About the Port
Shizuoka serves as a gateway to two of Japan's most storied landscapes: the tea-growing hills of the Suruga region and the volcanic highlands of Hakone. Travelers passing through the port can explore working tea farms where the region's famous green tea is cultivated and processed, then sample local street food in the lively stalls of central Shizuoka before heading inland toward Mount Fuji. The Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre offers context on the mountain's cultural and religious significance long before it comes into view.
Farther into the hills, Hakone unfolds as a retreat of hot springs, lakes, and art. The Hakone Open-Air Museum, established in 1969, sets sculpture and installation work amid wooded grounds with the surrounding peaks as backdrop. Because the drive from the coast climbs steadily through forested terrain, a full day is typically needed to take in both the tea country and Hakone's cultural sites.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Shizuoka - Hakone.
Cruise Lake Ashi
A scenic boat ride across the volcanic lake offers views of Mount Fuji on clear days and access to the Hakone Shrine's iconic torii gate at the water's edge.
Ride the Hakone Ropeway
Gondolas climb over the steaming volcanic vents of Owakudani, giving a bird's-eye view of the sulfurous valley and, weather permitting, Fuji itself; allow about 30 minutes each way.
Sip Tea at the Source
Wander rows of manicured tea bushes on a working Suruga farm and taste freshly brewed sencha, a direct link to the region's centuries-old tea culture.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Shizuoka - Hakone
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Harmony | 25 | $15,006 | |
| Mar 12, 2027 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Harmony | 25 | $15,411 | |
| Apr 9, 2027 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Harmony | 25 | $14,576 |