September 28, 2026 Shimizu Port Shore Day Guide for MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA Passengers

Monday, September 28, 2026. The MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA departs Yokohama, sails west across Suruga Bay, and arrives at Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port at 8:00. She sails again the same day at 17:00, bound for Tokyo.

🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む

On paper that’s nine hours in port, but once you factor in disembarkation and the return to the ship, roughly seven and a half hours ashore is the realistic figure. Even so, that’s plenty of time to enjoy the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka in a single day — the National Treasure shrine buildings of Kunozan Toshogu, the tuna-packed Kashi no Ichi fish market, the old-fashioned covered arcade of the Shimizu Ginza shopping street, and S-Pulse Dream Plaza right next to the pier.

Think of this page as your morning paper for your day in port — something to read on the morning your ship arrives at Shimizu on September 28, 2026. With Yokohama still fresh in your mind, what should you see, eat, and do next here in Shimizu? Here’s the local perspective, in detail.

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.

1. Port Call Essentials

First, here’s your September 28, 2026 schedule at a glance.

Item	Details
Port call date	Monday, September 28, 2026
Arrival	08:00
Departure	17:00
Scheduled time in port	Approx. 9 hours
Realistic sightseeing time	Approx. 7.5 hours
Berth	Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port
Previous port	Yokohama
Next port	Tokyo

Late September in Shimizu is when the humid heat of summer finally starts to ease. It’s also a season prone to typhoons and the autumn rain front, and this port day looks like it will be exactly that kind of day.

This is also the MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA’s very first call at Shimizu Port. Since it’s a Monday weekday, both the sightseeing spots and the market should be relatively relaxed.

2. Weather and What to Wear on September 28, 2026

As of publication, the forecast for Shimizu on September 28, 2026 calls for heavy rain. Highs around 26℃ (79°F) and lows around 22℃ (72°F), with a 94% chance of precipitation — a very high number.

If you’re not used to Celsius, use these as a guide: 20℃ = 68°F, 25℃ = 77°F, 30℃ = 86°F.

Short sleeves with a light layer to throw on will be fine. Temperatures won’t drop much, but sitting in air-conditioned buses or buildings in damp clothes will chill you quickly.

The key item is rain gear. Beyond a folding umbrella, a hooded rain jacket keeps both hands free and makes getting around much easier. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, ideally with non-slip soles. The stone steps at Kunozan Toshogu and the sandy ground at Miho no Matsubara get surprisingly slippery in the rain.

On a day like this, it’s best to build your plan around places with a roof. Shimizu has plenty: a National Treasure shrine complex, a covered market, an arcade shopping street, and a shopping mall right beside the pier. Nihondaira Yume Terrace is a rain-friendly stop as well. The model route below was put together with exactly that in mind.

7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue

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 of your visit.

3. Getting from Shimizu Port into Town and Beyond

Shimizu Port has sights within walking distance, and a short ride takes you to spectacular views and National Treasures. Here’s a breakdown of each option, with fares, payment methods, and frequency.

If you want maximum freedom with your limited time ashore, a taxi is your best bet. On a day with rain in the forecast like this one, the ability to go door to door with no waiting is worth a lot.

🚕 Taxi (the most flexible option — recommended)

The biggest advantage is being able to combine hard-to-reach spots like Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu into one trip. Split among a group, the per-person cost is more reasonable than you might expect.

• 【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 each additional 285 m. Time charges also apply at traffic lights and in congestion. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask “About how much to ◯◯?” before you get in
• 【Chartering a taxi】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 people. Show the driver your list of destinations and plan the route together
• 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are the safest bets. Support for IC transit cards and QR payments varies 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 text) on your phone works just fine

The model route below uses taxis for the morning trip to Nihondaira and the midday ride toward Shimizu Station. Lines can form at the taxi stand on rainy days, so head straight there after disembarking.

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

There are two kinds of free buses at Shimizu Port. They depart from different places, so it helps to know the difference.

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

Connects Dream Plaza — Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu) — JR Shimizu Station Minato-guchi 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 need 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 buses】From Dream Plaza: first at 10:00, last at 22:20. From JR Shimizu Station Minato-guchi: first at 9:45
• 【Note】It does not run before 10:00 a.m. On early-arrival days, use a taxi or walk for your first move of the morning
• 【Best used for】Heading to JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It saves you a walk of 20 minutes or more

September 28 is a Monday, so the weekday schedule applies: every 30 minutes. Not having to walk 20 minutes in the rain makes this bus a real friend on the way back in the afternoon. The model route uses it.

② Cruise passenger shuttle on port call days only (arranged by the cruise line)

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

• During the Celebrity Millennium’s call 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, vary with each port call. Check the announcements on board or ask a staff member on the pier after disembarking
• How to tell them apart: ① is a red bus marked “S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA”; ② is a chartered coach running only on that day

⛴ Water Bus (cruise past Mt. Fuji views from the water)

A small boat linking the Hinode landing (in front of Dream Plaza) with the Miho area and Ejiri (near Kashi no Ichi). The ride itself is a sightseeing experience.

• 【How fares work】A flat ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for elementary school children per section. Hinode to Miho takes about 15 minutes; Hinode to Ejiri about 10 minutes
• 【Frequency】Seven departures per day. No reservations — first come, first served
• 【Tickets】Purchased at the landing
• 【Cancellations】Since it runs within the harbor, cancellations are rare, but service may be suspended in typhoons or other severe weather. Check on the day at the landing or by phone (054-353-2222)

Heavy rain is forecast this time. Views from the water are unlikely to be rewarding, and service could be suspended altogether. If you plan to ride, check the landing or call for the day’s status right after disembarking.

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

For Miho no Matsubara by public transport, take the Miho Yamanote Line. From Shimizu Station to Mihonomatsubara-iriguchi 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 farebox up front when you get off. With Suica, ICOCA, or any nationally compatible IC transit card, just tap on when boarding and tap off when alighting
• 【If 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 reach the Shimizu Station bus terminal from the port

🚃 Trains (to central Shizuoka City)

Your option if you want to venture to the Shizuoka Station area for Aoba Yokocho’s Shizuoka oden or Sunpu Castle Park.

• 【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu to Shizuoka: ¥240, about 12 minutes, with 3–4 trains per hour during the day
• 【Shizuoka Railway (Shizutetsu)】Shin-Shimizu to Shin-Shizuoka: ¥350, about 23 minutes. Trains run roughly 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 and Shin-Shimizu Station

On a rainy day, the train — where you stay under cover — is a comfortable choice.

🚶 On Foot (fine for the area 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. Or 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 recommended
• Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu): about 1 km, around 15 minutes

For a fuller rundown of transport options and practical tips from the port, see our Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.

4. Recommended Model Route: “National Treasures and the Port Town, Rain or Shine”

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

“What should I see in seven and a half hours?”

This route is the answer. Built on the assumption of a rainy day, it’s centered on places with a roof over your head.

Spend the morning south of the port at Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu. The National Treasure shrine buildings can be admired under cover, and Nihondaira Yume Terrace is a rain-friendly stop as well. In the afternoon, head back to the port area for tuna at Kashi no Ichi, a stroll through the covered arcade shopping street, and a finish at Dream Plaza, right beside the pier.

Because the route moves in one direction — from the south back toward the port — rather than bouncing back and forth, you won’t waste time traveling in the rain.

Time	Spot	Details	Duration
08:30	Hinode Pier	Disembark and take a taxi to the top of Nihondaira (20–30 min)	30 min
09:00	Nihondaira Yume Terrace	Views of Suruga Bay and the Shimizu townscape from the observation facility	30 min
09:30	Kunozan Toshogu	About 5 minutes by Nihondaira Ropeway. Visit the National Treasure shrine and museum	120 min
11:30	Transfer	Ropeway back to Nihondaira, then taxi toward Shimizu Station (about 25 min)	30 min
12:00	Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”	Tuna rice bowl lunch and seafood souvenir shopping	75 min
13:15	Shimizu Ekimae Ginza & Shimizu Ginza shopping street	Walk under the fully covered arcade and browse local shops	60 min
14:15	Transfer	Free shuttle bus from JR Shimizu Station Minato-guchi, about 8 min	15 min
14:30	S-Pulse Dream Plaza	Chibi Maruko-chan Land, Sushi Yokocho, souvenirs	90 min
16:00	Hinode Pier	5-minute walk back to the ship	10 min

Estimated budget: from about ¥7,000 per person (taxis, admissions, and meals included)

Nihondaira Yume Terrace

An observation facility atop a 307-meter hill. On clear days you get 360-degree views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and Miho no Matsubara — and even in the rain, it remains a comfortable stop, with Shimizu Port and the sea beyond spread out before you.

The building itself, a striking lattice of timber, is worth seeing, and it’s a fine place to rest while listening to the rain. Admission is free, and the ropeway station is just steps away.

For details on visiting Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu independently, including costs, see our Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.

Kunozan Toshogu

The oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. From Nihondaira it’s about 5 minutes by ropeway, crossing a valley to land partway up the mountainside.

The shrine buildings, covered in vividly colored carvings, are a National Treasure. You can take your time under the eaves, so rain won’t spoil the visit. Admission is ¥700 for the shrine, ¥600 for the museum, or ¥1,200 for a combined ticket. The museum displays items connected to Ieyasu; if you have time, the combined ticket is the more satisfying choice.

Watch your footing — the stone steps get slippery when wet.

Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”

Shimizu’s fish market, opened to the public, in two buildings: “Maguro-kan,” filled with restaurants, and “Ichiba-kan,” lined with fresh and processed seafood.

Shimizu Port is famous for its frozen tuna landings, and here you’ll find everything from lean akami to fatty chutoro and rare cuts, with the selection only specialists can offer. Tuna rice bowls start in the ¥1,000s. Ichiba-kan is open 9:30–17:30 and is a great spot to pick up souvenirs.

Everything is indoors, so you can eat and shop without getting wet.

Shimizu Ekimae Ginza & Shimizu Ginza Shopping Street

A fully covered arcade running about 430 m south from the west exit of JR Shimizu Station. It grew out of a postwar black market; Shimizu Ekimae Ginza was founded in 1959, and the first arcade was completed in 1967.

Tea shops, Japanese confectioners, coffee shops, and clothing stores line the street, and local residents do their everyday shopping here. It wasn’t built for tourists, which is precisely why you see Shimizu as it really is.

Being an arcade, you can fold your umbrella and walk — a real blessing on a day like this.

S-Pulse Dream Plaza

A shopping and entertainment complex right beside Hinode Pier. Look for the big Ferris wheel, “Dream Sky,” visible from the ship.

Inside you’ll find “Shimizu Sushi Yokocho,” plus “Chibi Maruko-chan Land” (adults ¥1,200; ages 3 through elementary school ¥700), a tribute to the beloved anime set in this very town, and the Shimizu Sushi Museum. The Ferris wheel costs ¥700, stands 52 m tall, and takes about 13 minutes per rotation — though it closes in strong winds.

It’s a 5-minute walk from the pier, making it an easy place to spend your last hour before returning to the ship.

Opening Status on Monday, September 28, 2026

• Kunozan Toshogu: Open year-round, 9:00–17:00 as usual
• Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Closed on the second Tuesday of the month. September 28 is a Monday, so it’s open (9:00–17:00)
• Nihondaira Ropeway: Operates in rain, but may suspend service in strong winds or lightning
• Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”: Closed Wednesdays, so open on Monday (Ichiba-kan 9:30–17:30; Maguro-kan hours vary by shop)
• Shimizu Ekimae Ginza & Shimizu Ginza shopping street: Closing days vary by shop. A daytime visit is safest
• S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Shops 10:00–20:00, restaurants 11:00–21:00. Chibi Maruko-chan Land is open year-round (10:00–20:00, last entry 19:30)

Two places to watch out for are closed on Mondays: the Toro Museum at the Toro Ruins and the Verkehr Museum. Neither will be open that day, so leave them off your plan. The Shimizu Jirocho Birthplace, however, closes on Tuesdays and is open Monday (weekdays 10:00–16:00, free admission).

Being a Monday weekday, crowds should be manageable. That said, rainy days push people indoors, and Dream Plaza’s restaurants can get busy at lunchtime.

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

5. Events in Shimizu on September 28, 2026

Late September in Shimizu is when the summer festival season ends and the town quietly shifts into autumn. Even so, there’s plenty going on, from gallery exhibitions to harbor-based experience programs.

If something catches your eye, do go and take a look.

🎨 ① Living with Handcrafts Exhibition II (September 12–28)

The final day of this exhibition falls exactly on your port call. Held at a small gallery in Udohoncho, Shimizu Ward, it explores the idea of using Japanese handcrafts in everyday life.

It’s a drive from the port, but since it’s indoors, the weather won’t matter. A venue small enough to convey the makers’ spirit offers a different kind of experience from the big tourist attractions.

【Date & Time】Saturday, September 12 – Monday, September 28, 10:00–17:00

【Venue】Mokupere × GALLERY kino (5-18 Udohoncho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 424-0879)

【Fee】Please check the official website for details

🔗 Official website: https://www.instagram.com/mokupere/

🍺 ② Shimizu Port Beer Cruise (September 11, 18, 26; October 3, 9, 16, 24)

An all-you-can-drink cruise departing from the Hinode landing — right in front of Dream Plaza, just a short walk from the Hinode Pier where you’ll disembark.

Unfortunately September 28 isn’t one of the sailing dates, but it’s worth knowing this is the kind of port Shimizu is. If you’re staying in the area before or after, take a look.

【Date & Time】Friday, September 11; Friday, September 18; Saturday, September 26; Saturday, October 3; Friday, October 9; Friday, October 16; Saturday, October 24. Friday sailings: check-in from 18:30 / Saturday sailings: check-in from 17:00

【Venue】Shimizu Port Hinode Landing (1-7-410-3 Minatocho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 424-0943)

【Fee】All-you-can-drink with alcohol: ¥4,500 / Soft drinks only, adults: ¥3,500 / Elementary school children: ¥1,750

【Eligibility】Applications accepted from August 10, 2026 to October 24, 2026

🔗 Official website: https://ticket.shimizu-cruise.co.jp/top?lng=ja-JP

🎎 ③ Daytime Geisha Dance Performances — Autumn (September 3 – November 30)

Enjoy lunch accompanied by geisha dance at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Shizuoka. Several ryotei around the city, including Fugetsuro, host the events, with dates varying by venue.

Chances to see traditional Japanese performing arts up close are rare. Advance booking is required and phone applications are not accepted, so check the official website early if you’re interested.

【Date & Time】Thursday, September 3 – Monday, November 30 (dates vary by venue), 12:00–14:00 (doors open 11:30)

【Venue】Nasubi Sohonten / Taigetsuro / Nasu no Hana Muan / Kappo Ohana / Sakura Shrimp Cuisine Kaikatei / Fugetsuro (11-1 Konyacho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 420-0852 — map shows Fugetsuro)

【Fee】¥5,500–¥12,000 (tax and service charge included); prices vary by venue

【Eligibility】Applications open Monday, August 17, 2026 at 9:00 via online form or fax (no phone applications). First come, first served at each venue until capacity is reached. See the official website for details

🔗 Official website: https://www.geigi.jp/post/2026autumn

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

An ongoing community class at the Shimizu Ward sports park. Sessions are held on Wednesdays, so they don’t fall on this Monday port call.

I mention it as a window into everyday life in Shimizu — these kinds of community classes run year-round here.

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

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

【Fee】¥7,000 (14 sessions)

【Eligibility】Applications from Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 10:00, in order received

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

⛏ ⑤ FY2026 Archaeology Techniques Hands-On Program (May 14 – November 12)

A hands-on archaeology program at the Shizuoka Prefectural Archaeological Research Center in Kambara, Shimizu Ward. Sessions are on Thursdays, so they don’t coincide with your port call — but participation is free.

Shizuoka is rich in Yayoi-period sites, the Toro Ruins being the best known. If Japanese archaeology interests you, the official website is worth a look.

【Date & Time】Thursday, May 14 – Thursday, November 12, 13:30–16:00

【Venue】Shizuoka Prefectural Archaeological Research Center (5300-5 Kambara, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 421-3203)

【Fee】Free

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

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

6. Local Food Specialties of Shimizu and Shizuoka

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

Dish	Where	Price range	Notes
Tuna rice bowls & sashimi platters	Maguro-kan (inside Kashi no Ichi, 10 min on foot)	¥1,000–2,500	A cluster of Shimizu Port tuna specialists. English menus, cards accepted
Shimizu sushi	Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza, 5 min on foot)	¥1,500–4,000	The closest sushi area to the port, with several restaurants to choose from
Seafood bowls & takeout	Ichiba-kan (Kashi no Ichi)	¥500–2,000	Open 9:30–17:30. Sakura shrimp shumai and other souvenir-friendly items
Sakura shrimp kakiage	Yui area (25 min by car)	¥800–1,500	Sold until gone. Many shops are cash only
Shizuoka oden	Aoba Yokocho (5 min walk from Shizuoka Station)	¥500–1,500	Known for kuro-hanpen and dashi powder. Most shops open in the evening
Wasabi products	Various spots around Shimizu Port	¥300–3,000	Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer. Wasabi-zuke is a classic souvenir
Canned tuna	Kashi no Ichi, Dream Plaza	¥300–1,500 as a rough guide	Shimizu is Japan’s leading producer. Light and easy to carry home

One seasonal treat I especially want to mention is sakura shrimp. Suruga Bay is the only place in Japan where they’re commercially fished. The season comes twice a year — spring (March–June) and autumn (October–December) — and late September falls just before the autumn catch begins.

Raw sakura shrimp are available only during the fishing season, but kakiage (tempura fritters), boiled, and sun-dried versions are served year-round at many restaurants, including those at Kashi no Ichi and Dream Plaza. Bite into a kakiage of translucent, pink-hued shrimp and you get a rush of nutty aroma and sweetness. Eating them fresh from the fryer, indoors, is not a bad way to spend a rainy afternoon.

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
• SIM cards: Buying a prepaid SIM at the airport is recommended

Payment Methods

Many shops in Japan still operate on cash, and at small restaurants and in taxis, cash is the sure bet.

Larger stores at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi accept credit cards, mainly Visa and Mastercard. Amex and Diners may be declined at some places.

There are Seven Bank ATMs in convenience stores near the port that accept overseas-issued cards for cash withdrawals. As a guide, carrying ¥3,000–10,000 per person per day should be plenty.

IC Transit Cards

Suica, ICOCA, and other nationally compatible IC transit cards work on buses and trains. You can buy them at convenience stores near the port or at Shimizu Station.

Cash is accepted too, but change isn’t always given, so keep coins handy.

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
• Miho no Matsubara “Mihoshirube”: Multilingual brochures available
• Taxis: Japanese only, generally. Google Translate’s camera and voice input come in handy

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

The MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA departs at 17:00. Follow the all-aboard time announced on board, but as a guide, plan to be back at Hinode Pier by 16:30.

Roads get congested in the rain and taxis are harder to find. Setting off about 15 minutes earlier than planned is about right.

If you get lost, search Google Maps for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭”. On the map, look for S-Pulse Dream Plaza with its big Ferris wheel — the pier is right next door.

If you’re taking a taxi, saying “清水港 日の出埠頭 (Hinode Pier)” will get you there. Showing the driver this page works too.

9. About the MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA

The MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA is a 32,477-ton vessel sailing as a Japanese cruise ship. This is her very first call at Shimizu Port.

At 32,477 tons she is a comparatively compact ship — the kind whose decks and lounges tend to feel unhurried rather than crowded.

Onboard she offers a variety of dining venues, lounges, and leisure facilities spread across her decks. As a ship sailing from Japanese homeports, she also offers Japanese cuisine and Japanese-language service — a welcome touch on a long voyage.

From Yokohama around Suruga Bay to Shimizu, and on to Tokyo tonight. The charm of a round-Japan cruise lies exactly in these small port towns tucked between the big cities.

It looks like a rainy day, but the National Treasure shrine, the market tuna, and the arcade shopping street will all be waiting, whatever the weather.

良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.