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Private Shizuoka Shore Excursion: Zen, Matcha and Calligraphy
A private 2.5-hour Zen, matcha and calligraphy morning written for cruise passengers, but its meeting point is Shimizu port, not Omaezaki.
US$149 each · US$298 for two · Meeting point in the listing
1 / 4Zen meditation with a local monk – Shizuoka shore excursion from Shimizu PortPhoto: tour operator, via Viator
Most listings let you reserve now and pay later, and cancel free up to 24 hours before. Your ship's berth or time can change; a reservation costs nothing to hold.
- Zazen with a Zen monk, chairs available, then matcha with seasonal sweets and your own calligraphy on a hanging scroll to take home.
- Seiken-ji, the temple where Tokugawa Ieyasu studied as a child, is the first stop and its admission is included.
- It is private, the guide meets you with a name sign, and 14 reviews average 5.0.
A party of up to 10 who want a calm, hands-on cultural morning and have already arranged a car to Shizuoka city.
The guide waits 'just outside the ship's security gate', and the record places that at Shimizu port in Shizuoka city. That is 50 km from the Omaezaki wharf. Taxi fares of about 2,000 JPY per vehicle each way are extra, and meals are not included. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
The day, stop by stop
- Seiken-ji Temple · 30 minVisit 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.
- Zuiunin · 2 hrAt 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.
- 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)
Guide languages: English. Cancellation: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Run by Authentic Cultural Experiences in Shimizu.
Check dates and book
Booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company). There is rarely a tour desk at the pier, so book before you sail.
We may earn a small commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we recommend — the “think twice” note above is there on purpose.
Before you book
Is the Private Shizuoka Shore Excursion: Zen, Matcha and Calligraphy worth it from the Omaezaki cruise port?
A private 2.5-hour Zen, matcha and calligraphy morning written for cruise passengers, but its meeting point is Shimizu port, not Omaezaki. Best for: A party of up to 10 who want a calm, hands-on cultural morning and have already arranged a car to Shizuoka city.
How long a port call do I need for this tour?
About 6 hours. The tour runs 2 hr 30 min; add half an hour to get off the ship and keep the hour before all-aboard free. 150 minutes plus 90 minutes is 4 hours. The meeting point is in Shizuoka city, about 50 km and 45 minutes by hired taxi from the wharf. An hour each way is added. 6 hours fits the 9-hour Westerdam call, but only with a car booked for the whole trip.
Can I cancel if my ship skips the port?
The operator's policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What should I know before booking?
The guide waits 'just outside the ship's security gate', and the record places that at Shimizu port in Shizuoka city. That is 50 km from the Omaezaki wharf. Taxi fares of about 2,000 JPY per vehicle each way are extra, and meals are not included. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
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Private Shizuoka Shore Excursion: ZenUS$149 each · US$298 for two · 5.0★ · 14 reviews · Free cancellation 24h aheadFrom US$149 pp5.0★ · 14 reviews · Free cancellationCheck dates on Viator →Check dates →