Exclusive Private Zen and Cultural Tour from Shimizu Port

7 to 8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 3 more

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%)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

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

Itinerary

Duration: 7 to 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    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.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    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.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    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.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5

    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.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 6

    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)

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 7

    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)

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 8

    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.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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
Supplied by Japan Star Travel Agency

Tags

Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Religious Tours
Car Tours
Shore Excursions
New Product
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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