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Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Celebrity Millennium departs Kagoshima and travels north across the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean, arriving at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 07:00. Departure is the same day at 17:00, bound for Tokyo.

While the scheduled port stay is 10 hours, factoring in disembarkation and re-boarding time, you can realistically expect around 8 to 9 hours to explore ashore. That’s still plenty of time to experience everything Shimizu and Shizuoka have to offer — from the iconic view of Mt. Fuji framed by the pines of Miho no Matsubara (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), to the brilliantly decorated national treasure shrines of Kunozan Toshogu, the sweeping 360-degree panorama from Nihondaira Yume Terrace, a luxurious tuna rice bowl made with freshly caught local fish, and the unique atmosphere of the hometown of beloved anime classic *Chibi Maruko-chan*.

This page is your complete one-day guide to making the most of your May 13, 2026 port call. Still carrying the warmth of Kagoshima with you, let’s dive into what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your day in Shimizu — with insider tips straight from a local perspective.


About the Author

Shimizu Port Cruise Guide — Site Operator

Based in Shizuoka City. I plan and run the “Shimizu Cruise Festival“, an event at Shimizu Port where visitors from Japan and abroad mingle with the local community, and I work on other projects that connect cruise travelers with local people.

Through my interactions with cruise travelers and local residents, I’ve come to realize that enjoying a limited port call is not just about deciding where to go. What really matters is concrete, up-to-date information: How long does it take to get there? Can I visit without a reservation? Will it be open that day?

On this site, I introduce access routes from Shimizu Port, sightseeing spots, events, restaurants, and model itineraries in an easy-to-follow way, from the perspective of someone active on the ground.

My goal is to bring you the kind of real, local information about Shimizu and Shizuoka that guidebooks alone can’t offer, and to help make your day in port an even more enjoyable and memorable one.


1. Port Day Essentials

Here’s a quick overview of everything you need to know about the May 13, 2026 port call at a glance.

Item Details
Port Day Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Arrival 07:00
Departure 17:00
Scheduled Port Stay Approx. 10 hours
Realistic Shore Time Approx. 8–9 hours
Berth Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier
Previous Port Kagoshima
Next Port Tokyo

May 13 falls right in the heart of one of the most pleasant times of year in Shizuoka — often called the “early summer new tea season.” The tea fields are a vivid, luminous green, the air is crisp and clear, and Mt. Fuji tends to be sharply visible against blue skies. The chances of seeing Fuji’s snow-capped peak rising above the pine groves of Miho no Matsubara are high, making this truly one of the best times of year for a cruise port call here.

May is also when tea-related events and farm-fresh sales take place across Shizuoka Prefecture. As Japan’s premier tea-growing region, this is the ideal time to experience locally grown *shincha* (first-harvest green tea) straight from the source. The spring cherry shrimp (*sakura-ebi*) fishing season (March–June) is also in full swing, with Yui’s famous sakura-ebi at peak freshness and flavor. In short, May 13 is a wonderfully well-timed visit from a culinary standpoint as well.


2. Weather & What to Wear on May 13, 2026

May in Shimizu is one of the most comfortable times of year, with daytime highs typically around 18–23°C (64–73°F) and lows around 12–16°C (54–61°F). While afternoons can be warm enough for short sleeves, the morning when you disembark (07:00) and the early evening as you return to the ship may feel noticeably cooler. A light cardigan or jacket is a smart addition. As a reference point, API forecast data suggests a high of 20.8°C, a low of 14.7°C, and a precipitation probability of just 4% for the day.

Layering is the way to go. Start your morning with a long-sleeved shirt or light jacket that you can easily remove as the day warms up. Since the itinerary includes plenty of outdoor walking — especially at Miho no Matsubara and Nihondaira — comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are strongly recommended. May sunshine can be surprisingly intense, so don’t forget sunscreen and a hat. Rain is unlikely, but a compact folding umbrella is handy just in case.

Please note that this article was written a few days before the port call, before fully accurate day-of forecasts were available. For the most reliable conditions, check again about three days before departure. On the morning of your arrival, a quick search for “Shimizu, Shizuoka weather” will bring up English-language forecasts with ease.


3. Transportation from Shimizu Port: Fares, Payment, and Frequency

This section gathers, mode by mode, how the fares work, how to pay, and how often each service runs. Arriving at 7:00 with 10 hours in port, a taxi is a reassuring choice for travelers who want their limited shore time entirely on their own terms.

🚕 Taxi (the most flexible option, and our top pick)

One car handles Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, and other spots that are tricky by public transit. Divide the fare among your group and the individual cost shrinks considerably.

  • 【Where to board】Taxis queue at Hinode Wharf in step with cruise arrivals. If none appear, the tourist information desk inside the port terminal can call one over (Shizutetsu Taxi dispatch center: 054-281-5111)
  • 【How fares work】Metered. It starts at ¥700 for the first 1.17 km and adds ¥100 for each 285 m after that. Time charges apply during signal waits and congestion. Asking for a rough figure before you get in is entirely fine
  • 【Charter option】Time-based charters are ¥7,700 per hour for a standard car. The sightseeing taxi plan (Shizutetsu Taxi) starts at ¥30,800 for 4 hours, which comes to about ¥7,700 per person with four aboard. It also suits this article’s model route, the full Shizuoka course of Nihondaira, Toshogu, Miho, and food stops; talk the route through with your driver
  • 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are reliable everywhere. Transit IC and QR payment support varies from car to car, so verify before riding. No tipping
  • 【Language】Most drivers speak Japanese only, but the spot names in this article (with Japanese text) shown on a phone screen are all you need

🚌 Free Shuttle Bus (links the port and Shimizu Station; a surprisingly little-known ally)

A free loop bus operated by S-Pulse Dream Plaza that ties Dream Plaza, Shizutetsu Shin-Shimizu Station, and the Minato exit of JR Shimizu Station together in about 10 minutes.

  • 【Fare】Free; you needn’t be a shopper to board
  • 【Frequency】Every 15 to 20 minutes
  • 【When to use it】Whenever you’re bound for JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It cuts out a walk of more than 20 minutes, starting from Dream Plaza right next to the wharf

⛴ Water Bus (cross the harbor with Mt. Fuji in view)

The Hinode pier of the Shimizu Port water bus
The Hinode pier of the Shimizu Port water bus (Photo: ブルーノ・プラス / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0)

Small boats cross from the Hinode pier (in front of Dream Plaza) to the Miho side and the Ejiri side (for the Kashi-no-Ichi fish market). The trip is a small harbor cruise in itself.

  • 【How fares work】One flat rate per section: ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for elementary school children. Hinode to Miho takes about 15 minutes, Hinode to Ejiri about 10
  • 【Frequency】7 sailings a day. No reservations; first come, first served
  • 【How to buy tickets】Tickets are sold at the boarding pier
  • 【About cancellations】Because the whole route lies inside the harbor, cancellations are unusual, but heavy weather such as typhoons can stop the boats. Check the day’s status at the pier or by phone (054-353-2222)

🚏 Local Bus (the standard route to Miho: Shizutetsu Justline)

The classic public-transit route to Miho no Matsubara is the Miho Yamanote Line: ¥440 and about 25 minutes from Shimizu Ekimae to Miho Matsubara Iriguchi.

  • 【Frequency】Around 3 to 4 buses per hour during the day
  • 【How to ride】Board at the rear and pay at the fare box up front as you leave. Nationwide transit IC cards like Suica and ICOCA work with a tap on entry and a tap on exit
  • 【Paying in cash】The onboard change machine takes coins and ¥1,000 bills only. If large bills are all you carry, break them at a convenience store first
  • 【Note】Reaching the Shimizu Ekimae bus terminal from the port takes the free shuttle bus or a walk

🚃 Train (to central Shizuoka)

The choice for a trip out to the Shizuoka Station area, home of the oden alley Aoba Yokocho and Sunpu Castle Park.

  • 【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu to Shizuoka: ¥240, about 12 minutes; 3 to 4 trains run per hour in the daytime
  • 【Shizutetsu Line】Shin-Shimizu to Shin-Shizuoka: ¥350, about 23 minutes, with trains roughly every 8 minutes, so you can turn up and ride
  • 【Payment】Both accept Suica, ICOCA, and other transit IC cards. Credit card tap-to-ride is not available, so use an IC card or buy a paper ticket with cash
  • 【From the port to the stations】For Shimizu and Shin-Shimizu stations, the free shuttle bus is the practical link

🚶 On Foot (fine for the area right around the port)

  • S-Pulse Dream Plaza: right next to the wharf (1 to 3 minutes on foot)
  • Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”: about 1.3 km, a 15-to-20-minute walk. The water bus from Hinode to Ejiri (about 10 minutes) lands you right in front of the market
  • JR Shimizu Station: about 1.5 km, a 20-to-25-minute walk; we recommend the free shuttle bus
  • Shizutetsu Shin-Shimizu Station: about 1 km, roughly 15 minutes on foot

“With 10 hours, what should I actually see?” — that’s exactly what this “Shizuoka Full Course” answers. This itinerary is designed to pack the very best of Shimizu and Shizuoka into a single memorable day: stunning scenery, living history, and exceptional food. By making the most of the early 07:00 arrival, you’ll tackle the hilltop panoramas of Nihondaira (307 m above sea level) and the national treasure shrines of Kunozan Toshogu in the morning, enjoy a harborside lunch, spend the afternoon at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Miho no Matsubara, squeeze in some souvenir shopping, and return to the ship with time to spare.

Hiring a private taxi keeps transit time to a minimum, and shared among 4–5 passengers, the per-person cost stays very reasonable. On a clear May day, this route delivers every highlight Shimizu has to offer — Mt. Fuji views included.

Suggested Timeline

Time Location Activity Duration
07:30 Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier Disembark, clear immigration, arrange taxi at tourist info center 30 min
08:00 Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace Taxi (~30 min) → take in 360° panoramic views 60 min
09:30 Kunozan Toshogu Ropeway down from Nihondaira (~5 min) → explore the national treasure shrines and museum 90 min
11:00 (Transfer) Taxi to Kashi no Ichi (~20 min) 20 min
11:20 Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” Tuna bowl lunch at the Maguro-kan; browse souvenirs at the Ichiba-kan 60 min
12:20 (Transfer) Water bus from Hinode (departs ~09:55 onward) or taxi to Miho (~25 min) 30–35 min
12:50 Miho no Matsubara Walk the Kami no Michi path and Hagoromo Pine; photograph Mt. Fuji 90 min
14:20 (Transfer) Water bus or taxi back to Shimizu Port (~25–35 min) 35 min
14:55 S-Pulse Dream Plaza Chibi Maruko-chan Land, Shimizu Sushi Yokocho, souvenir shopping 60 min
16:00 Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier 5-minute walk back to the pier — plenty of time to re-board

Estimated budget: approx. ¥12,000–15,000+ per person (taxi charter, entrance fees, lunch, and souvenirs)


Nihondaira & Nihondaira Yume Terrace

Perched on a 307-meter-high plateau, this 360-degree observation facility frames Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and Miho no Matsubara all in one sweeping panorama. The “Nihondaira Yume Terrace,” redesigned in 2018 by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma, has become an attraction in its own right — its stylish timber-framed observation deck turning every vantage point into a picture-perfect scene. May is one of the best times to visit: the air is clear, Mt. Fuji still wears a cap of snow, and the views are at their sharpest. Best of all, admission is free.

Kunozan Toshogu

The grounds of Kunozan Toshogu shrine seen from the tower gate
The grounds of Kunozan Toshogu shrine seen from the tower gate (Photo: Motokoka / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Japan’s oldest Toshogu shrine, built to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu — the founder of the Edo shogunate — and older than the more famous Nikko Toshogu. The shrine’s main buildings are designated National Treasures, their vivid polychrome carvings and gilded decorations leaving a lasting impression. A short 5-minute ropeway ride connects Nihondaira to the shrine grounds, making the transition effortless. From within the complex, there are sweeping views of Suruga Bay, and on a bright blue day, the contrast between the ornate shrine architecture and the sparkling sea is breathtaking. History enthusiasts will also enjoy the onsite museum, which houses an important collection of artifacts connected to Ieyasu.

Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” — Maguro-kan

Shimizu Port is one of Japan’s top tuna-landing ports, and Kashi no Ichi’s Maguro-kan is the most accessible way to experience that heritage firsthand. A cluster of restaurants lines the hall, each showcasing an impressive selection of fresh tuna varieties. From classic *maguro-don* (tuna rice bowl) and seared fatty tuna to sashimi platters piled high, this is a seriously satisfying seafood lunch you can only get in Shimizu. English menus are available, making ordering easy for first-time visitors.

Miho no Matsubara

Mt. Fuji seen from the shore of Miho no Matsubara
Mt. Fuji seen from the shore of Miho no Matsubara (Photo: Suicasmo / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

A sweeping coastline lined with some 30,000 pine trees, with majestic Mt. Fuji rising in the background — this view is registered as the only distant vantage point included in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage listing for Mt. Fuji. The “Hagoromo Pine,” where legend says a celestial maiden descended and hung her feather robe, and the “Kami no Michi” (Path of the Gods), a pine-shaded avenue with an almost otherworldly atmosphere, are both must-walk highlights. The visitor center *Mihoshirube* offers multilingual pamphlets and English-language information. On a clear May day, the combination of sea, pines, and Mt. Fuji creates a scene straight out of a postcard — a quintessentially Japanese image that stays with you long after you’ve sailed away.

S-Pulse Dream Plaza

An ideal final stop before returning to the ship, S-Pulse Dream Plaza is just a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier. The “Chibi Maruko-chan Land” theme park — dedicated to the much-loved anime set right here in Shimizu — is fun for families and nostalgic for adults alike. Shimizu Sushi Yokocho serves freshly prepared sushi with ingredients direct from the port, and the complex also offers plenty of souvenir shopping options all under one roof, so you can wrap up your Shimizu day efficiently before heading back to the ship.


Operating Status on Wednesday, May 13, 2026

  • Nihondaira Yume Terrace — Open on Wednesdays (closed 2nd Tuesday of each month)
  • Kunozan Toshogu — Open on Wednesdays (no regular closing day)
  • Miho no Matsubara / Kami no Michi — Open all day, every day
  • ⚠️ Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” (Maguro-kan & Ichiba-kan)Closed on Wednesdays. For lunch, we recommend Shimizu Sushi Yokocho inside Dream Plaza instead.
  • S-Pulse Dream Plaza / Shimizu Sushi Yokocho — Open on Wednesdays (irregular holidays; double-check closer to the date)

⚠️ Important: May 13 is a Wednesday, which means Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” (both Maguro-kan and Ichiba-kan) will be closed. For your tuna lunch, please head to Shimizu Sushi Yokocho inside S-Pulse Dream Plaza — just a 5-minute walk from the pier. You’ll still be able to enjoy excellent *maguro nigiri*, *sakura-ebi* sushi rolls, and other Shimizu seafood specialties there.


5. Local Events on May 13, 2026

May 13 falls in the heart of early summer, and the Shimizu–Shizuoka area is alive with cultural events this time of year. Alongside the main sightseeing spots, several gallery exhibitions and community events are running that make for a pleasant detour.

1. Mochizuki Kikuzo: “Hamejibun” Lettering and Illustration Exhibition

Item Details
Event Mochizuki Kikuzo: “Hamejibun” Lettering and Illustration Exhibition
Dates Running throughout May 2026
Venue Gallery in Shizuoka City

An exhibition by artist Mochizuki Kikuzo, showcasing his unique “hamejibun” style — a creative fusion of calligraphic letterforms and illustration. The work is visually engaging regardless of language, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience even for visitors who don’t read Japanese.

2. Shimizu Oyako Gekijo: “55 Years of History” Poster Exhibition, Part 3

Item Details
Event Shimizu Oyako Gekijo: “55 Years of History” Poster Exhibition, Part 3
Dates Running throughout May 2026
Venue Venue in Shimizu

The third installment of a poster retrospective documenting 55 years of Shimizu Oyako Gekijo — a community organization dedicated to children’s cultural activities. A rare window into the local community life and grassroots cultural movements that have shaped the neighborhood over generations.

3. Canvas 10 Watercolor Painting Exhibition

Item Details
Event Canvas 10 Watercolor Painting Exhibition
Dates Running throughout May 2026
Venue Gallery in Shimizu / Shizuoka

A group exhibition by ten local watercolor artists. Works often include landscapes of the Shizuoka and Shimizu area, so visitors may recognize scenes from their own day of sightseeing rendered in paint — a lovely way to bring the day’s memories together. Admission is typically free or very low cost.

4. Kitsunegasaki Arts Festival

Item Details
Event Kitsunegasaki Arts Festival
Dates Running throughout May 2026
Venue Kitsunegasaki area, Shimizu Ward

A community-rooted arts festival set in the Kitsunegasaki neighborhood of Shimizu Ward. Expect art installations, live performances, local food, and cultural programming — a lively, informal gathering that reflects Shimizu’s distinctive port-town creative spirit. A great contrast to the main tourist trail, and a chance to experience the city as locals do.


6. Must-Try Local Food & Drink

Shimizu and Shizuoka offer some of the finest regional cuisine in Japan. Here’s what you should try while you’re here.

Dish Where to Find It Price Range Notes
Tuna rice bowl / Tuna sushi Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (Dream Plaza) ¥1,500–4,000 Fresh port-caught tuna; English menus available
Seafood bowl / Chopped tuna (*tataki*) Kashi no Ichi (Ichiba-kan / Maguro-kan) ¥1,000–2,500 ⚠️ Closed Wednesdays — not available on 5/13
Sakura-ebi tempura fritters Yui fishing port area (approx. 25 min by car) ¥800–1,500 Peak spring season; raw sakura-ebi also available
Shizuoka oden Aoba Yokocho area (near Shizuoka Station) ¥500–1,500 Dark broth, black fish cake, and dried seaweed powder — don’t miss it
New-harvest green tea (*shincha*) Shops and souvenir corners throughout the area ¥300–3,000 May is right after the first pick; the aroma is exceptional
Wasabi soft-serve ice cream / Wasabi pickles Souvenir shops near the port ¥300–1,500 Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi-producing region
Fresh raw whitebait bowl (*nama-shirasu don*) Restaurants in Shimizu and Miho ¥1,000–2,000 An early-summer delicacy; freshness is everything

A special mention goes to the seasonal star of May: *sakura-ebi* (cherry shrimp). These tiny, translucent crimson shrimp are found only in Suruga Bay, and Yui — in Shimizu Ward — is the only place in the world where they are commercially harvested. During the spring fishing season (March–June), raw *sakura-ebi* are served at casual restaurants near the fishing port, their delicate sweetness unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. Lightly battered and fried into featherlight fritters, they pair beautifully with tempura rice bowls or cold soba noodles. Yui is about 25 minutes from Shimizu Port by car — a detour that’s entirely doable if you’re traveling by chartered taxi. If there is one truly once-in-a-lifetime food experience to seek out on this port day, raw *sakura-ebi* in season is it.


7. Practical Information for a Smooth Day Out

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available inside the Shimizu Port passenger terminal. S-Pulse Dream Plaza (5-minute walk) also has facility-wide free Wi-Fi. Convenience stores — 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart — offer free national Wi-Fi networks, and several can be found near Shimizu Station. If you need reliable connectivity throughout the day, purchasing a prepaid SIM card at the airport before your trip is a good idea.

Payment

Cash is still king at many Japanese establishments, particularly smaller restaurants, taxis, and local souvenir shops. Larger stores at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Shimizu Sushi Yokocho generally accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), but American Express and Diners Club are not universally accepted, so plan accordingly. There is a 7Bank ATM inside the 7-Eleven convenience store near the port that accepts overseas cards for cash withdrawals. Having ¥3,000–10,000 in cash per person will cover most situations comfortably.

IC Transit Cards

Suica, ICOCA, and other IC transit cards are accepted on local buses and trains throughout the Shizuoka area. You can purchase and top up cards at Shimizu Station and convenience stores. Note that some bus routes don’t give change for cash fares — carrying coins is useful as a backup.

Language Support

The tourist information center at Shimizu Port’s passenger terminal and Shimizu Station both have English-speaking staff who can help arrange taxis and provide maps. S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Shimizu Sushi Yokocho have English menus and English-capable staff. The visitor center at Miho no Matsubara (*Mihoshirube*) offers multilingual pamphlets. Taxi drivers typically speak Japanese only, but Google Translate’s camera and text input features make communication surprisingly smooth.

Tourist Information Centers

  • Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — Right after disembarking. Taxi arrangement, maps, and English-speaking staff on hand
  • Shimizu Station Tourist Information Center — About a 15-minute walk from the pier, located at or near JR Shimizu Station

Emergency Contacts

Use Number
Police 110
Ambulance / Fire 119
Shizuoka City Tourist Info (English) 054-221-1173
Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi) 054-285-1212

8. Getting Back to the Ship

Celebrity Millennium departs at 17:00. Please aim to be back at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier by 16:30 — that’s 30 minutes before departure — to give yourself a comfortable buffer.

If you need help finding your way back, search “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭” in Google Maps on your smartphone for real-time directions and walking times from your current location.

When taking a taxi, ask the driver for “Shimizu-ko Hinode Pier” (清水港 日の出埠頭). Alternatively, saying “the cruise ship port” or “Celebrity Millennium” should be enough — local drivers are generally well aware of where the cruise ships dock. Once it’s past 15:30, it’s time to wind down your sightseeing and make your way back to the ship.


9. About Celebrity Millennium

Celebrity Millennium is a premium ocean liner operated by Celebrity Cruises, with a gross tonnage of 91,011 tons. Launched in 2000 as the flagship of the Millennium class, she underwent a major renovation in 2019 — known as the “Millenniumification” upgrade — that significantly enhanced her onboard spaces and amenities. Widely regarded as a sophisticated premium vessel, she has earned a loyal following among cruise enthusiasts worldwide.

Among her standout features is a collection of distinctive restaurants — including the “Lawn and Sol Collection” — offering a range of international cuisines, from Mediterranean to Asian, for a different dining experience every evening. The “Solstice Solspa” evokes a luxury resort spa, where guests can indulge in professional treatments with ocean views. And each night, Broadway-style theatrical productions in the ship’s main theater ensure that evenings on board are just as memorable as the days ashore.


You’ve already taken in the tropical warmth of Kagoshima and the dramatic presence of the active volcano Sakurajima. Today, Shimizu and Shizuoka offer something altogether different — Japan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage distilled into one extraordinary day, with Mt. Fuji as your backdrop and the ocean’s freshest catch on your plate. Tokyo — Japan’s electrifying metropolis — awaits you tomorrow. May today’s time in Shimizu become one of the most treasured highlights of this voyage.

良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.


More Celebrity Millennium Calls at Shimizu Port

Guides for this ship’s other port calls: