Zen & Matcha at a Tokugawa Temple
Zazen and sutra chanting at Tesshu-ji, a temple with Tokugawa ties, then matcha and wagashi — close to the port.
It starts by the cruise terminal — no transport needed
- Temple admission, matcha and a personalised goshuin with your name in kanji are included.
- Short: fits almost any call.
Short calls and rainy days.
Newer listing with few reviews — our more-reviewed culture pick is the Zen, matcha and calligraphy tour.
What you’ll do
The shortest way into the region’s quiet side, and one of the few tours here that fits a tight call. A local guide collects you at Shimizu Port and takes you to Tesshu-ji, a temple tied to the Tokugawa family legacy. Inside you’ll sit zazen and hear a short sutra chanted before a 1,000-year-old Bodhisattva, ring a historic temple bell that survived the Second World War under Tokugawa protection, and then take matcha and traditional wagashi in the temple’s stillness.
Why it’s worth it
- Two hours, port pickup included — it works on afternoon arrivals and short calls where every other cultural tour is out of reach.
- Matcha in a working temple beats matcha in a tourist tearoom, and Shizuoka is the prefecture now betting its future on matcha.
- A genuinely calm hour or two — a useful antidote to a cruise schedule.
Good to know
- Zazen involves sitting still on the floor for a short period; tell the operator in advance about knees, backs or mobility.
- Pairs naturally with the tea story of this region — see Shizuoka tea from the cruise port.
- Booking and live pricing are on Viator.
What you will see
Our own guides to each stop — so you know what you are booking before you book it.
Check dates and book
Booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company) — free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead. There is no tour desk at the pier, so book before you sail.
- Photo assistance by your guide (shared via Google Drive, not professional photography)
- Admission fees for Tetsushuji Temple
- Matcha & traditional wagashi experience
- Personalized Goshuin with original Japanese kanji name
- Ring a historic bell with Mount Fuji views
- Taxi fares (approx. 1,500 JPY per vehicle each way) are not included and should be paid directly to the driver. Your guide provides full navigation and escort.
- Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, extra food, or drinks)
We may earn a small commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we recommend — the “think twice” notes above are there on purpose.
Before you book
Is the Zen & Matcha at a Tokugawa Temple worth it from Shimizu?
Zazen and sutra chanting at Tesshu-ji, a temple with Tokugawa ties, then matcha and wagashi — close to the port. Best for: Short calls and rainy days.
How long a port call do I need for this tour?
About 4 hours: the tour runs 2 hours, and you should be back at the pier 60 minutes before all-aboard, plus time to get off the ship.
What should I know before booking?
Newer listing with few reviews — our more-reviewed culture pick is the Zen, matcha and calligraphy tour.
Other local picks
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The culture pick: zazen meditation, whisked matcha and brush calligraphy at two old temples near the port — and back in about two and a half hours.
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The best short tour at this port: Mt. Fuji viewpoints plus making your own Fuji-shaped wagashi sweet, and you are back at the ship with hours to spare.
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A gentle guided walk: Miho's pine grove, Dream Plaza and the waterfront, with tea and a snack — no long drives.
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