Mt. Fuji tour from Shimizu Port: Lake Tanuki, waterfalls & shrine

Lake Tanuki, two waterfalls fed by Mt. Fuji spring water, and a 9th-century shrine in five hours

A private sedan taxi tour departing Shimizu Port visits three Mt. Fuji World Heritage sites: Lake Tanuki, a quiet photo spot where local people camp and holiday. Shiraito and Otodome Falls, fed by Mt. Fuji spring water; and Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine, the foremost of over 1,300 Sengen shrines across Japan. The tour runs five hours with an English-speaking guide and a professional driver. The sedan seats up to two guests comfortably plus the guide, with highway tolls and parking included. Lunch is not part of the itinerary.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mt.Fuji area sightseeing tour

• Drive from Shimizu Port to Lake Tanuki
• Visit Lake Tanuki photo spot
• Drive to Shiraito and Otodome Falls
• Explore Shiraito and Otodome Falls
• Drive to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine
• Visit Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine
• Drive back to Shimizu Port

The Experience

The sedan taxi picks you up at Shimizu Port and heads inland to Lake Tanuki, one of the most photographed vantage points for Mt. Fuji among photographers. Unlike the busier Lake Kawaguchi, Tanuki stays peaceful: a place where local people spend weekends and camp. You'll have time to walk around and frame shots without the cruise-ship crowds that gather at other spots in the region.

From there, the driver takes you to Shiraito and Otodome Falls, two cascades that sit close to each other and form part of Mt. Fuji's World Heritage designation. The water comes mostly from Mt. Fuji spring runoff, and the falls rank among Japan's most beautiful. There's a viewing platform accessible to wheelchair users if you need it. The sound and scale of the water against the mountain backdrop is what draws photographers back.

The final stop is Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine, built in the 9th century to protect the area from volcanic eruption. It's the head shrine of a network of more than 1,300 Sengen shrines scattered across the country, and it carries the weight of that history. After you've walked the shrine grounds, the driver returns you to Shimizu Port to finish the tour. The whole day runs five hours, and your guide speaks English throughout.

What’s included

• Chartered sedan taxi with a professional licensed driver.
• English-speaking government-certified guide.
• highway toll road fees.
• parking fees at each site.

Days and timesDaily · 13 departure times, from 08:00 to 14:00

Meeting point and pickupPickup optional · ends where it starts4 pickup points to choose from.Meeting point, per the operator: “Your guide waits for you at the exit of CIQ terminal showing your welcome paper.”

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Local Travel Partners,Inc

Is this one for you?The sedan taxi is sized for up to two guests, so a couple or a small family travels privately without sharing the vehicle. If you're a group of three or more, the van taxi tour offers more space. The five-hour duration fits a cruise port day, with the route timed to start and end at Shimizu Port.

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Top questions

What's the difference between Lake Tanuki and Lake Kawaguchi for Mt. Fuji photos?

Lake Tanuki is quieter and less touristic than Lake Kawaguchi. Local people use it for camping and weekend holidays, and it's a favorite spot for photographers because it stays peaceful even though it's one of the most popular Mt. Fuji viewpoints.

Are Shiraito Falls and Otodome Falls two separate stops, or do I visit them together?

Shiraito and Otodome Falls sit very close to each other, so you visit them as part of one stop. Both are fed by Mt. Fuji spring water and are part of the Mt. Fuji World Heritage area.

What does the sedan taxi tour include in the price?

The tour includes the chartered sedan taxi with a professional licensed driver, an English-speaking government-certified guide, highway toll fees, and parking at each site. Lunch is not included.

How many people fit comfortably in the sedan taxi?

The sedan seats up to two guests plus the guide. Though the taxi can technically hold three guests and a guide, two passengers is the recommended capacity so everyone has room to sit comfortably.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. Lake Tanuki is accessible, and there's a viewing platform for wheelchair users at Shiraito Falls. Let the operator know the size of your wheelchair or stroller when you book.

How long is the tour, and when does it start and end?

The tour runs five hours total. It starts and finishes at Shimizu Port, making it suitable for cruise ship passengers who have a few hours to spend on a shore excursion.