Private Shimizu Highlights by Jumbo Taxi
The one I'd book for a first call with 5–6 hours: Nihondaira, Kunozan and Miho — all three of Shimizu's big sights — in four hours, with the ropeway and the driving handled.
It starts by the cruise terminal — no transport needed
- It strings together the three places this site sends you anyway — the Nihondaira view, the ropeway down to Kunozan Toshogu, and the Miho pine grove. By taxi and water bus you would struggle to fit all three into one call.
- 150+ reviews at 4.9★ — the most-reviewed shore excursion out of Shimizu.
- A government-certified English guide plus a licensed driver, and it meets you at the pier.
- Priced per vehicle, not per head, so for four to eight people it undercuts two or three ship's-coach tickets.
A family or group of 3–8 on a call of about 6 hours or more, who want the big three without watching the clock.
Kunozan Toshogu is up 250 stone steps from the ropeway. If steps are hard, the step-free version of this tour skips the shrine and adds a quiet temple instead.
What you’ll do
The most-booked private tour out of Shimizu, and it’s easy to see why. A private jumbo taxi meets your ship and covers three of the area’s signature stops in about four hours — with room for your bags and a driver who does cruise days every week. You’ll photograph tea fields, a hilltop shrine, the Nihondaira ropeway and, on a clear morning, Mt. Fuji — without touching a timetable or a rental counter.
Why it’s worth it
- 99% of 145 travellers recommend it — the highest-reviewed cruise tour at this port.
- Fully private: your pace, your stops, your party only. Morning or early-afternoon start times.
- Round-trip from Hinode Pier, so you’re seeing sights within minutes of stepping ashore.
Good to know
- Runs to your all-aboard: a private driver watching the clock is the safest way to reach the hills and still make the gangway.
- Best on morning calls, when Mt. Fuji is most likely to be out.
- Booking, live pricing and exact stops are on Viator.
What you will see
Our own guides to each stop — so you know what you are booking before you book it.
ViewNihondaira
Nihondaira is the 300 m plateau between Shimizu port and Shizuoka city: a free 360° terrace, a ropeway down to Kunozan Toshogu, tea hills and Mt.
Our guide to it →
ViewNihondaira Yume Terrace
Kengo Kuma's observatory at 300 m: the outdoor corridor is free, the building ¥100 from 1 Oct 2026.
Our guide to it →
Getting aroundNihondaira Ropeway
The cable car from Nihondaira down to Kunozan Toshogu takes about 5 minutes and costs roughly ¥1,250 return, running 9:00–17:00 daily.
Our guide to it →
CultureKunozan Toshogu Shrine
Ieyasu's original burial shrine, a National Treasure on a Pacific cliff.
Our guide to it →
ViewMiho no Matsubara
A World Heritage pine grove on a black-sand spit with the ukiyo-e view of Mt.
Our guide to it →Choose your vehicle
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.
- A government-certified English speaking guide
- Private vehicle with a professional, licensed driver
- lunch time is not included in this tour
- set ticket : round trip ropeway, admission fee to Kunozan Toshotu Shrine and museum
- Nihondaira Yume Terrace Observatory (from October 1st 2026)
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 Private Shimizu Highlights by Jumbo Taxi worth it from Shimizu?
The one I'd book for a first call with 5–6 hours: Nihondaira, Kunozan and Miho — all three of Shimizu's big sights — in four hours, with the ropeway and the driving handled. Best for: A family or group of 3–8 on a call of about 6 hours or more, who want the big three without watching the clock.
How long a port call do I need for this tour?
About 6 hours: the tour runs 4 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?
Kunozan Toshogu is up 250 stone steps from the ropeway. If steps are hard, the step-free version of this tour skips the shrine and adds a quiet temple instead.
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