July 26, 2026 Shimizu Port Shore Day Guide for Celebrity Millennium Passengers

2026年7月23日2026年7月28日

寄港日ガイド / Port Day Guide

🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む

Sunday, July 26, 2026. Celebrity Millennium departs Tokyo, sailing south across Suruga Bay to arrive at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 07:00. She sets sail again at 16:00, bound for Osaka.

That gives you nine hours on the schedule — but once you factor in disembarkation and re-boarding, a realistic window for exploring beyond the port is around 7 to 7.5 hours. Still, that’s plenty of time to take in the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka: the dazzling National Treasure shrine of Kunozan Toshogu, the 2,000-year-old Yayoi-period settlement at Toro Ruins, the tuna-lovers’ paradise of Kashi no Ichi fish market, and the ever-convenient S-Pulse Dream Plaza right next to the pier.

This page is your day-by-day guide to making the most of July 26th in port. You’ve just left Tokyo — now let’s talk about what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your time in Shimizu, from someone who knows this place firsthand.

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.

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1. Port Call Basics

Here’s a quick overview of the key details for July 26, 2026.

Item	Details
Port Call Date	Sunday, July 26, 2026
Arrival	07:00
Departure	16:00
Time in Port (scheduled)	Approx. 9 hours
Realistic Sightseeing Window	Approx. 7–7.5 hours
Berth	Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier
Previous Port	Tokyo
Next Port	Osaka

July 26th falls on a Sunday, right in the heart of summer vacation season in Japan. Popular spots around the city will be busy with local families and tourists alike. Kashi no Ichi and S-Pulse Dream Plaza both tend to get crowded on Sundays, so it’s worth aiming for an earlier or later lunch to avoid the peak rush.

It’s also worth noting that late July coincides with the Shimizu Minato Festival period (please check official sources for the exact 2026 dates). Road congestion around the port area is possible, so taxis and trains are the smarter way to get around that day.

2. Weather & What to Wear on July 26, 2026

The forecast for your port day calls for thunderstorms. Expect a high of 28.9℃（84°F） and a low of 24.4℃（76°F）, with a 95% chance of rain.

For those more familiar with Fahrenheit: 25℃ = 77°F, 30℃ = 86°F.

With a 95% chance of rain, a small travel umbrella simply won’t cut it. We strongly recommend bringing proper rain gear — a raincoat or a large umbrella — before you step off the ship. On a day with thunderstorms in the forecast, it’s wise to build your itinerary around covered and indoor venues rather than open-air sights. This guide does exactly that, with a rainy-day route designed to keep you comfortable all day. The temperature itself is a warm, humid summer high around 28℃, but moving through heavy rain takes a toll on energy, so stay hydrated throughout the day.

7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue

Please note that this forecast reflects conditions at the time of writing, a few days before your port call. The weather widget above always shows the latest weekly forecast, so be sure to check it again on the morning of July 26th.

3. Getting Around: Transport from Shimizu Port

With thunderstorms in the forecast, taxis and trains — both of which keep you dry — are your best bets today. Here’s a breakdown of each option, including fares, payment, and frequency. If you want maximum flexibility with your limited time in port, taxis are the way to go.

🚕 Taxi (Most Flexible — Highly Recommended)

The biggest advantage of taxis is that they can take you directly to places that are hard to reach by public transport — like Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu. Split the fare among a group and the per-person cost becomes very reasonable. On a rainy day like today, staying dry from door to door makes taxis especially worthwhile.

【Where to board】Taxis queue at Hinode Pier when cruise ships are in port. If you don’t see any, the tourist information desk inside the port terminal can call one for you (Shizutetsu Taxi Dispatch Center: 054-281-5111).
【How fares work】Metered fare. The base fare is ¥700 (for the first 1.17 km), then ¥100 is added every 285 m. Time-based charges also apply during stops and slow traffic. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask the driver for a rough estimate before you set off.
【Charter option】Chartered taxis are available by the hour at ¥7,700/hour for a standard car. Sightseeing taxi packages (Shizutetsu Taxi) start from ¥30,800 for 4 hours — that works out to around ¥7,700 per person for a group of four. Show the driver a list of the spots you’d like to visit and work out the route together.
【Payment】Cash and credit cards are the most reliable options. IC cards and QR payment apps vary by vehicle, so check before you get in if you plan to use them. Tipping is not expected in Japan.
【Language】Most drivers speak Japanese only, but showing them the Japanese place names listed in this guide on your smartphone is all you need to get where you’re going.

🚌 Free Shuttle Bus (Port to Shimizu Station — A Hidden Gem)

S-Pulse Dream Plaza operates a free loop bus connecting Dream Plaza, Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu Line), and JR Shimizu Station (Minato Exit) — a journey of about 10 minutes.

【Fee】Free. You don’t need to make a purchase to use it.
【Frequency】Every 15–20 minutes.
【Best use】Use it to reach JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. The walk from the pier takes over 20 minutes — this bus cuts that journey significantly, departing from just beside the pier at Dream Plaza.

⛴ Water Bus (Sightseeing by Sea)

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

A small ferry connecting Hinode Pier (in front of Dream Plaza) with Miho and Ejiri (near Kashi no Ichi). The boat ride itself is a mini Shimizu Port sightseeing experience.

【How fares work】Flat rate per leg: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥500 for elementary school children. Hinode → Miho takes about 15 minutes; Hinode → Ejiri takes about 10 minutes.
【Frequency】7 departures per day. No reservations — first come, first served.
【Tickets】Purchase at the boarding point.
【Cancellations】The route runs within the harbor, so cancellations are rare. However, service may be suspended in severe weather such as typhoons. Call ahead to confirm (054-353-2222). Today’s thunderstorm forecast makes it important to check operating status before boarding.

🚏 Local Bus (The Standard Route to Miho no Matsubara — Shizutetsu Justline)

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

The “Miho Yamanote Line” bus is the most straightforward public transport option to Miho no Matsubara. From Shimizu Station, it’s ¥440 and about 25 minutes to the Miho no Matsubara Iriguchi stop.

【Frequency】Roughly 3–4 buses per hour during the day.
【How it works】Board from the rear door and pay when you exit at the front fare box. If you have a Suica, ICOCA, or another nationwide IC card, simply tap on when boarding and tap off when you alight.
【Paying with cash】The onboard change machine accepts coins and ¥1,000 notes only. If you only have large bills, break them at a convenience store before boarding.
【Note】To reach Shimizu Station bus terminal from the port, use the free shuttle bus or walk.

🚃 Train (For Shizuoka City Center)

The train is your best option if you want to head to Shizuoka Station and explore spots like Aoba Yokocho (home of Shizuoka oden) or Sunpu Castle Park.

【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu Station → Shizuoka Station: ¥240, about 12 minutes. Roughly 3–4 trains per hour during the day.
【Shizutetsu Railway】Shin-Shimizu Station → Shin-Shizuoka Station: ¥350, about 23 minutes. Trains run every 8 minutes or so — no need to check the timetable closely.
【Payment】Both lines accept Suica, ICOCA, and other nationwide IC cards. Note that credit card contactless tap-to-ride is not supported — use an IC card or buy a ticket with cash.
【Getting to the station】The free shuttle bus from Dream Plaza is the most convenient way to reach either Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station.

🚶 Walking (Fine for the Immediate Port Area)

S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Right next to the pier — just 1–3 minutes on foot.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”: About 1.3 km / 15–20 minutes on foot. Alternatively, take the water bus from Hinode to Ejiri (about 10 minutes) and you’ll step off right in front of it.
JR Shimizu Station: About 1.5 km / 20–25 minutes. The free shuttle bus is a better option.
Shizutetsu Shin-Shimizu Station: About 1 km / around 15 minutes on foot.

For a deeper look at getting around from the port and other practical tips, check out our Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.

4. Recommended Itinerary: “Rain or Shine — An Indoor Highlights Tour”

“Nine hours in port sounds great, but what can I actually do in a thunderstorm?” If that’s your concern, this route is your answer. Every stop on this itinerary is either fully indoors or covered, so a bit of rain won’t slow you down. Kunozan Toshogu can be explored under the shelter of its ornate shrine roofs; the Toro Museum is entirely indoors; and both Kashi no Ichi and S-Pulse Dream Plaza are completely rain-proof. The route traces a logical loop — starting with the southern highlights (Nihondaira, Kunozan, Toro) before circling back to the port — so there’s no backtracking and no wasted travel time.

Suggested Schedule

Time	Location	Activity	Duration
07:30	Hinode Pier	Disembark and head to the taxi stand	30 min
08:00	In transit	Taxi toward Nihondaira (approx. 30 min to ropeway station)	30 min
08:30	Nihondaira Ropeway	Take the ropeway up to Kunozan Toshogu (approx. 5 min) ※Ropeway opens at 9:00 — board the 9:00 departure	30 min
09:00	Kunozan Toshogu	Explore the National Treasure shrine buildings and museum	120 min
11:00	In transit	Ropeway back to Nihondaira, then taxi to Toro Ruins (approx. 20 min)	30 min
11:30	Toro Ruins & Toro Museum	Discover Yayoi-period life through the museum exhibits	75 min
13:05	In transit	Taxi back toward Shimizu Port (approx. 25 min)	25 min
13:30	Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”	Late tuna-bowl lunch at Maguro-kan + souvenir shopping	60 min
14:30	In transit	Walk or short taxi ride to S-Pulse Dream Plaza (5 min by taxi)	10 min
14:40	S-Pulse Dream Plaza	Chibi Maruko-chan Land + souvenir shopping	60 min
15:40	Hinode Pier	5-minute walk back to the ship	—

Estimated budget: approx. ¥7,000+/person (including taxis, admission fees, and lunch)

Kunozan Toshogu

Japan’s oldest Toshogu shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu — the man who unified Japan and established the Edo shogunate. The National Treasure shrine buildings are breathtaking up close, their vivid lacquerwork and intricate carvings demanding a slower pace to fully appreciate. A combined ticket covering the shrine (¥700) and the museum (¥600) is the best value at ¥1,200. Most visitors access Kunozan via the ropeway from Nihondaira (about 5 minutes), which operates in rain — though it may suspend service during strong winds or lightning. Given today’s thunderstorm forecast, check ropeway operating status on arrival at the station.

For a detailed guide on getting here independently, including costs and directions, see our Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.

Toro Ruins & Toro Museum

Toro Ruins park and the Toro Museum (Photo: 江戸村のとくぞう / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

A nationally designated Special Historic Site preserving the remains of a Yayoi-period village from around 2,000 years ago. The museum displays excavated farming tools, pottery, and artifacts with clear, thoughtful explanations — including English-language content on the second floor (general admission: ¥300). It’s an accessible and engaging introduction to the roots of Japanese agricultural culture. The outdoor reconstructed village is also worth a quick walk-through, even on a rainy day, to get a feel for the era. For a day like today, spending 75 minutes in the museum is a perfect fit.

Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”

A vibrant public market built around the fresh seafood caught and landed at Shimizu Port. The Maguro-kan (Tuna Hall) houses several seafood restaurants serving fresh tuna bowls and sashimi sets, typically ranging from ¥1,000 to ¥2,500. The Ichiba-kan (Market Hall) is great for picking up tuna and whitebait souvenirs to take back on board. Arriving around 14:00 means the midday lunch rush has settled down — one of the quiet advantages of today’s itinerary order.

S-Pulse Dream Plaza

A large shopping and entertainment complex sitting right beside Shimizu Port — just a 5-minute walk from the pier. Highlights include the Shimizu Sushi Yokocho restaurant row, Chibi Maruko-chan Land (admission: ¥1,200 for adults, ¥700 for children), and a wide selection of local souvenirs all under one roof. Ending your day here makes logistical sense: you can shop right up until it’s time to return, then walk back to the ship in minutes.

Operating Status on Sunday, July 26, 2026

✅ Kunozan Toshogu: 9:00–17:00, open every day → Open
✅ Nihondaira Yume Terrace / Ropeway Station: 9:00–17:00, closed 2nd Tuesdays and Dec 26–31 → Open (Sunday) ※Ropeway may suspend service during thunderstorms — check on arrival
✅ Toro Ruins & Toro Museum: 9:00–16:30, closed Mondays (except public holidays) and year-end/New Year → Open (Sunday)
✅ Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”: Closed Wednesdays → Open (Sunday)
✅ S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Shops 10:00–20:00 / Restaurants 11:00–21:00 (varies by tenant) → Open

As a summer Sunday during school vacation season, Kashi no Ichi and Dream Plaza in particular are likely to be busy. For dining, aiming for the 13:00–14:00 window or arriving right at opening will help you avoid the longest waits.

5. Local Events on July 26, 2026

Sunday, July 26th is a summer weekend, and there are several local events happening around the Shimizu area. Some are easy to combine with sightseeing, so take a look and see if any catch your eye.

🛍 ① Kusanagi Marché ＜July 2026＞ 13th Anniversary Edition (Sunday, July 26)

Now in its 13th year, Kusanagi Marché is a beloved community morning market held in a parking lot in the Kusanagi area of Shimizu. Local produce, handmade goods, and neighborhood charm — all in one place. In July, the market runs on “summer time,” starting 30 minutes earlier than usual at 7:30. Since Celebrity Millennium arrives at 07:00, early risers who disembark promptly can actually make it in time. It’s about 15 minutes by taxi from the port.

【Date & Time】Sunday, July 26, 7:30–10:30 (summer schedule — 30 min earlier than usual)

【Venue】Kusanagi Nahei Parking Lot (1-26-1 Kusanagi, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka)

【Fee】Free admission

🔗 Official website: https://ameblo.jp/kusanagi-marche

📖 ② “Library Summer Reading Live — Story Time for Adults” (Sunday, July 26)

A relaxed reading and storytelling event for adults, held at Shizuoka City Shimizu Okitsu Library. Running from 14:00 to 16:00 with free admission, it’s an easy add-on if you find yourself with some time to spare in the afternoon. The Okitsu Library is about 15–20 minutes by car from Shimizu Port.

【Date & Time】Sunday, July 26, 14:00–16:00

【Venue】Shizuoka City Shimizu Okitsu Library (829 Okitsu Honcho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka)

【Fee】Free admission

🔗 Official website: https://www.toshokan.city.shizuoka.jp/index.html

🩰 ③ Maeda Ballet Academy Summer Ballet Concert (Sunday, July 26)

A ballet recital staged at the Shimizu Terusa concert hall, featuring two performances: a matinee (13:00) and an evening show (17:00). Admission is free, but a numbered ticket is required for entry. The venue is conveniently located near Shimizu Station, making it easy to combine with an afternoon of sightseeing in the area.

【Date & Time】Sunday, July 26 — Performance 1: Doors open 12:30 / Curtain 13:00 | Performance 2: Doors open 16:30 / Curtain 17:00

【Venue】Shimizu Terusa (Shizuoka City Eastern Labor Welfare Center) Terusa Hall (223 Shimazakicho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka)

【Fee】Free admission (numbered ticket required)

🔗 Official website: https://ballet.co.jp

🎪 ④ Viva Anniversary Festival (Sunday, July 26)

An anniversary event at “Manabiба Viva Shimizu,” a children’s activity and play space just outside Shimizu Station’s west exit. Running from 10:30 to 15:00, it’s located steps from the station. Please check the official website for full details on fees and activities.

【Date & Time】Sunday, July 26, 10:30–15:00

【Venue】Shimizu Station West Exit Children’s Play Space “Manabiba Viva Shimizu” (7-6 Masamachi, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka)

🔗 Official website: https://asoviva-shimizu.jimdofree.com/

🎥 ⑤ 【Family Event】Try It! YouTuber Experience — Home Exploration Tour (Sunday, July 26)

A fun, family-friendly event organized by Shizuoka Mama Papa Zemi, where kids get to role-play as YouTubers and film their own videos inside a model home. Free to attend — but pre-registration was required by July 24th, so this one is for those who signed up in advance.

【Date & Time】Sunday, July 26, 10:00–15:30

【Venue】BinO Shizuoka Shimizu WAVE Model House (964-66 Torisaka, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka)

【Fee】Free

【Eligibility】Pre-registration required (application period: July 1–24, 2026)

🔗 Official website: https://shizuoka-mamapapa.com/event/3942/

⚠️ Events are subject to change or cancellation due to weather or other circumstances. Please check official sources before heading out.

6. Local Food & Drink You Shouldn’t Miss

The Shimizu and Shizuoka area is one of Japan’s finest food destinations. Here are the standout dishes to look out for on your port day.

Dish	Where to Find It	Price Range	What Makes It Special
Tuna bowl / sashimi set	Kashi no Ichi — Maguro-kan	¥1,000–2,500	Ultra-fresh tuna landed right at Shimizu Port. English menus available.
Shimizu tuna sushi	Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza)	¥1,500–4,000	5 min walk from the pier. Card payments accepted.
Sakura shrimp kakiage (tempura)	Yui Fishing Port area (25 min by car)	¥800–1,500	Best in autumn fishing season (Oct–Dec). Cash only.
Shizuoka oden	Aoba Yokocho (near Shizuoka Station)	¥500–1,500	Known for black fish cake (kuro hanpen) and bonito powder topping. Mostly evenings.
Seafood bowl / minced tuna	Kashi no Ichi — Ichiba-kan	¥500–2,000	Takeaway options available. English menus.
Wasabi dishes & wasabi pickles	Throughout the port area	¥300–3,000	Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi-producing region. A great souvenir.
Shirasu bowl (raw whitebait)	Diners in Miho and Shimizu area	¥800–1,500	Summer is one of the best seasons for fresh raw shirasu.

One dish worth highlighting for July specifically is nama shirasu (fresh raw whitebait). Whitebait is caught year-round, but the summer catch — translucent, plump, and intensely fresh — has a texture and ocean fragrance you simply can’t find in the dried or boiled versions. It’s a seasonal experience unique to this time of year. Look for it at restaurants in the Miho area and around Shimizu under the name “nama shirasu don.” Jotting down those two words — 生しらす丼 — will go a long way when ordering.

For a deeper dive into tuna, sakura shrimp, shirasu, and where to eat them, check out our Shimizu Seafood Guide.

7. Practical Information for a Smooth Day Ashore

Wi-Fi

Shimizu Port Terminal: Free Wi-Fi available inside the terminal building.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Free Wi-Fi throughout the complex.
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart): All offer free Wi-Fi under their respective nationwide networks.
For longer stays in Japan, a prepaid SIM card purchased at the airport is another solid option.

Payment

Japan remains a largely cash-based society. Smaller restaurants, market food stalls, and family-run shops often only accept cash. Larger shops at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi generally accept Visa and Mastercard, but American Express and Diners Club are not always accepted. There is a 7-Bank ATM inside the 7-Eleven convenience store near the port, which accepts overseas-issued cards and dispenses Japanese yen. We recommend carrying ¥3,000–10,000 in cash per person to cover your bases.

IC Cards for Transit

Suica, ICOCA, and other nationwide IC transit cards are accepted on most buses and trains. They can be purchased at convenience stores near Shimizu Station. Cash fares are also accepted, but buses sometimes require exact change — an IC card saves a lot of hassle.

Language Support

English-speaking staff are available at the tourist information desks inside Shimizu Port Terminal and at Shimizu Station. Major restaurants and shops at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi provide English menus. The Miho no Matsubara visitor center “Mihoshirube” stocks multilingual brochures. Most taxi drivers speak Japanese only, but Google Translate’s camera and text features work well for on-the-spot communication.

Tourist Information Centers

Inside Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — Right where you step off the ship.
Shimizu Station Tourist Information — About 1.5 km from the port; approximately 10 minutes on the free shuttle bus.

Emergency Contacts

Purpose	Number
Police	110
Ambulance / Fire	119
Shizuoka City General Tourism Information (Shizuoka Station North Exit — English available)	054-253-1170
Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi Dispatch Center)	054-281-5111

8. Getting Back to the Ship

Departure is at 16:00. Please plan to be back at Hinode Pier by 15:30 — at least 30 minutes before sailing.

Search for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港日の出埠頭” on Google Maps to get directions from wherever you are. If you get turned around in the city, any taxi driver will know the way — just say “Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port” or show this page on your phone.

With thunderstorms expected today, give yourself a little extra time for that final journey back. If you spend your last hour at S-Pulse Dream Plaza, you’re already within a 5-minute walk of the pier — the shortest possible dash back to the ship, rain or shine.

9. About Celebrity Millennium

Celebrity Millennium is a premium cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises. Launched in July 2000 as the lead vessel of the Millennium class, she measures 91,011 gross tons, stretches 294 meters in length, and accommodates up to 2,218 guests. In 2019, she underwent an extensive refit as part of Celebrity’s fleet-wide “Celebrity Revolution” modernization program, bringing her staterooms, restaurants, lounges, and public spaces up to the standard of the line’s newest ships. Upgrades included the addition of “The Retreat” — an exclusive sundeck area for suite guests — alongside sweeping interior renovations that mirror the look and feel of Celebrity’s Edge-class vessels.

Long celebrated for the quality of her dining and the warmth of her service, Celebrity Millennium has become a favorite on Japan’s domestic cruise circuit. In the 2026 season, she is scheduled to call at Shimizu Port 12 times — a testament to how well this itinerary has been received. The routing from Tokyo to Osaka via Shimizu is a beautiful way to connect Japan’s major cities by sea.

Leaving the energy of Tokyo behind, Celebrity Millennium carries you south to Shimizu. Even with thunderstorms in the forecast, a thoughtfully planned indoor itinerary means a full day of history, food, and culture is well within reach. Make some great memories in Shimizu before sailing on to Osaka.

良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.