Private Shizuoka Shore Excursion: Zen, Matcha and Calligraphy

Zen meditation with a local monk – Shizuoka shore excursion from Shimizu Port

Zen meditation with a local monk – Shizuoka shore excursion

Mindfulness practice during zazen at a historic temple in Shizuoka

Hands-on matcha tea ceremony with seasonal sweets – Shimizu Port experience

Enjoying Japanese matcha and sweets during a Shizuoka cultural tour

Sharing smiles over a bowl of matcha at a traditional tea room in Shizuoka

Calligraphy class: write your own kanji – Japanese culture experience

Family enjoying Japanese calligraphy class during a half-day shore excursion

Learning the art of Japanese calligraphy with local guidance

Guests proudly showing their hand-drawn kanji calligraphy outside the temple

Group photo at a historic Zen temple with Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka

Happy participants after a Zen and calligraphy experience at Temple

Duration2h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Experience the ultimate private cultural immersion in Shizuoka. Designed exclusively for cruise travelers, this premium tour offers an intimate journey at a dynamic, efficient pace.

**Highlights**

- 100% Private: No waiting for groups. Enjoy a personalized pace.
- Samurai Heritage: Explore Seiganyo-ji Temple, connected to Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.
- Authentic Zen & Tea: Experience meditation (chairs available) and premium Matcha with sweets.
- Premium Keepsake: Create your own calligraphy on a traditional scroll (Kakejiku).
- Full Support: Your English-speaking private guide meets you at the pier and stays with you throughout the entire tour.

**Time-Efficient Itinerary (2.5 - 3 Hours)**

We maximize your limited shore time. By utilizing taxi transport and a focused 30-minute temple walk, we provide a rich experience without the wasted time of large bus tours. You’ll be back at the pier or local lunch spots with plenty of time to spare.

What's included

Premium matcha green tea and high-quality seasonal Japanese sweets.
Private Zen meditation at a serene temple. Chairs are available for your comfort.
Create your own masterpiece on a traditional hanging scroll (Kakejiku) to take home.
All admission fees for the temple are included in the tour price.

Taxi fares (approx. 2,000 JPY per vehicle each way) are not included and should be paid directly to the driver. Your guide provides full navigation and escort.
Meals are not included other than the matcha tea and Japanese sweet provided during the experience.
Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, extra food or drinks)

What to expect

Seiken-ji Temple
30m · Admission ticket included

Visit Seiken-ji Temple, a historic Zen Buddhist temple with over 1,000 years of history. The temple is famously associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, who studied here as a child. Guests will explore the serene temple grounds, admire its traditional wooden architecture, and gain insight into the role this temple played in shaping Japanese history and culture.
Zuiunin
2h

At Zuiun-in Temple, you'll enjoy a peaceful introduction to Japanese Zen culture.

Start with a zazen (seated meditation) session guided by a Zen monk. Focus on your breath and posture to experience a calm moment of mindfulness.

After meditation, enjoy matcha green tea and seasonal Japanese sweets in a traditional tatami room. Learn the basics of Japanese tea culture and hospitality.

Next is a unique calligraphy experience. Based on the sound of your name, you’ll be offered several beautiful kanji characters, each with a positive meaning such as “love,” “peace,” or “smile.” Choose your favorite, and learn to write it with brush and ink. You’ll take home your own handmade art as a special souvenir.

For those interested, we can also explain the traditional concept of stroke count balance, used in Japan to select kanji characters with good fortune and harmony.

This experience is a perfect way to relax, learn, and connect with Japanese culture in an authentic and personal way.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your private guide will be waiting for you right in front of the "Information Counter" located just outside the ship's security gate. Your guide will be holding a personalized sign with your name on it for a smooth, stress-free meeting.

End point

Your private guide will be waiting for you right in front of the "Information Counter" located just outside the ship's security gate. Your guide will be holding a personalized sign with your name on it for a smooth, stress-free meeting.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

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