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Offered languages
- English
Shizuoka Shore Excursion from Shimizu Port — Meet at Shimizu Station. No long walking. 4-in-1: temple, Zen, matcha, calligraphy.
Cruise-friendly small-group tour with an English-speaking local guide. Visit Seikenji Temple linked to Tokugawa Ieyasu, practice Zen meditation, enjoy matcha with seasonal sweets, and learn calligraphy—take home your name on a washi scroll.
Highlights:
- For cruise travelers at Shimizu Port
- 4-in-1 cultural experience: temple, Zen, matcha & calligraphy
- English-speaking local guide; cruise-friendly timing
- Small-group (Max 10), ~3.5h; minimal walking
Note:
- Duration: ~3.5 hours
- Meeting: Shimizu Station – East Exit (arrive 10–15 min early). Meet 10:20 → take the 10:40 local bus together.
- Clothing: Comfortable attire for meditation (chairs available)
- After booking, you’ll receive a pinned map and Shimizu Station meeting photo, plus step-by-step directions for an easy meet-up.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meeting Point – From Shimizu Port: Take the free shuttle near the Ferris wheel to JR Shimizu Station (5 min). Cruise ship buses may also be available—please confirm with ship staff. Taxi takes 5 min. Our staff waits at the station bus stop with a welcome sign.
Itinerary
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1
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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