October 5, 2026 Shimizu Port Shore Day Guide for Royal Princess Passengers

Monday, October 5, 2026. After departing Yokohama, Royal Princess sails along Suruga Bay and arrives at Shimizu Port at 07:00. She departs the same day at 14:00, bound for Osaka.

🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む

On paper you have seven hours in port, but once you account for disembarkation and the return to the ship, roughly five and a half hours ashore is a more realistic figure. Even so, that’s plenty of time to sample the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka: the 360-degree panorama from Nihondaira, the National Treasure shrine buildings of Kunozan Toshogu, the tuna stalls of the Kashi-no-Ichi fish market, and the UNESCO World Heritage pine grove of Miho no Matsubara.

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 Yokohama still fresh in your memory, what should you see, eat, and do next in Shimizu? Here’s the full rundown, 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.

1. Port Call Essentials

First, here’s your October 5, 2026 schedule at a glance.

Item	Details
Port call date	Monday, October 5, 2026
Arrival	07:00
Departure	14:00
Scheduled time in port	Approx. 7 hours
Realistic sightseeing time	Approx. 5.5 hours
Berth	To be confirmed (berth not yet assigned; ship not open for public viewing)
Previous port	Yokohama
Next port	Osaka

October in Shimizu is when the muggy heat of summer finally lifts — the most pleasant season of the year for walking.

After a typhoon passes, the air turns crystal clear and Mount Fuji often stands out sharply against the sky. Since this is a Monday weekday, attractions and restaurants won’t be as crowded as on weekends.

The one thing to watch is that early 2:00 p.m. departure. Plan on being back at the pier by around 13:30, which makes how you use your morning the key to the whole day.

2. Weather and What to Wear on October 5, 2026

As of this writing, the forecast for Shimizu on October 5, 2026 calls for moderate drizzle.

Highs should be around 21.3℃ (70°F), with lows near 17.4℃ (63°F). The chance of precipitation is forecast at 24%.

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

When you disembark at 7:00 a.m., temperatures won’t have climbed yet and there’s a sea breeze, so a single short-sleeved layer may feel chilly. Bring a light jacket or cardigan to handle the swings in temperature through the day.

The 24% chance of rain is relatively low, but with drizzle in the forecast, a folding umbrella is worth packing. Nihondaira and Miho no Matsubara are outdoor sites, so comfortable walking shoes you don’t mind getting damp are your best bet.

7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue

Note that this forecast reflects conditions predicted 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 to the Sights

Shimizu is an easy port to explore independently. Here’s a breakdown of each transport option, including how fares work, payment methods, and frequency.

On a day like this with just seven hours in port, a taxi — which lets you use your time freely — is the way to go.

🚕 Taxi (the most flexible option — recommended)

The biggest advantage is being able to string together places like Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu that are awkward to reach by public transport. 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 cruise ship arrivals. 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 a trip will cost before you get in
• 【Chartering by the hour】Hourly charter is ¥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 destinations 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 ask before boarding if you want to use them. No tipping required
• 【Language】Most drivers speak only Japanese, but showing the spot names from this article (with Japanese text) on your phone works just fine

Our model itinerary below uses a taxi for the 07:30 departure toward Nihondaira and Kunozan. On a day with drizzle in the forecast, a taxi’s roof is the most comfortable option by far.

🚌 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 stops, so knowing the difference will save you confusion.

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 (:00, :15, :30, :45)
• 【First and last runs】From Dream Plaza: first at 10:00, last at 22:20. From JR Shimizu Station Minato Exit: first at 9:45
• 【Note】It doesn’t run before 10:00 a.m. On early-arrival days, take a taxi or walk for your first move of the morning
• 【Best use】Heading to JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It shortcuts a walk that would otherwise take 20 minutes or more

October 5 is a weekday, so expect 30-minute intervals. With a 07:00 arrival, keep in mind this shuttle isn’t an option right after you step ashore.

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

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

• During the Celebrity Millennium call on August 16, 2026, Ihara Kanko Bus operated this 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 pier 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 port call days

⛴ Water Bus (travel across the water with Mount Fuji in view)

A small boat connecting the Hinode pier (in front of Dream Plaza) with the Miho area and Ejiri (near the Kashi-no-Ichi fish market). The journey itself is a sightseeing experience.

• 【How fares work】Flat rate of ¥1,000 per section 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 boarding point
• 【Cancellations】Since it runs within the harbor, cancellations are rare, but service may be suspended in typhoons or other rough weather. Check the day’s operating status at the pier or by phone (054-353-2222)

Our model itinerary uses the water bus to get from Kashi-no-Ichi to Miho no Matsubara. October still carries traces of typhoon season, so checking the service status the day before and again that morning will make planning easier.

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

To reach Miho no Matsubara by public transport, take the “Miho Yamanote Line.” It’s ¥440 and about 25 minutes from Shimizu Station to the Miho no Matsubara Iriguchi stop.

• 【Frequency】Generally 3–4 buses per hour during the day
• 【How to ride】Board through the rear door and pay at the fare box by the driver when you get off. With Suica, ICOCA, or any nationally compatible IC transit card, just tap on when boarding and tap off when exiting
• 【Paying cash】The onboard change machine accepts only coins and ¥1,000 notes. If you only have larger bills, break them at a convenience store before boarding
• 【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)

The 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. Trains run 3–4 times 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 Foot (fine if you’re staying near 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 the market is right in front of you when you land
• 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 a deeper dive into transport options and practical details, see our Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.

4. Recommended Itinerary: “Autumn Fuji and Tuna — The Full Shizuoka Course”

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

“What can I actually see in five and a half hours?”

This itinerary answers that question by hitting the highlights of Shimizu and Shizuoka in one sweep.

Take advantage of the early 7:00 a.m. arrival by heading inland first — a taxi up to Nihondaira. After taking in Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay, ride the ropeway down to Kunozan Toshogu to see the National Treasure shrine buildings.

Then it’s back toward the port for an early tuna bowl lunch at Kashi-no-Ichi. Finish with a water bus crossing to Miho no Matsubara, a quick souvenir stop at Dream Plaza beside the pier, and back to the ship.

Because the route moves in one direction — from the mountains to the sea and back toward the port — you never retrace your steps.

Timetable

Time	Place	What you’ll do	Duration
07:30	Shimizu Port (your berth)	Disembark and take a taxi to Nihondaira (about 30 min)	30 min
08:00	Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace	Sweeping views of Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, and Miho no Matsubara from the observation deck	60 min
09:00	Nihondaira Ropeway	Ride through the air to Kunozan Toshogu (about 5 min)	10 min
09:10	Kunozan Toshogu	Tour the National Treasure shrine and museum	70 min
10:20	Transit	Ropeway back to Nihondaira, then taxi to Kashi-no-Ichi (about 25 min)	35 min
10:55	Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”	Early tuna bowl lunch (Maguro-kan restaurants generally open around 11:00) and souvenir shopping	50 min
11:45	Transit	Water bus to Miho from the Ejiri pier right out front (or local bus)	30 min
12:15	Miho no Matsubara	The Path of the Gods, the Hagoromo Pine, and Mount Fuji beyond the pines	45 min
13:00	Transit	Water bus or taxi back to the port (about 15–25 min)	20 min
13:20	S-Pulse Dream Plaza	Last-minute souvenirs; about 5 minutes on foot to the pier	10 min
13:30	Shimizu Port (your berth)	Back on board	—

Estimated budget: from about ¥10,000 per person (taxi, admissions, and meal included)

This plan gets fairly tight once you add Miho no Matsubara.

The water bus timings may not line up, so if you’re worried about the clock, one good alternative is to skip Miho no Matsubara and simply take your time at Dream Plaza after Kashi-no-Ichi.

Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace

A 360-degree observation facility atop a 307-meter hill, taking in Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, Shimizu Port, and Miho no Matsubara all at once.

The timber-framed observation corridor is open around the clock, so you can enjoy the view even if you arrive before the building opens at 9:00. Early morning air is clearest, and your chances of seeing Mount Fuji are higher then. Admission is free.

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

Kunozan Toshogu

Japan’s oldest Toshogu shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrine buildings, covered in richly colored ornamentation, are designated National Treasures.

Getting there is part of the appeal: a five-minute ropeway ride from Nihondaira, floating across a valley. The shrine opens at 9:00; admission is ¥700 for the shrine, ¥600 for the museum, or ¥1,200 for a combined ticket.

The adjoining museum displays items associated with Ieyasu and the Tokugawa family.

Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”

Shimizu’s fish market opened up to the general public, split into two buildings: Maguro-kan (the tuna hall) and Ichiba-kan (the market hall).

Shimizu Port handles one of Japan’s largest volumes of frozen tuna, and this market is where that freshness comes to life. Maguro-kan is lined with restaurants serving rice bowls and sashimi set meals, with tuna bowls starting in the ¥1,000s. Hours vary by shop, but most Maguro-kan restaurants open around 11:00.

Ichiba-kan (9:30–17:30) carries souvenirs like dried fish, fish cakes, and sakura shrimp. October 5 is a Monday, so you won’t run into the Wednesday closing day.

Miho no Matsubara

A stretch of coastline lined with some 30,000 pine trees, inscribed as part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage site.

The highlights are the “Hagoromo Pine,” where a celestial maiden is said to have hung her feathered robe, and the “Path of the Gods” leading to it. Beyond the pine grove, Suruga Bay opens up, and on clear days the sea, the pines, and Mount Fuji all come together in a single view.

The visitor center “Mihoshirube” is open 9:00–16:30, admission free, with multilingual brochures available.

For more on Miho no Matsubara’s highlights, the Hagoromo legend, and access details, see our Miho no Matsubara UNESCO Guide.

S-Pulse Dream Plaza

A shopping and entertainment complex right beside Hinode Pier. Shops open at 10:00.

It’s home to Chibi Maruko-chan Land, recreating the world of the beloved anime set in Shimizu, Shimizu Sushi Yokocho with its cluster of sushi restaurants, and the 52-meter Dream Sky Ferris wheel.

Even with just 10 minutes before heading back to the ship, it’s a perfectly good place to grab sweets or tea as souvenirs.

Opening Status on Monday, October 5, 2026

• Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open (closed on second Tuesdays, so no issue. Interior 9:00–17:00; observation corridor open around the clock)
• Kunozan Toshogu: Open (9:00–17:00, open daily)
• Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”: Open (closed Wednesdays. Ichiba-kan 9:30–17:30; Maguro-kan hours vary by shop)
• Miho no Matsubara: Accessible all day (Mihoshirube 9:00–16:30, open year-round)
• S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Open (shops 10:00–20:00, restaurants 11:00–21:00)
• Shimizu Port Water Bus: Irregular closures — check the day’s service (054-353-2222)
• Verkehr Maritime Museum: Closed Mondays, so not available on this date

October 5 is a weekday Monday and doesn’t fall during any major holiday period, so crowding at the attractions shouldn’t be much of a concern.

That said, the Kunozan Toshogu ropeway can back up when tour buses arrive. Riding early, in the 9 o’clock hour, is the safe play.

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 October 5, 2026

We weren’t able to confirm any specific events taking place on this date.

That said, small community gatherings and limited-time happenings are sometimes announced at the last minute. Ask at the tourist information desk inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal or at Shimizu Station, or search “清水 イベント” (Shimizu events) for the latest information.

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 seeking out on your day in port.

Dish	Where	Price range	Notes
Tuna bowls & tuna sashimi	Maguro-kan (Kashi-no-Ichi)	¥1,000–2,500	Tuna from one of Japan’s top landing ports, at market price. English menus available
Shimizu sushi	Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (Dream Plaza)	¥1,500–4,000	Five minutes’ walk from the pier. Several sushi restaurants side by side — easy to fit in before heading back
Sakura shrimp kakiage fritters	Yui area, Kashi-no-Ichi, and elsewhere	¥800–1,500	The autumn season starts in October; found only in Suruga Bay
Seafood bowls & seared tuna	Ichiba-kan (Kashi-no-Ichi)	¥500–2,000	Plenty of takeout options — grab a bite while souvenir shopping
Shizuoka oden	Aoba Yokocho (central Shizuoka)	¥500–1,500	Distinguished by black fish cakes and dashi powder. Mostly evening-only shops
Shirasu (whitebait) dishes	Shimizu and Miho areas	Around ¥1,000–2,000 as a rough guide	Suruga Bay whitebait, served on rice or lightly boiled
Wasabi products	Throughout Shimizu and Shizuoka City	¥300–3,000	Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer. Wasabi-zuke pickles are a popular souvenir

The one thing we especially want to flag is sakura shrimp, the seasonal delicacy of October.

These small, translucent pink shrimp are a Suruga Bay specialty — the only place in Japan where fishing for them is permitted. They’re harvested just twice a year — a spring season (March–June) and an autumn season (October–December).

October 5 falls right at the start of the autumn season. The classic preparation is kakiage fritters; bite into one fresh from the fryer and the fragrance and sweetness burst out at once.

Ichiba-kan at Kashi-no-Ichi also stocks easy-to-carry items like sakura shrimp shumai and dried shrimp. They make a nice souvenir to snack on back in your cabin.

For a deeper look at tuna, sakura shrimp, and whitebait — 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
• S-Pulse Dream Plaza: free Wi-Fi available
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart): nationwide free Wi-Fi available

If buying a SIM card seems like overkill for a short port call, use these free Wi-Fi spots as your bases and save your maps offline in advance to make getting around easier.

Payment Methods

Many shops in Japan still operate primarily on cash, and at smaller restaurants and in taxis, cash is the sure thing.

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’s a Seven Bank ATM near the port (inside a convenience store) that accepts overseas-issued cards. As a rule of thumb, carrying ¥3,000–10,000 in cash per person per day will keep you covered.

IC Transit Cards

Buses and trains accept Suica, ICOCA, and other nationally compatible IC transit cards.

You can buy them at convenience stores near the port or at Shimizu Station. Cash works too, but since bus change machines only handle coins and ¥1,000 notes, having small change ready makes things smoother.

Language Support

• Tourist information desks (Shimizu Port Terminal, Shimizu Station): English available
• S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi-no-Ichi: English menus and some English-speaking staff
• Mihoshirube at Miho no Matsubara: multilingual brochures available
• Taxis: Japanese only, as a rule. Google Translate is recommended

Tourist Information Centers

• Inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal: right where you disembark
• Shimizu Station Tourist Information: 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

Royal Princess departs at 14:00. Aim to be back at the pier by 13:30 at the latest.

S-Pulse Dream Plaza, the final stop on this itinerary, is only about a five-minute walk from the pier — just the right distance for some last-minute shopping.

If you get lost, search Google Maps for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭” for directions.

If you’re taking a taxi, tell the driver “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” (清水港 日の出埠頭). The exact berth for this call hasn’t been confirmed, so be sure to note the pier’s location and the meeting point when you disembark.

9. About Royal Princess

Royal Princess is a 142,714-ton international cruise ship — one of the larger vessels to call at Shimizu.

Like other ships of her size, she offers a variety of dining venues and entertainment facilities, along with open decks and quieter lounge areas where you can unwind while gazing out at the sea after a day ashore.

One note for this call: the berth has not yet been confirmed, and the ship is not open to public viewing from shore.

From the metropolis of Yokohama to the port town of Shimizu, and on to Osaka next. This small harbor on Suruga Bay brings together Mount Fuji, the sea, and remarkable food all in one place — a distinctly Japanese corner of the country.

Departure is at 14:00. From the deck, take a moment to watch Shimizu recede — and, with a bit of luck, Mount Fuji peeking through a break in the clouds.

良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.