August 25, 2026 Shimizu Port Shore Day Guide for Diamond Princess Passengers

Tuesday, August 25, 2026. After departing Kagoshima and sailing north across Suruga Bay, Diamond Princess arrives at Hinode Pier in Shimizu Port at 9:00 a.m. She sails again the same day at 5:00 p.m., bound for Yokohama.

🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む

On paper you have eight hours in port, but once you factor in disembarkation and the return-to-ship deadline, roughly seven hours ashore is the realistic figure. That is still plenty of time to see the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka: Nihondaira, looking down over Suruga Bay from 307 meters up; Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, with its National Treasure hall; Miho no Matsubara, where Mt. Fuji rises beyond the pine grove; and Kashi no Ichi fish market, where the tuna of Shimizu Port comes ashore.

Think of this page as your morning paper for your day in port — something to read on the morning your ship arrives at Shimizu. With Kagoshima still fresh in your mind, here is what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your hours in Shimizu, told from a local point of view.

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. My hope is that this site feels like the morning paper you read on the day your ship arrives at Shimizu.

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1. Your Port Day at a Glance

Here is the schedule for August 25, 2026, in a single table.

Item	Details
Port call date	Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Arrival	09:00
Departure	17:00
Scheduled time in port	Approx. 8 hours
Realistic sightseeing time	Approx. 7 hours
Berth	Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port
Previous port	Kagoshima
Next port	Yokohama

Late August in Shimizu is the tail end of the summer school holidays. Local elementary and junior high students are off until the end of the month, so even on a Tuesday you will see families at the Ferris wheel and the shopping complexes. On the other hand, Shimizu’s biggest summer festival, the Shimizu Minato Matsuri, wraps up between late July and early August, so the town as a whole has settled back into its normal rhythm.

At this time of year, Mt. Fuji is often hidden behind cloud or haze. Mornings offer the best odds, so scheduling Nihondaira and Miho no Matsubara early in the day improves your chances of seeing the summit. And if the mountain stays hidden, don’t be disappointed — the horizon over Suruga Bay and the rows of container cranes at this hardworking port make for a photo that is unmistakably Shimizu.

2. Weather and What to Wear on August 25, 2026

The current forecast for Shimizu on August 25, 2026 calls for thunderstorms, possibly with hail. Expect a high of around 32.4℃ (90°F) and a low of around 24.3℃ (76°F). The chance of precipitation is 37% — meaning not steady rain all day, but an unstable atmosphere with sudden showers passing through.

If you’re not used to Celsius, use these as reference points: 30℃ = 86°F, 35℃ = 95°F, 40℃ = 104°F.

Short sleeves plus a hat and sunglasses for sun protection will keep you comfortable. Temperatures aren’t forecast to reach 35℃, but the humidity is high and it will feel muggy. Carry a bottle of water and build in regular breaks in air-conditioned spots such as the Nihondaira Yume Terrace, Kashi no Ichi, or Dream Plaza. Bring a folding umbrella or a rain jacket as well. Summer thunderstorms here usually pass through fairly quickly, so the best approach is simply to duck indoors and wait it out. While thunder is rumbling, avoid open areas like the beach at Miho no Matsubara or the observation walkway at Nihondaira and head inside a building.

7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue

Please note that this forecast reflects conditions as of publication (a few days before your port call). The weather widget above always shows the latest weekly forecast, so do check it again on the morning you arrive.

3. Getting from Shimizu Port into Town and Beyond

Hinode Pier sits close to the city center, and you have several ways to get around. Below is a breakdown of fares, payment methods, and frequency for each option. If you want maximum freedom during your limited hours ashore, a taxi is the way to go.

🚕 Taxi (the most flexible option — recommended)

The biggest advantage is that you can string together places that are hard to reach by public transport, such as Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu. Split among a group, the per-person cost is more reasonable than you might expect. The model itinerary below uses taxis for the trip up to Nihondaira and the transfer to Kashi no Ichi. On a day with possible thunderstorms, staying dry may be the single biggest benefit.

• 【Where to board】Taxis line up at Hinode Pier to meet arriving cruise ships. If you don’t see any, the tourist information desk in the port terminal can call one for you (Shizutetsu Taxi dispatch center: 054-281-5111)
• 【How fares work】Metered. The base fare is ¥700 (up to 1.17 km), then ¥100 for every additional 285 m. Time-based charges also apply while waiting at lights or in traffic. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask roughly what a trip will cost before you get in
• 【Chartering by the hour】Hourly charter runs ¥7,700 per hour for a standard car. Sightseeing taxi plans (Shizutetsu Taxi) start at ¥30,800 for four hours — about ¥7,700 per person with four passengers. Show the driver your list of stops and work out the route together
• 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are your safest bets. IC transit cards and QR payments vary by vehicle, so check before boarding if you want to use them. No tipping required
• 【Language】Most drivers speak Japanese only, but showing the spot names from this article (with Japanese script) on your phone works just fine

🚌 Free Shuttle Buses (linking the port and Shimizu Station — an underrated ally)

Shimizu Port actually has two different kinds of free buses. They depart from different places, so it helps to know which is which.

① S-PULSE Dream Plaza free shuttle (year-round, open to everyone)

Connects Dream Plaza, Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu), and JR Shimizu Station’s Minato exit in about 8 minutes. It departs not from Hinode Pier but from the bus stop at Dream Plaza, right next door to the pier.

• 【Fare】Free. You don’t have to be a shopper to ride
• 【Frequency】Every 30 minutes on weekdays (departing Dream Plaza at :00 and :30), every 15 minutes on weekends and holidays (:00, :15, :30, :45)
• 【First and last runs】From Dream Plaza, first bus 10:00, last bus 22:20. From JR Shimizu Station Minato exit, first bus 9:45
• 【Note】It does not run before 10:00 a.m. On early-arrival days, take a taxi or walk for your first move of the morning
• 【Best for】Heading to JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It saves you a walk of 20 minutes or more

August 25 is a Tuesday, so the weekday timetable applies: every 30 minutes. With a 9:00 arrival, the shuttle won’t yet be running when you first step ashore.

② Port-call-only free shuttle for cruise passengers (arranged by the cruise line)

On cruise days, a free bus sometimes runs to Shin-Shimizu Station and JR Shimizu Station directly from in front of Hinode Pier. The key difference from ① is that you can board right after stepping off the ship.

• When Celebrity Millennium called on August 16, 2026, Ihara Kanko Bus operated a service linking Hinode Pier, Shin-Shimizu Station, and JR Shimizu Station (confirmed on site by our team)
• Whether it runs, and its times and destinations, differ with each port call. Check the onboard announcements or ask pier staff after disembarking
• How to tell them apart: ① is a red bus marked “S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA”; ② is a chartered coach that appears only on cruise days

⛴ Water Bus (travel with Mt. Fuji views from the water)

Small boats connect Hinode Pier (in front of Dream Plaza) with the Miho area and Ejiri (near Kashi no Ichi). The ride itself is a sightseeing experience. Our model itinerary uses it to get from Kashi no Ichi to Miho no Matsubara.

• 【How fares work】A flat ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for elementary school children per leg. Hinode to Miho takes about 15 minutes; Hinode to Ejiri about 10 minutes
• 【Frequency】Seven sailings a day. No reservations — boarding is first come, first served
• 【Tickets】Buy at the pier
• 【Cancellations】Since the route stays within the harbor, cancellations are rare, but service may be suspended in typhoons or other severe weather. Check the day’s operating status at the pier or by phone (054-353-2222)

Thunderstorms are possible on August 25. Lightning or strong winds can suspend service, so always confirm before you plan around it. If it isn’t running, switch to the local bus described next.

🚏 Local Bus (the standard route to Miho — Shizutetsu Just Line)

To reach Miho no Matsubara by public transport, take the Miho Yamanote Line. From Shimizu Station to the Miho no Matsubara Iriguchi stop is ¥440 and about 25 minutes.

• 【Frequency】Roughly 3–4 buses per hour during the day
• 【How to ride】Board through the rear door and pay at the fare box near the driver when you get off. With Suica, ICOCA, or any nationally interoperable IC card, simply tap on boarding and again when you exit
• 【Paying cash】The onboard change machine accepts coins and ¥1,000 notes only. If you only have larger bills, break them at a convenience store beforehand
• 【Note】You’ll need the free shuttle bus or a walk to get from the port to the Shimizu Station bus terminal

🚃 Trains (into central Shizuoka)

Worth considering if you want to venture out to the Shizuoka Station area for Shizuoka oden at Aoba Yokocho or a stroll through Sunpu Castle Park. Being under cover most of the way, it’s also an easy option if the rain starts.

• 【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu Station to Shizuoka Station: ¥240, about 12 minutes, 3–4 trains per hour during the day
• 【Shizuoka Railway (Shizutetsu)】Shin-Shimizu Station to Shin-Shizuoka Station: ¥350, about 23 minutes. Trains run about every 8 minutes, so there’s no need to check a timetable
• 【Payment】Both accept Suica, ICOCA, and other IC transit cards. Contactless credit card tap-to-ride is not supported, so use an IC card or buy a paper ticket with cash
• 【From the port to the stations】The free shuttle bus is the easiest way to reach Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station

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

• S-PULSE Dream Plaza: right next to the pier (1–3 minutes)
• Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”: about 1.3 km, 15–20 minutes on foot. Or take the water bus from Hinode to Ejiri (about 10 minutes) and the market is right in front of you when you land
• JR Shimizu Station: about 1.5 km, 20–25 minutes — the free shuttle is recommended
• Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu): about 1 km, roughly 15 minutes

For more detail on transport and practical tips, see our Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.

4. Recommended Itinerary: “The Full Shizuoka Course — Fuji, a National Treasure, and Fresh Seafood in One Day”

If you’re weighing a ship’s excursion against a local tour or going independently, start with our Shimizu Shore Excursions Compared, which lays out costs and who each option suits.

“What should I see in seven hours?” Here’s one local answer. Shimizu’s highlights fall into three areas: the hills to the south (Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu), the coast (Miho no Matsubara), and the area right by the port (Kashi no Ichi and Dream Plaza). Bouncing back and forth between them burns your day in transit, so the golden rule is to move in one direction: mountain → sea → port.

Given the 9:00 arrival and 17:00 departure, this plan takes you up to Nihondaira while the morning air is still clear, on to the National Treasure shrine, then a tuna rice bowl for lunch, Miho no Matsubara in the afternoon, and a final stop right beside the pier. Because you never double back, you can absorb delays later in the day.

Time	Stop	What you’ll do	Duration
09:30	Depart Hinode Pier	Taxi to the top of Nihondaira	30 min
10:00	Nihondaira Yume Terrace	Panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and Shimizu Port from the observation walkway	45 min
10:45	Nihondaira Ropeway	Across the valley to Kunozan (about 5 min)	15 min
11:00	Kunozan Toshogu Shrine	National Treasure shrine hall and museum	60 min
12:00	Transfer	Ropeway back to Nihondaira, then taxi to Kashi no Ichi	30 min
12:30	Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”	Tuna bowl lunch; shop for dried fish and canned goods	50 min
13:20	Ejiri Pier → Water Bus	Views of Mt. Fuji and the harbor from the water, on to Miho	25 min
13:45	Miho no Matsubara	Walk the Path of the Gods to the Hagoromo Pine and the beach	60 min
14:45	Water bus (or local bus)	Miho → Hinode (about 15 min)	30 min
15:15	S-PULSE Dream Plaza	Ferris wheel, Chibi Maruko-chan Land, souvenirs	60 min
16:15	Back to Hinode Pier	5-minute walk to the ship	5 min

Estimated budget: from about ¥12,000 per person (taxis, admissions, and meals included)

Because the water bus runs only seven times a day, adjust your departure from Kashi no Ichi to match the day’s timetable. If it isn’t running or the times don’t work, take the Miho Yamanote Line bus from in front of Shimizu Station (¥440, about 25 minutes) — the same itinerary still works.

Nihondaira and the Nihondaira Yume Terrace

An observation facility with striking wooden latticework, set atop a 307-meter hill. Climb from the first to the third floor and Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Izu Peninsula, the Southern Alps, and Shimizu Port below all connect in a full 360-degree sweep. Spotting your own ship as a tiny shape in the harbor is a thrill unique to this spot. Admission is free. The observation walkway is outdoors, so if lightning is nearby, wait it out in the indoor exhibition area.

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

The very first Toshogu shrine built in Japan, enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrine hall is designated a National Treasure, and its vivid polychrome carvings and lacquerwork preserve the look of the early Edo period. It’s about 5 minutes from Nihondaira by ropeway, and that airborne ride across the valley to the approach path is a highlight in itself. Admission: ¥700 for the shrine, ¥600 for the museum, ¥1,200 for a combined ticket. There is also a stone stairway up from the coast, but it is a long climb, so the ropeway is the sensible choice on a port day. For details on visiting Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu independently, including routes and costs, see our Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.

Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”

Shimizu’s fish market, opened to the general public, split into two buildings: the tuna-focused “Maguro-kan” and the “Ichiba-kan,” lined with fresh seafood and processed products. Shimizu is one of Japan’s leading ports for landing frozen tuna, and both chutoro and lean cuts come at reasonable prices. Ichiba-kan is open 9:30 to 17:30; restaurants in Maguro-kan generally open around 11:00. Around 1:00 p.m. there are fewer local shoppers, so you can usually get seated fairly smoothly.

Miho no Matsubara

A pine grove stretching along the shore of Suruga Bay, and one of the component sites of the Mt. Fuji World Cultural Heritage listing. The “Path of the Gods,” running between some 30,000 pines, stays cool even at midday. At the end stands the Hagoromo Pine of celestial-maiden legend, with the beach just beyond. Mt. Fuji often hides behind clouds on summer afternoons, but the contrast of white surf against black pines works in any weather. Admission is free, and the Mihoshirube visitor center is open 9:00 to 16:30. For more on the highlights, the Hagoromo legend, and how to get there, see our Miho no Matsubara UNESCO Guide.

S-PULSE Dream Plaza

A waterfront complex right next to the pier — ideal for your last hour before returning to the ship. Shimizu Sushi Yokocho gathers a cluster of sushi restaurants, and Chibi Maruko-chan Land (adults ¥1,200, ages 3 through elementary school ¥700) recreates the world of the beloved anime set in Shimizu. From the 52-meter Dream Sky Ferris wheel (¥700, about 13 minutes per rotation) you can look down on your own ship at berth. Everything is indoors, so an afternoon downpour is no problem.

Opening status on Tuesday, August 25, 2026

• Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open (closed the 2nd Tuesday of each month; in August that falls on the 11th, so the 25th is open)
• Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: Open (daily, 9:00–17:00)
• Nihondaira Ropeway: Operating (may pause temporarily in strong winds or lightning)
• Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”: Open (closed Wednesdays; normal hours on Tuesdays)
• Miho no Matsubara / Mihoshirube: Open (daily, 9:00–16:30)
• S-PULSE Dream Plaza: Open (shops 10:00–20:00 / restaurants 11:00–21:00)
• Shimizu Port Water Bus: Scheduled to operate (confirm in bad weather)
• Verkehr Museum (Shimizu Port Museum): Open (closed Mondays)
• Shimizu Jirocho’s Birthplace: Closed Tuesdays. Not available on this date

Since it’s a weekday in the final week of summer vacation, Dream Plaza and the Ferris wheel will be busy with families at certain times. If you want to ride the Ferris wheel, going early in the 3 p.m. hour tends to be smoother.

For options beyond those covered here — from walkable spots to half-day routes and rainy-day plans — see 20 Things to Do in Shimizu.

5. Shimizu Events on August 25, 2026

August 25 falls in the final stretch of summer vacation. In Shimizu, everything from waterfront shopping complexes to the cultural center stage has something going on. Some events are entirely within the port area, so consider slotting one into your day.

🐟 ① Fishing Experience GO: “Our Yui Fish Market” (Tuesday, August 25)

A hands-on program at Yui Fishing Port, in the Yui district of Shimizu-ku, famous for its sakura shrimp. The participation fee includes ¥1,000 in credit you can actually use to bid at auction, plus lunch. Note that it starts at 6:30 a.m. — before your 9:00 arrival.

【Date & Time】Tuesday, August 25, 6:30–12:00 (planned)

【Venue】Yui Fishing Port (1127 Yui Imajuku, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City 421-3111)

【Fee】¥5,000 per person (tax included) *Includes ¥1,000 usable for actual bidding at the auction experience. Lunch included.

🔗 Official website: https://umigo.co.jp/yui-fishing-port/

🎭 ② Gekidan Shiki Musical “A Chorus Line” in Shizuoka (August 21–25, closing day)

Gekidan Shiki, Japan’s foremost musical theater company, closes its run at Shimizu Cultural Hall Marinart. The venue is a short taxi ride from Hinode Pier (roughly 10 minutes as a guide). With a 13:30 curtain, you could devote your entire afternoon to it. Being entirely indoors, it’s a reassuring choice on a day with thunderstorms in the forecast.

【Date & Time】Tuesday, August 25, curtain at 13:30 (run: Friday, August 21 – Tuesday, August 25, 2026)

【Venue】Shimizu Cultural Hall Marinart, Main Hall, Shizuoka City (214 Shimazaki-cho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City 424-0823)

【Fee】S seats ¥11,000 / A seats ¥9,000 / B seats ¥6,000 *tax included

【Eligibility】Children aged 3 and over require a ticket; under 3 not admitted

🔗 Official website: https://www.shiki.jp/

🐲 ③ S-PULSE Dream Plaza — “Shimizoo Special Edition”: The World’s First Dragon Zoo (July 31 – August 30)

A limited-run special exhibition on the 3rd floor of Dream Plaza, a 5-minute walk from the port. It’s open from 10:00 to 17:00 throughout the run, making it a perfect stop before heading back to the ship. If you follow our model itinerary back to Dream Plaza at the end of the day, it fits right in.

【Date & Time】Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 30, 2026, 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)

【Venue】Special exhibition space, 3rd floor, “SEA-side” main building (13-15 Irifune-cho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City 424-0942)

【Fee】¥1,000 for junior high school students and above; ¥600 for ages 3 through elementary school; free for ages 2 and under

🔗 Official website: https://www.dream-plaza.co.jp/events/7333

🤸 ④ Shimizu Sports Park — Stretch Pole Exercise Class (Wednesdays, August 19 – November 25)

A recurring course aimed at local residents, held on Wednesdays. August 25 is a Tuesday, so no session takes place that day, but we include it as a glimpse of everyday life in Shimizu.

【Date & Time】Wednesday, August 19 – Wednesday, November 25, 2026 *Wednesdays during this period, 13:30–14:30

【Venue】Shizuoka City Shimizu Sports Park, Judo Hall (2-1-1 Seikai, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City 424-0924)

【Fee】¥7,000 (14 sessions)

【Eligibility】Applications from 10:00 on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis

🔗 Official website: https://shizuoka-sports.or.jp/class/stretch-pole.html?f=ats

🏢 ⑤ FY2026 Startup Step-Up Seminar (5 sessions, July–September)

A series of business seminars for the local community, held at the Shimizu Industry and Information Plaza. Sessions fall on July 25, August 8 and 22, and September 5 and 12 — August 25 is not a session day. It’s a reminder that Shimizu is a town of commerce as well as a port.

【Date & Time】Saturday, July 25; Saturdays, August 8 and 22; Saturdays, September 5 and 12, 2026 [5 sessions], 9:30–16:30 (*September 12 only: 9:00–16:30)

【Venue】Shizuoka City Shimizu Industry and Information Plaza, 3rd floor training room (6-17 Aioi-cho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City 424-0821)

【Fee】Please see the official website for details

【Eligibility】Application period: May 25, 2026 – July 23, 2026

🔗 Official website: https://www.shizuoka-cci.or.jp/sogyo-stepup

⚠️ Events may be changed or canceled due to weather or other circumstances. Please check official sources before setting out.

6. Local Food Specialties of Shimizu and Shizuoka

The Shimizu and Shizuoka area is one of Japan’s great food destinations. Here are the specialties worth seeking out on your day in port.

Dish	Where	Price guide	Notes
Tuna rice bowl / sashimi platter	Maguro-kan (Kashi no Ichi)	¥1,000–2,500	Shimizu Port is the heart of Japan’s frozen tuna trade. English menus and card payment available
Shimizu tuna sushi	Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza)	¥1,500–4,000	5-minute walk from the pier; the closest sushi cluster to the port
Seafood bowls / seared tuna	Ichiba-kan (Kashi no Ichi)	¥500–2,000	Good takeout selection. Open 9:30–17:30
Sakura shrimp kakiage fritters	Yui area (25 min by car)	¥800–1,500	Cash only; many shops close once sold out
Shizuoka oden	Aoba Yokocho (central Shizuoka)	¥500–1,500	Look for kuro-hanpen and dashi powder. Most open at 17:00
Wasabi-zuke / wasabi soft-serve	Various locations in Shimizu and Shizuoka	¥300–3,000	Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer. Great as a gift
Sakura shrimp shumai	Ichiba-kan (Kashi no Ichi)	¥500–2,000	An easy snack to eat while you walk

One thing we especially want to flag is nama shirasu (raw whitebait), an August seasonal delicacy. Shirasu are baby sardines, and the season in Suruga Bay runs from spring through autumn. You can only eat them raw right beside the port where they’re landed — they spoil so quickly that Tokyo restaurants almost always serve them boiled. The translucent flesh has a subtle sweetness; a touch of ginger and soy sauce is all it needs. Some places at Maguro-kan in Kashi no Ichi and among the restaurants at Dream Plaza serve a “two-color bowl” pairing raw shirasu with tuna over rice. Supplies depend on the day’s catch and can sell out, so if you see it, order it without hesitating. On hot days, shaved ice and soft-serve made with Shizuoka green tea are also big sellers.

For a deeper dive into tuna, sakura shrimp, and shirasu — their seasons, how to eat them, and where to go — see our Shimizu Seafood Guide.

7. Practical Information for a Worry-Free Day

Wi-Fi

• Shimizu Port Terminal: Free Wi-Fi available (inside the terminal)
• S-PULSE Dream Plaza: Free Wi-Fi available
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart): Nationwide free Wi-Fi available
• If you expect heavy use, buying a prepaid SIM at the airport is the surest option

Payment

Cash is still the default at many shops in Japan, and small restaurants and taxis in particular may not accept anything else. Larger stores at S-PULSE Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi take credit cards, with Visa and Mastercard the most widely accepted. Amex and Diners are turned away fairly often. There are Seven Bank ATMs (inside convenience stores) near the port that accept foreign-issued cards. As a rule of thumb, carrying ¥3,000–10,000 in cash per person per day will keep things easy.

IC Transit Cards

Buses and trains accept Suica, ICOCA, and other nationally interoperable IC cards. You can buy them at convenience stores near the port or at Shimizu Station. Cash also works, but change machines take only coins and ¥1,000 notes, so have small money ready.

Language Support

• Tourist information centers (Shimizu Port Terminal, Shimizu Station): English available
• S-PULSE Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi: English menus and staff available
• Mihoshirube at Miho no Matsubara: Multilingual brochures available
• Taxis: Japanese only, as a rule. Show your destination on Google Translate or point to the spot names in this article

Tourist Information Centers

• Inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — right where you disembark
• Shimizu Station Tourist Information Center — about 1.5 km from the port (free shuttle bus, or 20–25 minutes on foot)

Emergency Contacts

Purpose	Number
Police	110
Ambulance / Fire	119
Shizuoka City Tourist Information Center (Shizuoka Station north exit; English available)	054-253-1170
Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi central dispatch)	054-281-5111

8. Getting Back to the Ship

Diamond Princess departs at 17:00. Plan backward so that you’re back at Hinode Pier by 16:30 at the latest. Summer afternoon thunderstorms can snarl traffic, so if you’re returning from the Miho area, aim for a service in the 3 p.m. hour to give yourself a comfortable margin.

On Google Maps, search for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭.” Use S-PULSE Dream Plaza as your landmark — the pier is right next to it.

If you take a taxi, telling the driver “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier (清水港 日の出埠頭)” will get you there. Drivers around town know where the ships are on cruise days, so adding “cruise ship” makes it even clearer. Even from the city center, it’s about a 15-minute ride.

9. About Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess is a 115,906-ton ship operated by Princess Cruises. She measures 290 meters long, carries 2,706 passengers, and is served by a crew of about 1,100. Launched in 2004, she was built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Nagasaki shipyard — at the time, the largest cruise ship ever constructed in Japan. As a foreign-flag ship born in Japan, she has been deployed in earnest on Japan round-trip cruises since 2014.

That 2014 refit added Izumi no Yu, a Japanese-style public bath at sea — one of the best-known features on any Japan-based ship. Another is the sushi restaurant Kai Sushi. After leaving Shimizu, it’s rather fun to compare it with the tuna you ate ashore that day.

She’s a regular here, calling at Shimizu Port several times a year, and the pier staff greet her as a familiar sight.

From the volcano of Sakurajima in Kagoshima to Mt. Fuji over Suruga Bay, and on to Yokohama — on this eastward voyage along the Japanese archipelago, Shimizu plays the role of the port where you can see both the mountains and the sea in a single day. A National Treasure shrine, Mt. Fuji beyond the pines, and a bowl of tuna over rice. How you spend your seven hours is entirely up to you, but if even one of these stays with you, the stop will have been worth it. We hope to see you again!

良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.

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More Diamond Princess Calls at Shimizu Port

Guides for this ship’s other port calls:

• Port Call Guide: May 17, 2026
• Port Call Guide: May 27, 2026
• Port Call Guide: June 22, 2026
• Port Call Guide: July 20, 2026
• Port Call Guide: August 15, 2026
• Port Call Guide: September 4, 2026
• Port Call Guide: September 14, 2026