Tours/Shizuoka/Private Shizuoka Shore Excursion: Zen, Matcha and Calligraphy
Private Shizuoka Shore Excursion: Zen, Matcha and Calligraphy
5.0(14)Shizuoka2h 30min
VIATOR5.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(13)
+8 photos
At a glance
Duration
2h 30min
Price from
$149 / person
Location
Shizuoka, Japan
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 14 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Authentic Cultural Experiences in Shimizu
Meeting point
Your private guide will be waiting for you right in front of the "Information Counter" located just outside the ship's security gate. Your guide will be holding a personalized sign with your name on it for a smooth, stress-free meeting.
Description
Experience the ultimate private cultural immersion in Shizuoka. Designed exclusively for cruise travelers, this premium tour offers an intimate journey at a dynamic, efficient pace.
**Highlights**
- 100% Private: No waiting for groups. Enjoy a personalized pace.
- Samurai Heritage: Explore Seiganyo-ji Temple, connected to Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.
- Authentic Zen & Tea: Experience meditation (chairs available) and premium Matcha with sweets.
- Premium Keepsake: Create your own calligraphy on a traditional scroll (Kakejiku).
- Full Support: Your English-speaking private guide meets you at the pier and stays with you throughout the entire tour.
**Time-Efficient Itinerary (2.5 - 3 Hours)**
We maximize your limited shore time. By utilizing taxi transport and a focused 30-minute temple walk, we provide a rich experience without the wasted time of large bus tours. You’ll be back at the pier or local lunch spots with plenty of time to spare.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, and Fri
Start times
9:00 AM and 10:00 AM
Next available
Tue, Oct 13
Adult (ages 13+)
$149
Child (ages 6–12)
$149
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 12.
Tour Options
Shizuoka Shore Excursion: Zen, Matcha & Calligraphy Shimizu Port
Itinerary
Seiken-ji Temple
Admission included30 min
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.
Zuiunin
120 min
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.
What's included
Included
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.
Not included
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)
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
14 reviews
5
14
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Shizuoka
No. 12 by number of reviews among 117 tours in Shizuoka
Starting price $149 is 61% above the typical $93 for tours of similar length in Shizuoka
Excurgo comparison of 117 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Private Shizuoka Shore Excursion: Zen, Matcha and Calligraphy lasts about 2h 30min. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $149 per person for this Shizuoka experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, starting at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
How much does this tour cost for children?
Children aged 6–12 pay from $149, adults from $149.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Your private guide will be waiting for you right in front of the "Information Counter" located just outside the ship's security gate. Your guide will be holding a personalized sign with your name on it for a smooth, stress-free meeting. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 10 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 14 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Authentic Cultural Experiences in Shimizu.
Reviews(14)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
G
G8792GAcarolk
November 11, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A hands on opportunity to experience local culture
The selected sites provided great settings for learning about local history and culture . Our guide was extremely personable, knowledgeable, and responsive. The hands on activities were well organized and offered interesting and enjoyable opportunities to experience the local culture.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
We’re happy to hear you enjoyed learning about local history and culture, and that the hands-on activities added fun to the experience.
We still remember trying to find each other at the meeting point — a little adventure before the tour even started!
We're glad we connected in the end and could spend a wonderful day together.
We truly appreciate your kind words, and we hope to welcome you back to Shimizu someday!
D
Douglas_C
November 7, 2025 · via Viator
Unique Cultural Experience
We had a delightful day with this tour. The guides provided so much background detail. The meditation experience was very moving and impactful. The calligraphy was a very special unique challenge. Highly recommend this intimate and rewarding experience.
Operator response
Thank you so much for joining our tour and for your wonderful review!
We’re glad to hear that the meditation touched you deeply and that the calligraphy challenge made the experience memorable.
Sharing Japanese culture in an intimate way is something we value greatly, so your words truly mean a lot to our team.
We hope to welcome you back to Shimizu again—perhaps to try a new kanji next time!
Safe travels and thank you again!
A
alyssaedelman
October 5, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Loved it!
I can't say enough great things about our experience - it was a fantastic way to spend the day in Shimizu. Our tour guide was knowledgable and friendly, the temple and monastery were gorgeous, and we got a taste of the local culture without any stress. And we went home with our calligraphy souvenirs!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review — and congratulations again on your honeymoon!
We’re truly honored that you chose to spend part of your special trip with us in Shimizu.
It makes us very happy to hear that you enjoyed the temple visit, cultural experiences, and your calligraphy souvenirs.
Wishing you both a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and many more beautiful adventures together.
R
richardbT9712EN
September 1, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
From Zen to Calligraphy — A Memorable Day
I truly enjoyed the balance of the experience — history, meditation, and hands-on culture.
Seikenji Temple was impressive, and the Zen session helped me slow down after busy travel days.
The matcha was slightly bitter, but authentic, and writing kanji was a highlight.
Everything was well explained in English and perfectly timed for cruise passengers.
Operator response
Thank you very much for your thoughtful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the balance of history, Zen meditation, and hands-on culture — that harmony is exactly what we hope to share with our guests.
We truly appreciate your kind words about the explanations and timing, and we’re glad the matcha and calligraphy made the experience memorable.
Wishing you peaceful and inspiring journeys ahead, and we’d love to welcome you back to Shimizu anytime.
X
X9973FHkevinj
September 1, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Peaceful time at Seikenji Temple
We had a wonderful stop in Shimizu. Visiting Seikenji Temple was peaceful and the Zen meditation was a new experience for us, even calming for our teenagers. Afterward we enjoyed tea and sweets and some other cultural activities. The guide was friendly and spoke excellent English, which made everything very easy and enjoyable.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
We’re very happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere at Seikenji Temple and that the Zen meditation was a calming experience for everyone — even for your teenagers!
We’re also glad that the tea, sweets, and cultural activities added to your visit, and truly appreciate your kind words about our guide.
Wishing you many more wonderful travels, and we hope to welcome you back to Shimizu someday!
K
katrinabH3487KZ
August 31, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Authentic Japanese Tea & Culture Experience
My wife and I joined this tour while our cruise was in port and it was one of the best things we did in Japan. The tea ceremony was fascinating – graceful, beautiful, and very different from anything back home. We also visited a historic temple and enjoyed a short meditation and calligraphy activity, which made the whole experience feel rich and authentic. The small group size and friendly guide made it feel very personal. Highly recommended!
Operator response
Thank you very much for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you and your wife enjoyed the experience and felt the tea ceremony and calligraphy were so unique and authentic.
It means a lot to us that the small group setting and our guide made the tour feel personal and memorable.
We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Shimizu someday for more peaceful and beautiful moments.
J
jasonwX9058MJ
August 31, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great Family Activity Close to the Port
This tour was perfect for our family with young kids.
Even the short bus ride to the temple was exciting for our children (7 and 9) – they loved watching the scenery and felt like real adventurers.
At the temple, they absolutely enjoyed trying calligraphy with brush and ink, and were so proud to take home their own kanji characters.
We also had a taste of matcha with sweets and a peaceful temple visit. Everything was well organized, close to the port, and easy with kids. Highly recommended for families!
Operator response
Thank you so much for sharing your lovely review!
We’re so happy to hear that your children enjoyed the calligraphy and felt like little adventurers on the way to the temple — that’s exactly the kind of experience we hope families can enjoy together.
We truly appreciate your kind words and are glad the activity was easy and enjoyable for both kids and parents.
Wishing you and your family many more wonderful travels, and we’d love to welcome you back to Shimizu again someday!
J
jsonm2025
August 29, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Peaceful Moments at Seikenji Temple
We had a wonderful time in Shimizu. Visiting Seikenji Temple was a highlight – the atmosphere was calm and the Zen meditation was unforgettable, even for our teenagers who usually find it hard to sit still. Afterwards we enjoyed matcha with sweets and some other cultural activities. The guide was kind, knowledgeable, and spoke excellent English. Truly a memorable experience during our cruise stop!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you and your family enjoyed your time in Shimizu, especially the Zen meditation at Seikenji Temple. It’s great to know that even your teenagers found it memorable!
We truly appreciate your kind words about our guide and are happy the matcha and calligraphy experiences added to your visit.
We hope your cruise journey continues to be filled with great memories — you’re always welcome back to Shimizu anytime!
N
nicon2022
August 25, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great authentic experience to dive into Japanese culture
This tour was a wonderful experience to enter into Japanese culture with authentic zen meditation, matcha tea ceremony and calligraphy lesson. Sherry (hope I spelled your name correct) and her assistant guide did a wonderful job to make this a memoriable day for us. Thank you both so much for your kindness and warmhearted tour guidance.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your lovely words! I’m happy you enjoyed the Zen meditation, matcha, and calligraphy. Sherry and the team will be glad to know they made your day memorable. We truly appreciate your kindness and hope to welcome you again in Shimizu!
T
T2799AGjenniferw
August 24, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Relaxing and cultural
t was a short tour but very complete — temple, meditation, tea, calligraphy. The guide explained everything clearly, and even our teenagers stayed interested (which is saying a lot!).
I liked how personal it felt compared to the big-city tours. Definitely a good choice for families.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind review! I’m glad you enjoyed the temple, meditation, tea, and calligraphy — and even the teenagers had fun! We always aim for a personal experience, and I’m happy it felt that way. Hope to see you again in Shimizu!
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Private Shizuoka Shore Excursion: Zen, Matcha and Calligraphy
