Shore Excursion from Shimizu Port to Minobu, Deep Cultural Tour

Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Duration7h - 8h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesKorean, Chinese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

We offer an exclusive private tour to Mount Minobu, one of Japan’s three most revered Buddhist peaks.
This serene retreat, boasting 750 years of history, is just 1.5 hours from Shimizu Port and provides a truly immersive journey into Japan’s rich cultural.

Visit Mt. Minobu’s Kuonji Temple, where monks gather to train and practice their faith, and deepen your understanding of Japanese traditions and Buddhist culture with insights from our experienced local guide.

Indulge in a beautiful Zen lunch course that delights both the eyes and the palate. This healthy meal reflects Japan’s traditional dietary practices, renowned for promoting longevity.

Enhance your journey with a hands-on cultural experience. Choose one of several activities rooted in Buddhist teachings and traditions that have shaped Japanese culture for centuries.

Your day will be fully escorted by a licensed English-speaking guide and driver, ensuring a hassle-free and enriching experience.

What's included

  • Ropeway fee
  • One bottled water per person
  • Private guide (English)
  • Zen cuisine lunch course
  • Shimizu Port pickup/drop-off
  • Round-trip private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Activity fee
  • Gratuity (5-20%)

What to expect

  1. Shimizu Port
    1h 30m
    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.
  2. Mt. Minobu
    30m
    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.
  3. Kuon-ji Temple
    30m
    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.
  4. Kiosk at Mt. Minobu Ropeway
    30m · Admission ticket included
    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.
  5. 1h · Admission ticket included
    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.
  6. Mt. Minobu
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    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)
  7. Mt. Minobu
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    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)
  8. Shimizu Port
    1h 30m
    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.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We will pick you up at the Shimizu Port. Our guide and driver will be waiting for you.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
130,000.00 JPY per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Shizuoka Prefecture
From
130,000.00 JPY per person
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