🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む
Sunday, July 19, 2026. Asuka III departs Yokohama, sails south across Suruga Bay, and arrives at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 08:00. Departure is scheduled for 17:00 the same day, returning to Yokohama.
While the ship is in port for nine hours on paper, once you factor in disembarkation and re-boarding, you’ll realistically have around seven to eight hours to explore ashore. That’s still plenty of time to take in the breathtaking, vibrantly painted national treasure shrines of Kunozan Toshogu, step back into the Yayoi period at Toro Ruins, enjoy a fresh tuna seafood lunch from the day’s catch at Shimizu Port, and visit Escal Plaza Dream Plaza — the hometown of one of Japan’s most beloved anime series. One day is all you need to discover the very best of Shimizu and Shizuoka.
This page is your complete shore day guide for July 19, 2026 — helping you make the most of every moment in port. Fresh from Yokohama and ready for your next adventure, let a local show you what to see, where to eat, and how to spend your day in Shimizu.
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. Shore Day at a Glance
- 2. Weather and What to Wear on July 19, 2026
- 3. Getting Around Shimizu: Transport from the Port
- 4. Recommended Itinerary: "Rain-Proof! Indoor Highlights of Shimizu & Shizuoka"
- 5. Local Events on July 19, 2026
- 6. Local Food and Drink: Must-Try Flavors of Shimizu & Shizuoka
- 7. Practical Tips for a Smooth Shore Day
- 8. Getting Back to the Ship
- 9. About Asuka III
1. Shore Day at a Glance
Here’s everything you need to know about the July 19, 2026 port call, at a glance.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Shore Day | Sunday, July 19, 2026 |
| Arrival | 08:00 |
| Departure | 17:00 |
| Time in Port (scheduled) | Approx. 9 hours |
| Realistic Sightseeing Time | Approx. 7–8 hours |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier |
| Previous Port | Yokohama |
| Next Port | Yokohama |
July 19 brings you to Shimizu in the height of summer. July is the hottest and most humid time of year in Shizuoka, and the coastal air along Shimizu Port can feel particularly muggy. Japan’s school summer holidays begin in late July, so on July 19 you’ll mostly be sharing the sights with weekend visitors rather than school groups — making for a relatively smooth experience at most attractions. That said, popular spots can still get busy on summer weekends with local day-trippers and event-goers, so an early start is always a good idea.
July also marks the lead-up to the Shimizu Minato Festival (typically held in late July to early August), and you’ll start to feel the festive energy building around the port area. The deep blue of Suruga Bay set against the lush green hills of Nihondaira makes for a classic summer Shimizu view — and even a short visit is enough to soak in the season’s scenery in style.
2. Weather and What to Wear on July 19, 2026
July in Shizuoka falls right around the end of the rainy season, making it one of the most hot and humid times of the year. High temperatures regularly reach around 30°C (86°F), while overnight lows hover around 25°C (77°F) — tropical nights are common. With high humidity, it often feels even hotter than the thermometer suggests. Mid-July can still bring lingering post-rainy-season instability, meaning sunny spells may be interrupted by sudden downpours or warm, misty drizzle.
For clothing, lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying fabrics are your best bet. If you plan to spend time outdoors, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential. A compact folding umbrella or a lightweight, breathable rain jacket is well worth packing. Indoors — in museums, shopping centers, and restaurants — air conditioning tends to be set quite cold, so a thin cardigan or light layer in your bag will keep you comfortable. Choose footwear with a non-slip sole in case of wet ground.
Please note: This article is published a few days before the port call, so precise day-of forecasts are not yet available at the time of writing. Accurate forecasts typically become available about three days before your arrival. Be sure to check the latest weather information before you go ashore. On the morning of July 19, a quick search for “Shimizu, Shizuoka weather” will bring up an up-to-date English-language forecast.
3. Getting Around Shimizu: Transport from the Port
Here we break down every transport option from Shimizu Port by fare structure, payment method, and how often it runs. If you want your 9 hours ashore (8:00 to 17:00) to go exactly as planned, a taxi that departs the moment you do is the recommendation.
🚕 Taxi (the most flexible option, and our recommendation)
Its biggest strength is bundling hard-to-reach places such as Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine into a single circuit. Shared among a group, the per-person cost lands in surprisingly reasonable territory.
- 【Where to board】Taxis wait at Hinode Wharf timed to cruise arrivals. If you cannot spot one, the tourist information desk inside the port terminal will call one for you (Shizutetsu Taxi dispatch center: 054-281-5111)
- 【How fares work】Metered: ¥700 for the first 1.17 km, then ¥100 for each further 285 m. Time charges also apply while waiting at signals or in congestion. It is not rude to ask for a rough fare before you get in
- 【Charter option】A time-based charter is ¥7,700 per hour for a standard car. Sightseeing taxi plans (Shizutetsu Taxi) start at ¥30,800 for 4 hours, around ¥7,700 per person if four share. Show the driver where you want to go and shape the route together
- 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are the safe choices. IC card and QR payment support differs by vehicle, so ask before boarding if you want to use them. No tipping
- 【Language】The majority of drivers speak only Japanese, but this article’s spot names (with Japanese text) on your phone screen will do the job
🚌 Free Shuttle Bus (the little-known link between the port and Shimizu Station)
S-Pulse Dream Plaza operates this free loop bus between Dream Plaza, Shizutetsu Shin-Shimizu Station, and the Minato Exit of JR Shimizu Station, taking about 10 minutes. With today’s Sunday call, Dream Plaza will be lively with families, which at least makes the bus stop easy to find.
- 【Fare】Free. Riding without shopping is perfectly fine
- 【Frequency】Every 15 to 20 minutes
- 【When to use it】For getting out to JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It trims a walk of over 20 minutes, starting from Dream Plaza right beside the wharf
⛴ Water Bus (crossing the harbor with Mt. Fuji in view)
Small boats link the Hinode pier (in front of Dream Plaza) with the Miho area and Ejiri (the Kashi-no-Ichi fish market side). Those ten-odd minutes on deck watching the harbor are a small highlight of any Shimizu visit.
- 【How fares work】One flat fare per section: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥500 for elementary school children. Hinode to Miho takes about 15 minutes, Hinode to Ejiri about 10 minutes
- 【Frequency】7 sailings a day, no reservations, first come, first served. Holiday crowds build quickly, so head to the pier early
- 【How to buy tickets】Tickets are sold at the pier
- 【About cancellations】Cancellations are rare since the route stays within the harbor, but boats may be suspended in rough weather such as typhoons. Check the day’s operation at the pier or by phone (054-353-2222)
🚏 Local Bus (the standard route to Miho: Shizutetsu Justline)
For Miho no Matsubara by public transport, the Miho Yamanote Line is the one: ¥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 door and pay into the fare box at the front when you leave. Nationwide IC cards like Suica and ICOCA work with a tap on boarding and another on alighting
- 【Paying in cash】The onboard change machine accepts coins and ¥1,000 bills only. If large bills are all you have, break them at a convenience store first
- 【Note】Between the port and the Shimizu Ekimae bus terminal, you will need the free shuttle or a walk
🚃 Train (to central Shizuoka)
The way to go for the Shizuoka Station area, including the oden alley Aoba Yokocho and Sumpu Castle Park. The central Shizuoka portion of this article’s recommended model route, the “Rainy-Day Indoor Highlights Course”, also travels by train.
- 【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu to Shizuoka: ¥240, about 12 minutes, 3 to 4 trains hourly in the daytime
- 【Shizuoka Railway (Shizutetsu Line)】Shin-Shimizu to Shin-Shizuoka: ¥350, about 23 minutes. With trains about every 8 minutes, waits stay short even on a busy Sunday
- 【Payment】Both accept IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA. Credit card tap-to-ride is not supported, so use an IC card or buy a ticket with cash
- 【From the port to the stations】Take the free shuttle bus to reach Shimizu and Shin-Shimizu stations
🚶 On Foot (fine for the area right around the port)
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza: right next to the wharf (a 1 to 3 minute walk)
- Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”: about 1.3 km, a 15 to 20 minute walk. Or ride the water bus from Hinode to Ejiri (about 10 minutes); the market sits right at the landing
- 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, about a 15 minute walk
4. Recommended Itinerary: “Rain-Proof! Indoor Highlights of Shimizu & Shizuoka”
*”We have nine hours — but what do we do if it rains?”* This itinerary is built for exactly that question. Mid-July in Shimizu can be steamy, with sudden showers and warm drizzle always a possibility. With that in mind, we’ve designed a route that centers on covered and semi-covered attractions, while still hitting the very best of what Shimizu and Shizuoka have to offer.
The day starts at the spectacular Kunozan Toshogu, a national treasure whose ornate, colorfully lacquered shrines are all sheltered under their own roofs — stunning in any weather. Next, lunch at Kashi no Ichi’s Maguro-kan, right at the port, for the freshest tuna you’ll ever taste. Then it’s on to Toro Ruins and Toro Museum, where the world of Japan some 2,000 years ago comes vividly to life. Finally, wrap up the day at Escal Plaza Dream Plaza — steps from the pier — for Chibi Maruko-chan Land and last-minute souvenir shopping before a relaxed return to the ship. Rain or shine, this itinerary packs history, food, and culture into one unforgettable day.
Suggested Schedule
| Time | Location | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | Hinode Pier | Disembark; arrange taxi at tourist information office | 30 min |
| 08:30 | [Transit] | Taxi to Nihondaira (via Shizuoka Station bus stop or direct) | Approx. 45–55 min |
| 09:15 | Nihondaira | Arrive; make your way to ropeway station | 15 min |
| 09:30 | Kunozan Toshogu | Ropeway up (5 min); explore the shrine and museum | 90 min |
| 11:00 | [Transit] | Ropeway back to Nihondaira, then taxi to Toro Ruins | Approx. 40 min |
| 11:40 | Toro Ruins & Toro Museum | Explore the Yayoi-era village and museum | 75 min |
| 12:55 | [Transit] | Taxi back toward the port and Kashi no Ichi | Approx. 25 min |
| 13:20 | Kashi no Ichi (Maguro-kan) | Tuna don lunch | 60 min |
| 14:20 | [Transit] | Walk to S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Approx. 15 min |
| 14:35 | Escal Plaza Dream Plaza | Chibi Maruko-chan Land and souvenir shopping | 105 min |
| 16:20 | [Return to Ship] | Walk from Dream Plaza to Hinode Pier (5 min); re-board with time to spare | — |
| 16:30 | Hinode Pier | Re-boarding | — |
| 17:00 | Asuka III Departure | Bound for Yokohama | — |
Estimated budget: from approx. ¥7,000 per person (including taxi, ropeway, admission fees, and lunch)
Kunozan Toshogu
Kunozan Toshogu is Japan’s very first Toshogu shrine, built to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu — the founder of the Edo shogunate. Its national-treasure shrine buildings are lavishly decorated with vivid lacquerwork, intricate carvings, and gleaming gold, and their colors only seem to deepen and intensify on a rainy day. The most popular way to arrive is by ropeway from Nihondaira (about 5 minutes), a fun aerial ride in its own right. A combination ticket covering both the shrine (¥700) and the museum (¥600) is available for ¥1,200 — great value. The museum holds a remarkable collection of artifacts associated with Ieyasu, and English explanations are well provided throughout.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” (Maguro-kan)
The Maguro-kan (Tuna Hall) at Kashi no Ichi is Shimizu’s premier destination for fresh tuna, landed right here at Shimizu Port. The menu goes well beyond tuna-don rice bowls — look for sashimi platters, tuna steaks, and much more. As a fully indoor market, it’s a comfortable dining option whatever the weather. Many stalls offer English menus, making it easy to order even if it’s your first time. The freshness of Shimizu’s locally caught tuna is simply on another level — something you really have to experience for yourself.
Toro Ruins & Toro Museum
Designated a Special Historic Site by the Japanese government, Toro Ruins is the remains of a Yayoi-period settlement dating back approximately 2,000 years. You can walk among reconstructed pit dwellings, raised storehouses, and ancient rice paddies, getting a tangible sense of the agricultural culture that laid the foundations of Japanese civilization. The second floor of the museum (¥300) brings Yayoi life to life through excavated pottery, farming tools, and interactive displays. English-language pamphlets are available, making this a particularly rewarding stop for anyone with an interest in Japanese history. Much of the visit is indoors or under cover, so it holds up well in the rain.
Escal Plaza Dream Plaza
This lively waterfront shopping and entertainment complex sits right next to Shimizu Port, bringing together sightseeing, dining, and shopping under one roof. “Chibi Maruko-chan Land” (separate admission from ¥800) celebrates Shimizu’s most famous cultural export — the beloved anime series Chibi Maruko-chan — and is a delightful experience for fans of all ages. The “Shimizu Sushi Yokocho” (Sushi Lane) serves up fresh, expertly crafted sushi using local catches. It’s also the perfect place to pick up souvenirs: wasabi products, sakura shrimp snacks, Shizuoka green tea, and plenty more regional specialties are all well stocked. An ideal last stop before heading back to the ship — and a great rainy-day option throughout the day.
Opening Hours and Availability — Sunday, July 19, 2026
- ✅ Kunozan Toshogu: Open year-round, 9:00–17:00. Open as normal on Sundays.
- ✅ Kunozan Toshogu Ropeway: Operates daily in principle; may suspend service in high winds or lightning. Check current status on the day.
- ✅ Kashi no Ichi (Maguro-kan / Ichiba-kan): Closed Wednesdays, so open on Sunday. Note that individual stalls may keep slightly different hours.
- ✅ Toro Ruins (Outdoor Grounds): Open 24 hours.
- ⚠️ Toro Museum: Closed Mondays, the day after public holidays, and year-end/New Year. Open on Sunday (9:00–16:30).
- ✅ Escal Plaza Dream Plaza: Shops 10:00–20:00, restaurants 11:00–21:00. Open as normal on Sundays.
- ✅ Chibi Maruko-chan Land: Hours vary by area, but generally open on Sundays. Check the official website for the latest information.
⚠️ Summer Crowds: July 19 falls on the last weekend before most Japanese schools break for summer holidays. Escal Plaza Dream Plaza and Chibi Maruko-chan Land in particular are likely to be busy with families, so an early arrival is recommended. The Kunozan Toshogu ropeway may also have a wait during peak times.
5. Local Events on July 19, 2026
July 19 is right when summer really starts to come alive in Shizuoka. The Shimizu and Shizuoka area sees a growing number of summer festivals and fireworks events as the season gets into full swing, though no specific confirmed events have been identified for this particular date at the time of writing.
That said, seasonal food fairs and special promotions are commonly held at local markets and commercial facilities around Shimizu Port in summer. We recommend checking the notice boards at local facilities and, most helpfully, stopping by the tourist information office inside the port terminal right after disembarkation. English-speaking staff there will be happy to tell you about anything happening in the area that day.
6. Local Food and Drink: Must-Try Flavors of Shimizu & Shizuoka
Shimizu and Shizuoka are among Japan’s most exciting food destinations. Here’s a guide to the flavors you won’t want to miss on your shore day.
| Dish | Where to Find It | Price Guide | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna Don (Maguro-don) | Kashi no Ichi – Maguro-kan | ¥1,000–2,500 | Fresh Shimizu-landed tuna; English menus available |
| Shimizu Tuna Sushi | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500–4,000 | About 5 minutes’ walk from the pier |
| Sakura Shrimp Kakiage (tempura fritter) | Yui Fishing Port area (25 min by car) | ¥800–1,500 | Peak seasons are autumn (Oct–Dec) and spring (Mar–Jun); July is the off-season |
| Shizuoka Oden | Aoba Yokocho (Shizuoka city center) | ¥500–1,500 | Features black fish cakes, beef tendon, and dried sardine powder — mainly evenings |
| Seafood Don / Minced Tuna | Ichiba-kan (Kashi no Ichi) | ¥500–2,000 | Takeaway options available; great for edible souvenirs |
| Wasabi Soft Serve Ice Cream | Various spots around Shimizu Port | ¥300–600 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer — the flavor is surprisingly addictive |
| Shirasu Don (fresh baby anchovies) | Shimizu / Yui area | ¥1,000–2,000 | Summer is peak season for fresh shirasu from Suruga Bay |
One dish in particular stands out as a must-try in July: fresh shirasu (baby anchovies). Suruga Bay is one of Japan’s most celebrated shirasu fishing grounds, and fresh-caught shirasu — almost translucent, impossibly soft, and delicate enough to melt on the tongue — is a luxury you can only truly enjoy close to the source. Because it’s so perishable, fresh shirasu is rarely found far from where it’s landed, making it a genuinely special experience to seek out in Shimizu. It may be available at restaurants near the port or at Kashi no Ichi, though availability depends on the day’s catch. If you’d like to try it, just ask: *”Do you have fresh shirasu today?”* The bounty of Suruga Bay in summer is something to savor.
7. Practical Tips for a Smooth Shore Day
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available inside the Shimizu Port passenger terminal. Escal Plaza Dream Plaza also offers complimentary in-facility Wi-Fi. Major convenience store chains — 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart — throughout Shimizu and the surrounding area all provide free Wi-Fi as well. If you’d like a more reliable connection throughout the day, a prepaid SIM card purchased at a Japanese airport is a worthwhile investment.
Payments
Cash is still king at many places in Japan, particularly smaller restaurants, taxis, and local market stalls. Larger establishments at Escal Plaza Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi generally accept credit cards — Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted. American Express and Diners Club are not accepted at many venues, so keep that in mind. There is a 7-Bank ATM inside the nearby 7-Eleven convenience store, which accepts overseas-issued cards. Having ¥3,000–¥10,000 in cash per person will keep your day running smoothly.
IC Transit Cards
Local buses and JR trains in the Shimizu area accept Suica, ICOCA, and other IC transit cards. These can be purchased at convenience stores near the port or at JR Shimizu Station. Cash fares are accepted, but having exact change can sometimes be tricky — an IC card makes boarding much easier.
Language Support
English-speaking staff are available at the tourist information office inside Shimizu Port terminal and at the Shimizu Station tourist information office. Major shops and restaurants at Escal Plaza Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi offer English menus and staff assistance. The Miho no Matsubara visitor center “Miho Shirube” has multilingual pamphlets available. Taxi drivers generally speak Japanese only, but Google Translate’s camera translation feature works wonderfully for on-the-spot communication.
Tourist Information Offices
- Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal Tourist Information Office — Located right at the terminal, accessible as soon as you disembark. Assists with taxi arrangements, maps, and sightseeing advice.
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information Office — About 15 minutes’ walk from the pier, inside JR Shimizu Station. English-speaking staff available.
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City Tourism Information (English) | 054-221-1173 |
| Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi) | 054-285-1212 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
Asuka III departs at 17:00. Aim to be back at Hinode Pier by 16:30 — then work backwards from there when planning the end of your day. It’s always wise to build in a little extra buffer, as getting back to the port can sometimes take longer than expected.
To navigate back to the ship, search “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or 「清水港 日の出埠頭」 in Google Maps for directions from your current location. If you find yourself lost in the city, simply show a taxi driver your phone with “清水港 日の出埠頭 (Hinode Pier)” displayed — no words needed.
Escal Plaza Dream Plaza is only about a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier, making it the perfect final stop before re-boarding. If you’re walking from JR Shimizu Station, allow about 15 minutes, so aim to leave the station by 16:00. It’s a hot time of year, so make sure to stay hydrated on your way back.
9. About Asuka III
Asuka III is Japan’s flagship luxury cruise ship, operated by NYK Cruises (Yusen Cruise). Weighing in at 52,200 gross tons, she is the largest Japanese-flagged passenger vessel ever built. Launched as the successor to the much-loved Asuka II, Asuka III embodies a distinctly Japanese vision of luxury at sea — one defined by the country’s deep culture of hospitality and attention to detail.
On board, a diverse range of dining venues serves Japanese cuisine, Western dishes, and teppanyaki, all crafted with seasonal ingredients. One of Asuka III’s most distinctive features is her Japanese-style bath facilities, including a large communal bath and an open-air bath — a rare and deeply relaxing treat at sea. The ship also offers a rich program of onboard entertainment and cultural experiences, from main theater shows and lectures to tea ceremony and ikebana (flower arranging) workshops — keeping every sailing day as memorable as the ports themselves.
From Yokohama across Suruga Bay to the shores of Shimizu, and then home to Yokohama once more — we hope your day in port becomes one of the most treasured memories of the voyage. The melt-in-your-mouth tuna, the view over Suruga Bay from Kunozan, the ancient quiet of Toro Ruins — may you carry all of it with you as Asuka III sails on.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
