top, you climb stone steps to reach Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Wheelchairs and strollers can be accommodated if you notify the operator in advance about the number and size.