Sunday, October 4, 2026. Azamara Pursuit sails south from Tokyo across Suruga Bay and arrives at Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port, at 9:00. Departure is at 18:00 the same day, with Kobe as the next port of call.
🇯🇵 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 all-aboard deadline, roughly seven and a half hours is realistic for time ashore. Even so, that’s plenty to enjoy the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka in a single day: Nihondaira, where you look out over Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay from 307 meters up; Kunozan Toshogu Shrine with its National Treasure shrine buildings; the UNESCO World Heritage site of Miho no Matsubara; and Kashi no Ichi fish market, where the tuna landed at 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 Tokyo still fresh in your memory, what should you see, eat, and do next in Shimizu? Here’s a local’s take, 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
- 2. Weather and What to Wear on October 4, 2026
- 3. Getting from Shimizu Port into Town and to the Sights
- 4. Recommended Itinerary: "The Full Autumn Shizuoka Course"
- 5. Events in Shimizu on October 4, 2026
- 6. Local Food Specialties of Shimizu and Shizuoka
- 7. Practical Information for a Worry-Free Day
- 8. Getting Back to the Ship
- 9. About Azamara Pursuit
- More Azamara Pursuit Calls at Shimizu Port
1. Port Call Essentials
First, here’s your October 4, 2026 port call schedule at a glance.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port call date | Sunday, October 4, 2026 |
| Arrival | 09:00 |
| Departure | 18:00 |
| Scheduled time in port | Approx. 9 hours |
| Realistic sightseeing time | Approx. 7 hours 30 minutes |
| Berth | Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port |
| Previous port | Tokyo |
| Next port | Kobe |
A 9:00 arrival paired with an 18:00 departure is one of the more generous combinations among Shimizu port calls.
You can cover Shizuoka’s “big three” — Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu, and Miho no Matsubara — and still have time left for a meal and some shopping near the port.
October in Shimizu is a pleasant time of year: the muggy heat of summer has eased, and it’s comfortable weather for walking.
This is also when the autumn sakura shrimp season begins. Typhoon tracks are the one thing to keep an eye on, but once a system passes through, the air clears and Mt. Fuji often shows itself beautifully.
And October 4 falls on a Sunday — the day of the week when the Dream Plaza free shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes, making trips between the port and Shimizu Station easier than on weekdays.
2. Weather and What to Wear on October 4, 2026
The forecast for your port day is moderate drizzle. Highs around 22.5℃ (72°F), lows around 16.0℃ (61°F), with a 33% chance of rain.
If Celsius isn’t familiar to you, use these as reference points: 20℃ = 68°F, 25℃ = 77°F, 30℃ = 86°F.
With daytime temperatures in the low 20s℃, short sleeves plus a light long-sleeved layer feels about right. Temperatures drop to near 16℃ when you disembark in the morning and when you head back to the ship in the evening, so a cardigan or light jacket will keep you comfortable.
A 33% chance of rain means “it might sprinkle now and then” rather than “it will rain all day.” A folding umbrella or rain jacket in your bag should be plenty.
Miho no Matsubara and Nihondaira are outdoor spots, so choose shoes you don’t mind getting a little wet. On drizzly days Mt. Fuji may hide behind clouds, but it often appears for a moment through a break in the cover. Even without the summit in view, the pine groves and Suruga Bay scenery are well worth seeing on their own.
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 week-ahead forecast, so do check it again on the morning of your visit.
3. Getting from Shimizu Port into Town and to the Sights
Shimizu is an easy port to explore independently. Below is a breakdown of each transport option, including how fares work, payment methods, and service frequency.
If you want maximum freedom with limited hours in port, a taxi is your best bet.
🚕 Taxi (the most flexible option)
The biggest advantage is being able to string together places that are awkward 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.
- 【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-based charges also apply while waiting at lights or in traffic. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask roughly what the fare to a given destination will be before you get in
- 【Chartering by the hour】Hourly charter is ¥7,700 per hour for a standard vehicle. 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 destinations and work out the route together
- 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are reliably accepted. IC transit cards and QR payments vary by vehicle, so check before boarding if you’d like to use them. No tipping required
- 【Language】Most drivers speak Japanese only, but showing the spot names in this article (with Japanese text) on your phone works perfectly well
With drizzle in the forecast on October 4, the value of staying dry in a taxi is higher than usual. The model itinerary below uses taxis for the outbound trip to Nihondaira and for the ride from Kunozan to Kashi no Ichi.
🚌 Free Shuttle Buses (port to Shimizu Station — a surprisingly little-known ally)
There are two kinds of free buses at Shimizu Port. 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 Minato Exit in about 8 minutes. The stop is not at Hinode Pier but 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 (at :00, :15, :30, and :45)
- 【First and last runs】First departure from Dream Plaza is 10:00, last is 22:20. First departure from JR Shimizu Station Minato Exit is 9:45
- 【Note】It does not run before 10:00. On early-arrival days, take a taxi or walk for your first trip of the morning
- 【Best for】Heading to JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It saves you a walk of 20 minutes or more
October 4 is a Sunday, so the 15-minute schedule applies. That said, with a 9:00 arrival, you’ll be disembarking before the first bus of the day.
② Cruise-day-only free shuttle (arranged by the cruise line)
On port call days, a free bus sometimes runs from right in front of Hinode Pier toward Shin-Shimizu Station and JR Shimizu Station. The key difference from ① is that you can board it immediately after stepping off the ship.
- During 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 onboard announcements or ask port staff after disembarking
- How to tell them apart: ① is a red bus marked “S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA”; ② is a chartered vehicle running only on cruise days
⛴ Water Bus (travel with Mt. Fuji views from the water)
Small boats link the Hinode landing (in front of Dream Plaza) with the Miho area and Ejiri (near Kashi no Ichi). The journey itself doubles as a harbor sightseeing cruise.
- 【How fares work】A flat ¥1,000 per segment for adults, ¥500 for elementary school children. Hinode to Miho takes about 15 minutes; Hinode to Ejiri about 10 minutes
- 【Frequency】Seven sailings per day. No reservations — boarding is first-come, first-served
- 【Tickets】Purchase at the landing
- 【Cancellations】Since the route stays within the harbor, cancellations are rare, but service may be suspended in rough weather such as typhoons. Check same-day operations at the landing or by phone (054-353-2222)
The model itinerary below uses the water bus from Kashi no Ichi to Miho, and again from Miho back to the port. October can still see lingering typhoon effects, so confirming the day’s service in the morning will make the rest of your plans easier to manage.
🚏 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 Miho no Matsubara 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 near the driver when you get off. With Suica, ICOCA, or any nationally interoperable IC card, simply tap on when boarding and tap off when alighting
- 【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 (to central Shizuoka City)
A good option if you want to venture out to the Shizuoka Station area for Aoba Yokocho’s Shizuoka oden or Sunpu Castle Park.
- 【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 payment is not supported for boarding, so use an IC card or buy a 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
When the drizzle picks up, traveling by train under cover is the comfortable choice.
🚶 On Foot (plenty for the area around the port)
- S-PULSE Dream Plaza: right next to the pier (1–3 minutes on foot)
- 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 you’ll step off right in front of it
- JR Shimizu Station: about 1.5 km, 20–25 minutes on foot. The free shuttle bus is recommended
- Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu): about 1 km, around 15 minutes on foot
For more detail on transport options and practical tips from the port, see our Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.
4. Recommended Itinerary: “The Full Autumn Shizuoka Course”
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 costs and who each option suits.
“What should I see in seven and a half hours?”
This itinerary is the most straightforward answer to that question.
Get your bearings on Shizuoka’s landscape from the Nihondaira observatory, ride the ropeway down to Kunozan Toshogu, then have a tuna rice bowl for lunch at Kashi no Ichi. In the afternoon, cross by water bus to Miho no Matsubara, and finish with shopping at Dream Plaza right beside the pier before heading back to the ship.
The route heads southwest from the port, loops around by sea, and returns — a one-way circuit with no backtracking.
It’s the kind of itinerary only a nine-hour call makes possible.
Timetable
| Time | Location | What you’ll do | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30 | Hinode Pier | Disembarkation complete. Taxi to the summit of Nihondaira (approx. 30 min) | 30 min |
| 10:00 | Nihondaira Yume Terrace | Sweeping 360° views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and Miho no Matsubara from the observation deck | 45 min |
| 10:45 | Nihondaira Ropeway | Down to Kunozan (approx. 5 min) | 10 min |
| 10:55 | Kunozan Toshogu Shrine | National Treasure shrine buildings and museum; views over Suruga Bay | 65 min |
| 12:00 | Transfer | Ropeway back to Nihondaira, then taxi toward Shimizu Station (approx. 25 min) | 40 min |
| 12:40 | Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” | Tuna bowl lunch; souvenirs at Ichiba-kan | 60 min |
| 13:40 | Ejiri Landing | Water bus to Miho (approx. 15 min), then local bus and a short walk from the landing (approx. 20 min) | 35 min |
| 14:15 | Miho no Matsubara | Kami no Michi path, Hagoromo Pine, Mt. Fuji beyond the pines, Mihoshirube center | 75 min |
| 15:30 | Miho Landing | Water bus to Hinode (direct, approx. 15 min), including travel to the landing | 40 min |
| 16:10 | S-PULSE Dream Plaza | Souvenirs, Chibi Maruko-chan Land, Dream Sky Ferris wheel | 65 min |
| 17:15 | Hinode Pier | Walk back to the ship | — |
Estimated budget: from about ¥12,000 per person (taxi, admissions, and meals included)
Taxi costs assume a group of four sharing. Think of the total as the round trip to Nihondaira, the ropeway, lunch, and two water bus segments combined.
Nihondaira and Nihondaira Yume Terrace
An observation facility on a 307-meter summit. A wooden-lattice observation corridor loops all the way around, taking in Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and Miho no Matsubara far below — all in one sweep.
The building is open 9:00 to 17:00. The observation corridor itself is open around the clock, so you can enjoy the view even if you arrive early.
On drizzly days Mt. Fuji may be hidden, but it’s not unusual for the clouds to part and reveal it for a few minutes. It’s worth waiting it out.
For details on reaching Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu independently, including costs, see our Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
Japan’s oldest Toshogu shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrine buildings, dating from the early Edo period, are designated National Treasures.
The vividly painted carvings and lacquerwork stand out strikingly against the surrounding forest.
Admission is ¥700 for the shrine, ¥600 for the museum, or ¥1,200 for a combination ticket. The combination ticket is the better choice if you want to see Ieyasu’s armor, clocks, and other artifacts.
It’s about 5 minutes from Nihondaira by ropeway. The ride across the valley is part of the experience.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”
A section of Shimizu’s fish market opened to the public, split into two buildings: Maguro-kan, lined with restaurants, and Ichiba-kan, with fresh seafood and souvenirs.
Shimizu is one of Japan’s leading tuna ports. Tuna bowls and sashimi platters start from around ¥1,000.
Ichiba-kan is open 9:30–17:30, with easy-to-carry items like sakura shrimp shumai and tuna tataki.
Step outside and the Ejiri water bus landing is right there, making your post-lunch transfer effortless.
Miho no Matsubara
A coastline lined with some 30,000 pine trees — one of the component sites of the Mt. Fuji World Cultural Heritage listing.
The highlights are the Hagoromo Pine, where legend says a celestial maiden hung her feathered robe, and Kami no Michi, the approach path leading to it. The ground is gravel and pine roots, so sneakers are the right footwear.
Walk out to the shore and you’ll find the classic composition: Mt. Fuji rising beyond Suruga Bay. This is the view painted again and again in ukiyo-e and other artwork.
Admission is free. The Mihoshirube visitor center is open 9:00–16:30 and has multilingual brochures.
For the highlights, the Hagoromo legend, and access details, see our Miho no Matsubara UNESCO Guide.
S-PULSE Dream Plaza
A shopping complex next to Hinode Pier with about 60 stores. Above all, it’s reassuring to be just a few minutes’ walk from your ship.
There’s a themed attraction dedicated to “Chibi Maruko-chan,” created by an artist from Shimizu (¥1,200 for adults, ¥700 for ages 3 through elementary school), as well as Shimizu Sushi Yokocho, a row of sushi restaurants.
The 52-meter Dream Sky Ferris wheel costs ¥700 for a ride of about 13 minutes. Before sunset, it offers a view over the port and toward Mt. Fuji.
It’s an ideal covered spot for filling the last stretch of time before you board.
Opening Status on Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open (9:00–17:00). Closed on second Tuesdays and over New Year, so no issue on this date
- Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: Open (9:00–17:00, daily year-round)
- Nihondaira Ropeway: Normal operation. May suspend service in strong winds or lightning
- Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”: Open. Closed Wednesdays, so Sunday operations are normal (Ichiba-kan 9:30–17:30; Maguro-kan hours vary by shop)
- Miho no Matsubara: Open at all hours, free. Mihoshirube is open 9:00–16:30, daily year-round
- Shimizu Port Water Bus: Seven sailings daily, departing Hinode between 9:55 and 16:35. Service may be canceled in rough weather, so check on the day
- S-PULSE Dream Plaza: Open (shops 10:00–20:00, restaurants 11:00–21:00)
- Verkehr Museum: Open (9:30–16:30). Closed Mondays, so you can visit on this date
Maguro-kan at Kashi no Ichi gets busy on Sundays, and lines can form around noon. Consider shifting your lunch slightly earlier or later, or switching to takeout from Ichiba-kan.
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. Events in Shimizu on October 4, 2026
Now that October has arrived, the breeze off the sea in Shimizu is turning pleasantly cool.
That said, we were unable to confirm any specific events scheduled for October 4, 2026 at the time of writing.
Even so, small gatherings such as neighborhood autumn festivals or shopping street events are sometimes announced at the last minute. After disembarking, try asking at the tourist information desk inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal, or search “清水 イベント” (Shimizu events) on your smartphone. You might stumble onto something unexpected.
⚠️ Events may be changed or canceled 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 bowl | Maguro-kan, Kashi no Ichi (10 min walk) | ¥1,000–2,500 | Shimizu Port tuna at market prices. English menus, cards accepted |
| Shimizu sushi | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza, 5 min walk) | ¥1,500–4,000 | Several sushi restaurants together. The closest sushi to the pier |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage | Yui area (25 min by car) | ¥800–1,500 | Autumn season runs October–December. Sold until gone, cash only |
| Seafood takeout | Ichiba-kan, Kashi no Ichi (10 min walk) | ¥500–2,000 | Sakura shrimp shumai, tuna tataki. Good for gifts too |
| Shizuoka oden | Aoba Yokocho (5 min walk from Shizuoka Station) | ¥500–1,500 | Known for kuro-hanpen and dashi powder. Mostly evening-only shops |
| Shirasu (whitebait) bowl | Kashi no Ichi and around Miho | Varies by shop | Suruga Bay whitebait. Raw shirasu depends on the day’s catch |
| Wasabi dishes | Throughout Shimizu and Shizuoka City | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer. Try wasabi-zuke or wasabi soft serve |
The one we especially want to highlight is October’s seasonal delicacy: sakura shrimp.
Suruga Bay is the only place in Japan where sakura shrimp are commercially fished on any real scale. The season opens just twice a year — spring (March–June) and autumn (October–December) — and October marks the very start of the autumn catch.
Fried as kakiage, the shrimp melt apart in your mouth, shells and all, releasing a burst of sweet, briny aroma. Dried sakura shrimp served over rice in kamameshi, or scattered over tofu as a small side dish, are also classics.
The heartland is the Yui fishing port area, about 25 minutes by car from Shimizu Port, but restaurants at Kashi no Ichi and Dream Plaza also serve sakura shrimp dishes. If you don’t have time to travel that far, buying dried sakura shrimp at Ichiba-kan is another option.
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 gives you peace of mind while on the move
Payment Methods
Many businesses in Japan still operate primarily on cash, and small restaurants and taxis in particular may be cash-only.
Larger stores at S-PULSE Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi accept credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted; Amex and Diners are sometimes declined.
There are Seven Bank ATMs near the port (inside convenience stores) that accept overseas-issued cards for cash withdrawals.
As a guideline, carrying ¥3,000–10,000 in cash per person per day should cover you.
IC Transit Cards
Suica, ICOCA, and other nationally interoperable IC cards work on both buses and trains.
You can buy a card at convenience stores near the port or at Shimizu Station. Cash fares are also accepted, but change isn’t always given, so have coins ready.
Language Support
The tourist information centers (Shimizu Port Terminal and Shimizu Station) have English-speaking staff.
Most shops at S-PULSE Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi have English menus or English-speaking staff. Mihoshirube at Miho no Matsubara distributes multilingual information brochures.
Taxi drivers generally speak Japanese only, so having Google Translate installed makes conversation easier. The surest approach is to show your destination written in Japanese on your screen.
Tourist Information Centers
- Inside 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 18:00. Plan to be back at Hinode Pier by 17:30 at the latest.
Returning from Miho no Matsubara or central Shizuoka can take longer than expected depending on traffic, so build in extra time.
To find the location on Google Maps, search “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭.”
When taking a taxi, tell the driver “清水港 日の出埠頭 (Hinode Pier).” On cruise days the ship is visible from a distance, so drivers understand immediately.
From Dream Plaza it’s just a few minutes on foot. If you’re mid-shopping and start wondering about the time, step outside and look toward the harbor — you’ll see your ship.
9. About Azamara Pursuit
Azamara Pursuit is a 30,277-ton international cruise ship. It is a relatively small vessel, and that size is precisely what allows it to call at ports like Shimizu, where larger ships have difficulty berthing.
Onboard, the ship offers a variety of dining venues and entertainment facilities, with the relaxed, intimate atmosphere that smaller ships are known for — just right for dinner after a full day exploring ashore.
From the metropolis of Tokyo to the shores of Suruga Bay, and on to Kobe next. Shimizu sits right about at the midpoint of this Pacific-coast route along Honshu.
Whether or not Mt. Fuji shows itself, a day in this port town always has its own character to reveal.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
More Azamara Pursuit Calls at Shimizu Port
Guides for this ship’s other port calls:
