Getting around Shizuoka is most rewarding with a knowledgeable guide. The best tours here deliver honest cultural encounters without tourist traps. Walking tours uncover the historic heart of the city, where local guides share insider stories about temples and traditional neighborhoods. For active travelers, bicycle tours through emerald tea plantations offer both exercise and excellent photo opportunities.
I’m especially fond of the private driving excursions to Hakone and Kobe – they eliminate the hassles of public transport while maximizing sightseeing time. These tours typically include an English-speaking guide and can be customized to your interests.
Let’s look at my favorite Shizuoka tours, ranked from must-do to worthwhile.
Key Points
- The Shizuoka/Shimizu Private Tour offers a customizable, full-day walking experience with a licensed, multilingual guide and cultural activities like tea ceremonies.
- The Guided Hybrid Bike Tour in Shizuoka City provides a private, half-day biking excursion suitable for ages 12+ with a maximum group size of 4.
- The Guided Bike Tour to Green Tea Farm includes a private bicycle tour, bottled water, and a local lunch while learning about tea cultivation.
- The Hakone Full Day Tour offers a private, customizable itinerary with a licensed, English-speaking guide and private vehicle transportation.
- The Kobe Private Driving Tour provides a private, customizable driving experience with an English-speaking driver for up to 3 people.
Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 Hr Private Tour: Guide Only
Although this private, full-day walking tour of Shizuoka/Shimizu offers a convenient way to explore the region with a government-licensed, multilingual guide, it’s the tour’s flexibility and customizable nature that truly set it apart.
With the ability to visit 3-4 sites of choice, such as Sumpu Castle Park, Oigawa Railway, and Nihondaira Parkway, travelers can tailor the experience to their interests.
The tour’s 98% traveler recommendation and Badge of Excellence further attest to its quality, with guests praising the knowledgeable guides for their efforts in securing meals, arranging transportation, and sharing local history and cultural insights.
Wheelchair accessibility, stroller-friendly options, and the allowance of service animals ensure the tour caters to diverse needs.
Whether it’s enjoying the views of Mt. Fuji, participating in tea ceremonies, or exploring hidden shrines, this Shizuoka/Shimizu tour promises a memorable and personalized cultural experience.
Read our full review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 Hr Private Tour: Guide Only Review
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Guided Hybrid Bike Tour in Shizuoka City (Note: Not E-Bikes)
Why not explore Shizuoka City on a guided hybrid bike tour and take in the stunning views of Mount Fuji, traditional rice fields, and Edo-era streets?
This private, half-day tour is ideal for both city and countryside settings, lasting 4 hours. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and includes a rental hybrid bike and helmet.
With a maximum group size of 4 people, the tour is suitable for those with a moderate fitness level, aged 12 and above. It’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
Participants shouldn’t consume alcohol before the tour.
The tour starts and ends at Shizuoka Station, with pickup at the South Exit of JR Mochimune Station. Priced from $117.78 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Food and drink aren’t included, but the tour provides insurance coverage. Confirm your booking and pay later for flexibility.
Read our full review: Guided Hybrid Bike Tour in Shizuoka City (Note: Not E-Bikes) Review
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Guided Bike Tour to a Green Tea Farm in Shizuoka (Not E-Bikes)
Shizuoka’s lush tea farms beckon visitors to explore their verdant landscapes on a guided bike tour. This private excursion includes the use of a standard bicycle, helmet, bottled water, and a delightful lunch at a local farmer’s house.
Along the way, an English or French-speaking guide shares insights into the intricate process of tea cultivation.
The tour departs from Shizuoka Station’s north exit, making it easily accessible for travelers. It’s important to note that this experience isn’t suitable for cruise ship passengers from Shimizu Port. Plus, it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Priced at $163.59 per person, the tour offers a Lowest Price Guarantee and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Reviewers have praised the knowledgeable guide, safe passage, and fascinating insights into the world of tea farming, making this a must-do activity for visitors to Shizuoka.
Read our full review: Guided Bike Tour to a Green Tea Farm in Shizuoka (Not E-Bikes) Review
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Hakone Full Day Tour With Guide and Vehicle
Travelers seeking a comprehensive exploration of Hakone’s renowned attractions can opt for the Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle. This private tour allows visitors to customize their itinerary, choosing up to 4 sites from the “What to Expect” list.
The tour includes a licensed local English-speaking guide and a private vehicle for transportation. Pickup is available at hotels in the Hakone area or around Hakone Yumoto Station. Guests can communicate with the tour provider via email for pre-tour coordination.
The tour is accessible, with infant seats, stroller access, and accommodation for service animals. Most travelers can participate, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
While entrance fees, lunch, and personal expenses aren’t included, the tour offers a reserve now and pay later option. With a perfect 5-star rating from 3 reviews, the tour earns praise for its knowledgeable guide and driver, as well as recommendations for must-visit destinations in the Hakone region.
Read our full review: Hakone Full Day Tour With Guide and Vehicle Review
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Kobe Private Driving Tour: English Speaking Driver Only, No Guide
This private Kobe driving tour offers travelers an opportunity to explore the city’s renowned attractions with the convenience of an English-speaking driver.
With a customizable itinerary, you can choose up to 4 sites from the “What to Expect” list and enjoy a private vehicle for your group. The tour includes an English-speaking driver, but no licensed guide.
Pickup is available from hotels in the Kobe area or preferred locations around Kobe Port/Kobe Airport, and the driver can be reached by phone during the tour. The tour is accessible, with infant seats, limited car seats, and wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
Booking and cancellation policies are flexible, with a free cancellation option up to 24 hours before the experience and a reserve now, pay later option available.
At €353.60 per group (up to 3 people), this private driving tour offers a tailored and convenient way to explore Kobe.
Read our full review: Kobe Private Driving Tour: English Speaking Driver Only, No Guide Review
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Shirakawago and Takayama Licensed Guide and Vehicle From Kanazawa
Explore the charming villages of Shirakawago and Takayama on this private guided tour from Kanazawa. This customizable tour allows you to choose 3-4 sites from the list of attractions, ensuring a personalized experience.
You’ll be accompanied by a licensed local English-speaking guide and travel in a private vehicle, with a maximum group size of 7 passengers.
The tour includes entrance fees for the selected sights, while lunch and personal expenses aren’t covered, so you’ll need to have Japanese yen on hand.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infant seats are available, though limited. Keep in mind that only one reservation per group is allowed, and no combining of reservations is possible.
Based on the single review, the tour guide’s knowledge and attentiveness were praised, but some visitors felt the time constraints at various locations led to brief visits, suggesting fewer sights for more in-depth exploration.
The host has acknowledged the feedback and is committed to improving the service.
Read our full review: Shirakawago and Takayama Licensed Guide and Vehicle From Kanazawa Review
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Barrier-Free Transportation in Kamakura, No Guide (Tokyo Dep.)
For travelers seeking an accessible way to explore the charming town of Kamakura, this private transportation service from Tokyo offers a hassle-free solution.
With a wheelchair-accessible vehicle and English-speaking driver, you can embark on a customizable 3-4 site tour at your own pace. The service covers pickup within the 23 wards of Tokyo, ensuring convenient access.
Beyond the transportation, the experience also includes a licensed local guide to provide insights and context during your visit.
While entrance fees, lunch, and personal expenses aren’t included, the price of $932.46 per group (up to 3 travelers) offers a competitive value.
Flexibility is key, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior and a reserve now, pay later option available.
Whether you’re traveling with a wheelchair, stroller, or young children, this barrier-free tour ensures an accessible and enjoyable exploration of Kamakura’s highlights.
Read our full review: Barrier-Free Transportation in Kamakura, No Guide (Tokyo Dep.) Review
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Recap
Shizuoka offers a variety of guided tours, from private Mt. Fuji viewings to hybrid bike tours exploring local tea farms. Nearby, Hakone and Kamakura provide accessible transportation options for sightseeing. For a more customized experience, consider private driving tours in Kobe or day trips to Shirakawago and Takayama with a licensed guide. Travelers can choose the tour that best fits their interests and accessibility needs.