Shizuoka Shore Excursion: Zen, Matcha & Calligraphy Shimizu Port

5.0
(14 reviews)
Shizuoka, Japan

3 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

4-in-1 Shizuoka shore tour from Shimizu Port: temple, Zen meditation, matcha & calligraphy.
Meet at Shimizu Station – English-friendly, no long walking.

A relaxing cultural shore excursion designed for cruise travelers.
Visit Seikenji Temple, experience Zen meditation, enjoy matcha with seasonal sweets, and learn Japanese calligraphy with a local English-speaking guide.

Highlights
- 4-in-1 cultural experience: temple, Zen, matcha & calligraphy
- Small group (max 10) / ~4 hours / easy pace
- Cruise-friendly schedule & meeting point
- Local guide with cultural insight

Details
- Duration: ~4 hours
- Meet 10:20 → take the 10:40 bus together
- Comfortable clothing recommended (chairs available)
- After booking: map + meeting photo + step-by-step directions provided

What's Included

Seiken-ji Temple entrance fee The admission fee to Seiken-ji Temple is included in the tour price.
Calligraphy experience: Write your kanji name with brush and ink
Round-trip local bus fare between Shimizu Station and the temple is included in the tour price.
Guided zazen (Zen meditation) experience at Zuiun-in Temple is included.
Matcha green tea and a seasonal Japanese sweet are included as part of the cultural experience.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Guests are responsible for arriving at the meeting point on their own.
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)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 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

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Authentic Cultural Experiences in Shimizu

Tags

Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Cultural Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Religious Tours
Shore Excursions
Small Group
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

5.0 Based on 14 14 reviews
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