From ocean cliffs to tea-covered hills, explore omaezaki
Discover Omaezaki’s serene beauty through its coastal lighthouse, sand dunes, and lush tea fields.
Why Take This Omaezaki Shore Excursion?
Located on the Pacific coast of Shizuoka Prefecture, Omaezaki offers a refreshing mix of ocean views, natural landscapes, and Japan’s iconic tea culture. This excursion lets you enjoy the calm beauty of the sea and countryside away from the crowds — an ideal balance between coastal exploration and cultural immersion.
- Omaezaki Lighthouse (御前崎灯台) — Perched dramatically on a seaside cliff, this century-old lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji. Walk the scenic trail around the lighthouse and feel the sea breeze from Japan’s southern coast.
- Hamaoka Sand Dunes (浜岡砂丘) — Stretching for miles along the coastline, these dunes are a rare geological wonder. Stroll along the sandy ridges, enjoy sweeping ocean views, and capture photos of this tranquil, windswept landscape.
- Makinohara Tea Fields (牧之原茶畑) — Visit one of Japan’s largest tea-producing areas. Learn about Shizuoka’s green tea cultivation, see the lush, terraced fields, and experience a guided tasting of fresh local teas with a chance to purchase directly from farmers.
This tour captures the essence of Shizuoka’s nature and culture — from coastlines and dunes to tea-covered hills.
Sample Itinerary: Omaezaki Shore Excursion
Omaezaki in a day: breathtaking ocean views, peaceful dunes, and tea-field traditions.
09:00 – Pickup at Omaezaki Port
Meet your friendly local guide and driver upon disembarkation. As you set off along the coastal road, enjoy the sight of the Pacific waves and fishing boats that define this serene seaside town.
09:30 – 10:15 – Omaezaki Lighthouse (御前崎灯台)
Standing proudly on the southernmost tip of Shizuoka, the Omaezaki Lighthouse has guided ships since 1874. Designed by British engineer Richard Henry Brunton, it remains an active beacon today. Climb to the observation deck for sweeping 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Suruga Bay, and — on clear days — the distant silhouette of Mt. Fuji. The surrounding cliffs and coastal paths make for perfect photo opportunities, with wildflowers blooming in spring and seabirds gliding overhead year-round.
10:45 – 11:30 – Hamaoka Sand Dunes (浜岡砂丘)
Continue to the Hamaoka Sand Dunes, one of Japan’s most striking coastal landscapes. Shaped by centuries of Pacific winds, these dunes stretch several kilometers along the shore, evoking a miniature desert against the deep-blue ocean. Wooden boardwalks and observation decks allow easy access to viewpoints without disturbing the fragile ecosystem. The vast, open horizon and sound of waves create an almost meditative experience — a beautiful contrast to Japan’s often crowded cityscapes.
12:00 – 13:00 – Lunch at a Local Seaside Restaurant
Enjoy a relaxing meal at a family-run coastal restaurant where the catch of the day might include tuna, sea bream, or shirasu (whitebait) — a Shizuoka specialty. Pair your seafood with local vegetables and a cup of green tea grown nearby in Makinohara.
13:30 – 15:00 – Makinohara Tea Fields (牧之原茶畑)
After lunch, head inland to the rolling Makinohara Tea Fields, one of Japan’s largest and most renowned tea-producing regions. As far as the eye can see, neatly trimmed tea bushes cover the hills in endless green waves. Visit a local tea farm to learn about the meticulous cultivation and harvesting process, from young sprouts to the final aromatic brew. Participate in a short tea-tasting session, sampling fresh sencha or matcha while surrounded by the very fields that produced them. It’s a quintessential Shizuoka experience that blends tradition, craftsmanship, and hospitality.
15:15 – 16:00 – Return Drive to Omaezaki Port
Relax on the drive back, passing through scenic rural landscapes dotted with farmhouses and wind turbines. Arrive at the port in time to re-board your ship, taking with you the calm spirit of Shizuoka’s coast and countryside.
