Shizuoka in 1 Day for Seniors - Nihondaira Ocha Kaikan tea field and photo views of Mt. Fuji
In Collaboration with Local Travel Partners. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Sightseeing around Shimizu Port for cruise ship passenger. Visit Nihondaira tea fields and observatories, take the Nihondaira Ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, then see Miho no Matsubara (pine grove) and the Miho culture center. English-speaking licensed guide and private van taxi included.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Local Travel Partners, inspired by the tour Private sightseeing tour from Shimizu Port / Van Taxi. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Nihondaira Ocha Kaikan tea field and photo views of Mt. Fuji
- Nihondaira Yume Terrace observatory
- Nihondaira Ropeway round trip to Kunozan
- Kunozan Toshogu Shrine (national treasure)
- Miho no Matsubara pine grove and beach
- Miho Culture & Creativity Center
Itinerary
Day 1
Private 4-hour tour starting at Shimizu Marine Terminal. The guide leads a compact route to Nihondaira (tea fields, Yume Terrace, ropeway), Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, and Miho no Matsubara, designed for comfortable pacing with short transfers by van taxi.
Meet at Shimizu Marine Terminal and briefing
Meet your English-speaking guide at the Shimizu Marine Terminal. Short briefing, check baggage or mobility needs, and depart by private van taxi.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at the terminal meeting point 5–10 minutes before the scheduled time to allow time for check-in with the guide.
- Confirm the number and size of any wheelchairs or strollers with the guide during the briefing (this tour notes limited wheelchair/stroller accessibility).
- There are public restrooms at Shimizu Marine Terminal; use them before departure for a smoother first transfer.
Nihondaira Ocha Kaikan — green tea field & quick photo stop
Visit the tea shop area and green tea field for short photos (Mt. Fuji views are weather dependent). The guide provides brief context on local tea production.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a lightweight jacket in April; higher elevation at Nihondaira can be several degrees cooler than the port.
- If you have limited mobility, notify the guide before arrival — there is some stepping on uneven ground in the tea-field viewing area.
- There are usually tea-sampling or small purchases available at the Ocha Kaikan; keep small-change handy if you want to buy a snack.
Nihondaira Yume Terrace observatory
Short stop at the Yume Terrace observatory for coastal and Mt. Fuji views from the new terrace opened in 2018.
Tips from local experts:
- The terrace has viewpoints with benches — use them for short rests and to reduce standing time.
- If visibility is important, ask the guide to prioritize this stop earlier in the day; views can worsen with afternoon haze.
- There are limited sheltered areas; on windy or sunny days use a hat or light windbreaker for comfort.
Nihondaira Ropeway — round trip
Board the Nihondaira Ropeway for a round trip to Kunozan. Enjoy aerial views of Suruga Bay during the short ascent/descent.
Tips from local experts:
- The ropeway ride is short (about 5 minutes each way) but expect small queues; starting early reduces wait time.
- Secure loose items and use the seating/handrails provided — the cabins can sway slightly at peak times.
- If you are sensitive to heights, sit near the cabin center and advise the guide so they can allow extra boarding time.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine (national treasure)
Visit the ornate Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Note: reaching the shrine requires climbing stone steps after the ropeway.
Tips from local experts:
- There are stone steps to reach the shrine from the ropeway station; wear non-slip shoes and allow extra time if mobility is limited.
- Take a seat on the nearby benches to rest between viewpoints; the guide can point out accessible routes and shorter paths.
- Photography is permitted in many outdoor areas, but observe any signs restricting photos inside shrine buildings or sacred areas.
Miho no Matsubara (Miho beach & pine grove)
Drive to Miho to see the coastal pine grove (part of Mt. Fuji World Heritage) and the black-sand beach — a classic coastal view representing this area.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths in the pine grove are mostly flat but can be sandy near the beach; wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
- If you have limited walking stamina, stay near the main viewing spots where benches are available instead of walking the full beach stretch.
- April mornings can be breezy on the beach — bring a light layer to stay comfortable during the stop.
Miho Culture & Creativity Center (short visit)
Visit the Miho center (opened 2019) to learn local history, the Hagoromo legend, and view short films about Miho no Matsubara — useful if weather limits beach visibility.
Tips from local experts:
- The center houses short films and sheltered exhibits — a good place to sit for a short rest if wind or sun makes the beach uncomfortable.
- If you need quieter space, request the guide to prioritize this stop earlier or longer; seating areas are available inside the center.
- Restrooms are available at the center; use them here before the return transfer to the port.
Return to Shimizu Marine Terminal — tour end
Drive back to Shimizu Marine Terminal for drop-off. Final questions and brief wrap-up with the guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow a short buffer for port re-boarding procedures; plan to be back at the terminal with time to spare before ship departure.
- Collect any personal items from the van before leaving; guide will confirm all baggage is returned.
- If you requested assistance earlier, remind the guide before disembarking so they can escort you to the terminal entrance if needed.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Experience, Culture, Outdoor |