Hattasan and Horaibashi Bridge Sightseeing Tour by Van
Sacred Steps and a Scenic Bridge: Hattasan & Horai Day Tour
Escape the crowds and discover two of Shizuoka’s hidden gems on this peaceful 6hour tour.
Start at Hattasan Temple, founded over 1,300 years ago. Climb its stone steps through towering trees and soak in the calm atmosphere. You can also witness a traditional Goma fire ritual, where monks chant and burn wooden prayer sticks to send wishes to the temple’s deity. Don’t miss the temple’s famous Yakuyoke Dango—five sweet rice dumplings on a stick, said to protect your whole body. Enjoy them with green tea at the teahouse.
Then, head to Horai Bridge, the world’s longest wooden footbridge (897.4 meters). Crossing it is believed to bring long life and good luck. On clear days, you may even spot Mount Fuji in the distance. The riverside setting and peaceful walk make it perfect for photos and quiet reflection.
This tour offers a unique blend of history, nature, and culture—an ideal off-the-beaten-path experience in Japan.
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Hattasan and Horaibashi Bridge Sightseeing Tour by Van
What's included in Hattasan and Horaibashi Bridge Sightseeing Tour by Van
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Hattasan Soneiji Temple
Spiritual, Dumplings, and Seasonal Beauty Hattasan Temple is a sacred place of over 1,300 years, known for its peaceful forest path, long stone staircase. It offers a powerful spiritual experience through the traditional Goma fire ritual. This mystical ceremony invokes protection and blessings through sacred fire. Held six times daily between 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM, visitors can register at the reception below the main hall. During the 30-minute ritual, monks chant mantras and burn wooden prayer sticks (gomagi), sending wishes to the temple’s main deity. Afterward, participants receive a talisman as a spiritual souvenir. Famous for its Yakuyoke Dango—five rice dumplings on a stick, symbolizing protection for the whole body (head, neck, torso, hands, legs). Let's enjoy with green tea. In late May to June, over 3,000 hydrangeas bloom across the temple grounds, In autumn, the temple glows with vibrant leaves, especially around the main hall.
Horaibashi Bridge
The Horai Bridge over the Oigawa River is an old-fashioned wooden pedestrian bridge with a total length of 897.4 m and a traffic width of 2.4 m. In 1997, It was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in 1997 as the “longest wooden pedestrian bridge in the world.” It is one of the few toll bridges in existence today, and visitors must pay a toll ￥100 to the “bridge guard” at the foot of the bridge before crossing. If you are lucky (it's clear sky)you could see Mt.Fuij on this bridge. The bridge is visited by 250 to 300 people a day, or more than 100,000 people a year.
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking guides (not qualified)
- Entrance fee
- Lunch
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- When a ship arrives at Shimizu Port Hinode Pier, a staff will be waiting in front of the customs office at Hinode Pier holding a form with your name on it. If Okitsu pier,waiting for you in front of the customs at the Okitsu Pier.
