Shizuoka City One Day Course Nihondaira Kunozan and Miho

Nihondaira overlooking Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji, the national treasure Kunozan Toshogu enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Miho pine grove of the celestial maiden legend. This classic course ties together three of Shizuoka city signature views in one day, balancing history, scenery and a seaside pine forest.

Course Route

9:30 Start at JR Shizuoka Station Take a Shizutetsu Just Line bus from the station toward Nihondaira. The ride is about 40 to 50 minutes.

10:30 Nihondaira A hill about three hundred meters high commanding sweeping views of Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay and Shimizu Port. The panorama from the Nihondaira Yume Terrace observation building at the summit is a must see.

11:00 Nihondaira Ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Cross a steep valley on a ropeway about one thousand meters long, a roughly five minute aerial ride. The round trip fare is about 1250 yen for adults.

11:20 Kunozan Toshogu The first shrine to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu, with a vividly colored hall designated a national treasure. The stone steps facing the sea and the solemn carvings are highlights. Admission is required, and you can also visit the museum of treasures linked to Ieyasu. Hours are roughly 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry before closing). Allow 40 minutes to an hour.

12:30 Lunch and the Kunou coast The Kunou coast is famous for its stone wall strawberries, and from around December to May you can enjoy picking freshly ripened sweet strawberries.

14:30 Travel to Miho pine grove One of the components of the World Cultural Heritage Mount Fuji. A pine forest said to number some thirty thousand trees lines the shore, including the Hagoromo pine of the celestial robe legend. It is about a twenty minute drive from Kunou to Miho.

15:30 View Mount Fuji from the shore On clear days Mount Fuji rises beyond the pines in a scene worthy of a woodblock print.

17:00 Return to Shizuoka Station to finish

Highlights

The hall of Kunozan Toshogu is striking with its colorful carvings, and the museum of treasures linked to Ieyasu is rewarding. Mount Fuji seen from Miho has long been painted, and the gradation of sea and sky at dusk is lovely.

Access and Tips

Buses from Shizuoka or Shimizu Station are handy for Nihondaira. The ropeway from Nihondaira is the easiest way to reach Kunozan Toshogu (about 1250 yen round trip for adults). A discount set ticket combining the ropeway and shrine admission is available, so ask at the counter to save. Miho is a little far, so plan a car or bus connection.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: Covering Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu and Miho takes about a full day (7 to 8 hours). Allow 40 minutes to an hour at each spot for a relaxed pace.
• Budget sense: The core costs are the ropeway round trip at 1250 yen and shrine admission (from a few hundred yen including the museum). A set ticket can be cheaper than buying separately. Add bus fares and strawberry picking to your estimate.
• Best season and time: For Mount Fuji, the clear mornings of winter are the best chance. Strawberry picking runs winter into spring, and the Miho sunset scene is striking before dusk.
• Avoiding crowds: On weekends and holidays the ropeway and strawberry farms get busy, so start early in the morning. Include the travel time to Miho in your plan.
• Nearby spots: The Shimizu fish market and Esapulse Dream Plaza at Shimizu Port, and a stroll around the Hagoromo pine near Miho, all pair well.

A Quick Tip

The shrine has many stone steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Ask about the ropeway and admission set ticket at the counter to save. For Mount Fuji, the clear mornings of winter are the best chance.