Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む

Azamara Pursuit sails in from Kobe and arrives at Shimizu Port at 10:30. She leaves the same evening at 19:00, bound for Tokyo.

Your day at a glance

  • Time ashore: about 7 hours. Plan to be back at the pier by 18:30.
  • Weather: rain in the morning, easing to around a 30% chance from midday. Highs around 22°C (72°F). Bring a rain jacket and shoes with some grip.
  • Best plan for today: an early sushi lunch next to the pier, the National Treasure shrine of Kunozan Toshogu in the early afternoon, then the new Renoir exhibition at Shizuoka City Museum of Art before taking the train back.
  • Heads-up: the Kashi-no-Ichi fish market is closed on Wednesdays, so eat at Dream Plaza instead.
  • Getting around: a taxi for the far side, the JR train (12 minutes, ¥240) and a free shuttle bus to get back to the port.

The details for each of these are below. Think of this page as your morning paper for your day in port, something to read on the morning your ship arrives at 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. My hope is that this site feels like the morning paper you read on the day your ship arrives at Shimizu.

1. Port Call Basics

Here is the schedule for September 30, 2026 at a glance.

Item Details
Date Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Arrival 10:30
Departure 19:00
Scheduled time in port About 8.5 hours
Realistic time ashore About 7 hours
Berth Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port (expected; the port lists the berth as not yet decided)
Previous port Kobe
Next port Tokyo

The port’s published schedule lists the berth for this call as “not yet decided.” Most cruise ships tie up at Hinode Pier, and this guide assumes that, but please confirm where your ship is docked from the onboard announcements.

Late September in Shimizu is when the summer heat finally lets go and mornings and evenings start to feel cooler. It is also the autumn rainy season, and this port day looks set to be a wet one, at least in the morning. Because your ship stays until 19:00, you can let the rain ease off before heading out further.

2. Weather and What to Wear on September 30, 2026

At the time of writing, the forecast for Shimizu on September 30, 2026 is rain.

Highs around 22°C (72°F) and lows around 21°C (69°F). The chance of rain is 94%.

The hourly forecast is kinder than that number suggests. The rain is most likely in the morning, and from midday into the evening the chance drops to about 30%. Expect rain as you arrive around 10:30, then lighter showers or dry spells in the afternoon.

If Celsius isn’t your thing, use these as a guide: 20°C = 68°F, 25°C = 77°F, 30°C = 86°F.

The temperature will barely change through the day, and short sleeves may feel a little cool. A long-sleeved shirt or a light jacket is a good idea.

Rain gear is a must. Along with a folding umbrella, a hooded rain jacket keeps both hands free on the ropeway and the shrine steps.

Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, ideally with non-slip soles. The grounds of Kunozan Toshogu are full of stone steps and paving, which get slippery in the rain.

7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue

Please note that this forecast was current when this guide was published, a few days before your port call. The weather widget above always shows the latest 7-day forecast, so it’s worth checking 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 taxi stand at Hinode Pier, with the TaaS taxi-tour information truck
The taxi stand at Hinode Pier, with the TaaS taxi-tour information truck(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

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, which works out to 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 early-afternoon trip up to Nihondaira and for the ride from Nihondaira to Shizuoka 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, and often overlooked)

The free shuttle bus stop board at JR Shimizu Station, with timetables
The free shuttle bus stop board at JR Shimizu Station, with timetables(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

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)

The red free shuttle bus linking S-Pulse Dream Plaza and JR Shimizu Station
The red free shuttle bus linking S-Pulse Dream Plaza and JR Shimizu Station(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

Connects Dream Plaza, Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu) and 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 30 is a Wednesday, so the weekday schedule applies: every 30 minutes. With a 10:30 arrival, the bus will already be running by the time you are ashore. It also saves you a 20-minute walk in the rain when you come back from Shimizu Station in the late afternoon, which is exactly how 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)

The water bus underway inside Shimizu Port, with the coastal hills behind
The water bus underway inside Shimizu Port, with the coastal hills behind(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

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)

Rain is forecast this time, so the views from the water may be limited. 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 is a comfortable choice, since you stay under cover the whole way.

🚶 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.

S-Pulse Dream Plaza, right next to the pier, with the Dream Sky Ferris wheel as its landmark. A shopping mall of Shizuoka specialities, local seafood and souvenirs, just 1–3 minutes on foot
S-Pulse Dream Plaza, right next to the pier, with the Dream Sky Ferris wheel as its landmark. A shopping mall of Shizuoka specialities, local seafood and souvenirs, just 1–3 minutes on foot(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

Not sure whether to book the cruise line’s tour or go independently? Start with Shimizu Shore Excursions Compared, which sets out the costs and who each option suits.

“What can I see in seven hours?” This route is our answer for a rainy Wednesday.

While the rain is still falling before noon, stay close to the pier and have an early lunch. Once it eases in the afternoon, head south to Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu, whose National Treasure shrine buildings can be admired under cover. From there, continue west to Shizuoka Station for the Renoir exhibition that opened on September 22, then take the train back to Shimizu.

The route loops from the port to the south, then the west, then back to the port, so you never retrace your steps.

Time Place What to do Time needed
11:00 Hinode Pier Disembark and walk 5 minutes to S-Pulse Dream Plaza 10 min
11:10 Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza) An early lunch of Shimizu tuna and sushi 60 min
12:10 Transfer Taxi to the top of Nihondaira (about 20 min) 25 min
12:35 Nihondaira Yume Terrace Look out over Suruga Bay and Shimizu Port from the indoor observation floor 20 min
12:55 Kunozan Toshogu About 5 minutes by Nihondaira Ropeway. See the National Treasure shrine and museum 90 min
14:25 Transfer Ropeway back to Nihondaira, then taxi toward Shizuoka Station (allow about 30 min) 40 min
15:05 Shizuoka City Museum of Art, “Our Renoir” On the 3rd floor of Aoi Tower, about 3 minutes’ walk from JR Shizuoka Station 90 min
16:35 Transfer JR Tokaido Line from Shizuoka to Shimizu (about 12 min), then the free shuttle bus to Dream Plaza (about 8 min) 45 min
17:20 S-Pulse Dream Plaza Souvenir shopping, Chibi Maruko-chan Land 55 min
18:15 Hinode Pier 5-minute walk back to the ship (be back by 18:30) 15 min

Estimated budget: from about ¥9,000 per person (taxis, ropeway, admission and meals; assumes 2 to 4 people sharing taxis)

Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside S-Pulse Dream Plaza)

Suruga Minori Market, the ground-floor food and souvenir hall at Dream Plaza, a few minutes' walk from the cruise berth
Suruga Minori Market, the ground-floor food and souvenir hall at Dream Plaza, a few minutes’ walk from the cruise berth(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

A row of sushi restaurants inside Dream Plaza, and the closest place to the pier for sushi. You can walk along and pick the one that appeals.

Restaurants open at 11:00, which lines up nicely with when you step ashore. With the fish market closed today, this is the easiest place to try Shimizu’s tuna. Going in a little before the lunchtime rush usually means no wait.

Show your receipt from lunch and you get half-price entry to the Shimizu Sushi Museum in the same building.

Nihondaira Yume Terrace

An observation building at the 307 m summit of Nihondaira.

On a clear day it offers a 360-degree panorama of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps and Miho no Matsubara. Clouds will probably linger today, but you should still see Shimizu Port and the sea beyond from the indoor floor.

Entry is free, and the ropeway station is close by, so it makes a good short stop before Kunozan.

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

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

The oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. The ropeway from Nihondaira crosses a valley in about 5 minutes and sets you down halfway up the mountain.

The shrine buildings, covered in richly colored carvings, are a National Treasure. You view them from under the eaves, so a bit of lingering 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 associated with Ieyasu, and with the time this route allows, the combined ticket is worth it.

The grounds have many stone steps and paved paths, so watch your footing if they are wet.

For getting to Nihondaira and Kunozan independently, including costs, see our Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu Guide.

Shizuoka City Museum of Art: “Our Renoir: The Painter of Happiness Japan Loved”

The city’s art museum sits on the 3rd floor of Aoi Tower, about 3 minutes on foot from JR Shizuoka Station.

Since September 22 it has been showing an exhibition of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, the French Impressionist whose happy, glowing style has made him one of the best-loved painters in Japan.

You can get there from the station with barely a drop of rain, which makes it a good choice for a wet afternoon. Admission is ¥1,600 for adults, ¥1,200 for high school and university students and visitors 70 and over, and free for junior high school students and younger.

The museum is open until 19:00 (last entry to the galleries 18:30), but to make it back to the ship comfortably, plan to leave by about 16:30.

S-Pulse Dream Plaza

The Shizuoka sake corner in Suruga Minori Market, on the ground floor of Dream Plaza
The Shizuoka sake corner in Suruga Minori Market, on the ground floor of Dream Plaza(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

The shopping complex right next to Hinode Pier, easy to spot thanks to the big Ferris wheel, Dream Sky.

Besides Shimizu Sushi Yokocho, it has Chibi Maruko-chan Land, dedicated to the much-loved anime set in Shimizu (¥1,200 adults, ¥700 ages 3 to elementary school, last entry 19:30), and plenty of souvenir shops.

The Ferris wheel costs ¥700, stands 52 m tall and takes about 13 minutes per loop. If the rain has stopped by evening, it’s a nice way to see the port from above before you board. It does stop in strong winds.

Just 5 minutes from the pier, it is the easiest place for last-minute shopping.

Opening Status on Wednesday, September 30, 2026

  • Kunozan Toshogu: open every day, 9:00 to 17:00
  • Nihondaira Yume Terrace: closed on the second Tuesday of the month, so open on Wednesday, September 30 (9:00 to 17:00)
  • Nihondaira Ropeway: runs in the rain, but may be suspended in strong winds or lightning
  • Shizuoka City Museum of Art: closed on Mondays, open on Wednesday (10:00 to 19:00, last entry to the galleries 18:30)
  • S-Pulse Dream Plaza: shops 10:00 to 20:00, restaurants 11:00 to 21:00. Chibi Maruko-chan Land is open every day (10:00 to 20:00, last entry 19:30)
  • Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”: closed on Wednesdays, so closed today

If you would rather stay near the port, the Verkehr Museum is another option. It is closed on Mondays, so it is open today, 9:30 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30), and it’s a short walk along the waterfront from Dream Plaza.

As a weekday, things should be fairly quiet everywhere. On rainy days, though, people gather in indoor places, and Dream Plaza’s restaurants can get busy around noon.

For more ideas, from walking distance to half-day trips and rainy-day plans, see 20 Things to Do in Shimizu.

5. Shimizu Events on September 30, 2026

At the end of September, the autumn exhibitions in Shimizu and Shizuoka have just opened.

From a museum right by the port to Miho no Matsubara and the art museum by Shizuoka Station, there are indoor exhibitions to enjoy even on a rainy day.

If something catches your eye, do drop by.

🎨 ① Our Renoir: The Painter of Happiness Japan Loved (September 22 to November 15)

A Renoir exhibition at Shizuoka City Museum of Art, and a stop on today’s model route.

The museum is about 3 minutes’ walk from JR Shizuoka Station, which is 12 minutes by train from Shimizu, so it fits easily into a port day. It’s indoors, so the weather doesn’t matter.

【Date & Time】Tue (holiday), Sep 22 to Sun, Nov 15. 10:00 to 19:00 (last entry to the galleries 18:30). Closed Mondays

【Venue】Shizuoka City Museum of Art (Aoi Tower, 3rd floor)

【Fee】¥1,600 adults; ¥1,200 high school and university students and visitors 70+; free for junior high school students and younger

🔗 Official website: https://shizubi.jp/exhibition/20260922_renoir/260922_01.php

⛵ ② Verkehr Museum Special Exhibition: Sailing Ships of East and West (September 12 to November 15)

An exhibition comparing Japanese and Western sailing ships through paintings and models.

The Verkehr Museum is devoted to the port and ships, and it’s a short walk along the waterfront from Dream Plaza. For anyone traveling by sea, it makes a fitting detour.

【Date & Time】Sat, Sep 12 to Sun, Nov 15. 9:30 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30). Closed Mondays

【Venue】Verkehr Museum (Minatomachi, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City)

【Fee】¥400 adults (see the official website for other fares)

🔗 Official website: https://www.verkehr-museum.jp/

🖼 ③ Mihoshirube Special Exhibition II: Miho no Matsubara as Painted by Sesshu (September 12 to November 29)

A special exhibition at Mihoshirube, the Miho no Matsubara Culture Center next to the famous pine grove.

The theme is Miho no Matsubara as painted by Sesshu, the Muromachi-period painter-monk, and the subtitle names the work “Fuji, Miho and Seiken-ji Temple.” Admission is free.

From the port, you reach Miho by water bus or local bus. It’s in a different direction from today’s model route, so this one is for those planning a Miho-centered day.

【Date & Time】Sat, Sep 12 to Sun, Nov 29. 9:00 to 16:30. Open every day

【Venue】Mihoshirube, Miho no Matsubara Culture Center (1338-45 Miho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City 424-0901)

【Fee】Free

🔗 Official website: https://miho-no-matsubara.jp/center

⚠️ Events may change or be canceled due to weather or other reasons. Please check the official information before you go.

6. Local Food to Try in Shimizu and Shizuoka

The Shimizu and Shizuoka area is one of Japan’s great places to eat. Here are the local specialties we’d most like you to try on your port day.

Dish Where Price guide Notes
Shimizu sushi Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza, 5 min walk) ¥1,500–4,000 The closest sushi to the pier, and lunch on today’s model route
Tuna rice bowls and sashimi Maguro-kan (Kashi-no-Ichi, 15–20 min walk) ¥1,000–2,500 Closed on Wednesdays, so closed on September 30
Sakura shrimp tempura (kakiage) Yui area (25 min by car) ¥800–1,500 Sold until it runs out; many places are cash only
Shizuoka oden Aoba Yokocho (5 min walk from Shizuoka Station) ¥500–1,500 Known for black hanpen fish cake and dashi powder; most stalls open in the evening
Wasabi products Around Shimizu Port ¥300–3,000 Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer; wasabi-zuke pickles are a classic souvenir
Canned tuna Dream Plaza and elsewhere Varies by shop Shimizu is Japan’s top producer of canned tuna; light and easy to take home

One seasonal taste we especially recommend in September is sakura shrimp.

Suruga Bay is the only place in Japan where sakura shrimp are fished. There are two seasons, spring (March to June) and autumn (October to December), and late September falls just before the autumn season begins.

Fresh sakura shrimp are only available in season, but some restaurants serve them as kakiage fritters, boiled, or sun-dried all year round. Look for them in Dream Plaza’s restaurants and souvenir shops.

Fried as a kakiage fritter, the small, translucent pink shrimp are crisp, fragrant and sweet. Sun-dried sakura shrimp are light and keep well, which makes them a good souvenir to take on board.

For more on the seasons, how to eat tuna, sakura shrimp and whitebait, 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

Azamara Pursuit departs at 19:00.

Please follow the all-aboard time given on board, but as a guide, plan to be back at the pier by 18:30.

Roads get busier in the evening, and taxis are harder to find on rainy days. If you are coming back from the Shizuoka Station area, set off about 15 minutes earlier than you think you need to.

Because the berth for this call is listed as “not yet decided,” take note of where your ship is docked as you disembark. It will make the way back much easier.

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 to it.

If you take a taxi, say “清水港 日の出埠頭 (Hinode Pier)” and the driver will understand. You are also welcome to simply show this page on your phone.

9. About Azamara Pursuit

Azamara Pursuit is a 30,277-ton ship operated by Azamara. She entered service in 2001 and joined the Azamara fleet in 2018.

She is small compared with the big cruise ships, which lets her call at ports that larger vessels can’t easily reach. With a modest number of guests on board, the atmosphere is relaxed.

The open-air bar on the pool deck, The Patio, is known as a place to unwind while taking in the view of each port.

Azamara is a line that values giving guests more time ashore, and today’s call is a good example, with a 10:30 arrival and a 19:00 departure that leaves you the whole afternoon in Shimizu.

From Kobe to Shimizu, and tonight on to Tokyo. Your day in Shimizu sits between two of Japan’s great port cities.

If the morning rain clears, the afternoon at Kunozan and the Renoir exhibition should be a pleasure.

良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.


More Azamara Pursuit Calls at Shimizu Port

Guides for this ship’s other port calls:

Today's picks near the pier (updated today)