Sunday, October 25, 2026. Westerdam sails from Tokyo and arrives at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 08:00. She departs the same day at 17:00, bound for Kagoshima.
🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む
The scheduled time in port is 9 hours. Allowing for disembarking and re-boarding, you can realistically count on about 7 hours outside the port. That is still enough to enjoy the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka in a single day: the National Treasure shrine buildings of Kunozan Toshogu, the view from Nihondaira Yume Terrace (Mt. Fuji is weather-dependent), the tuna-filled Kashi no Ichi market, and the S-PULSE Dream Plaza right by the port.
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 the memories of Tokyo still fresh, what should you see, eat, and do next in Shimizu? Here is a local’s-eye 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 Day Basics
- 2. Weather and What to Wear on October 25, 2026
- 3. Getting from Shimizu Port to the City and Sightseeing Spots
- 4. Recommended Model Route: "Autumn Mt. Fuji and Shizuoka Full Course"
- 5. Events in Shimizu on October 25, 2026
- 6. Shimizu and Shizuoka Local Food
- 7. Practical Information for a Worry-Free Day
- 8. Getting Back to Your Ship
- 9. About Westerdam
1. Port Day Basics
Here is the port schedule for October 25, 2026 at a glance.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port day | Sunday, October 25, 2026 |
| Arrival | 08:00 |
| Departure | 17:00 |
| Scheduled time in port | About 9 hours |
| Realistic sightseeing time | About 7 hours |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier |
| Previous port | Tokyo |
| Next port | Kagoshima |
Late October is when autumn deepens in Shimizu. The air can be clear, and Mt. Fuji can be easier to see on fine days, though rain is forecast for this day.
This is also the autumn fishing season for sakura shrimp (October to December). Since it’s a Sunday, it’s a good idea to check opening days for shops and facilities in advance.
2. Weather and What to Wear on October 25, 2026
The forecast for your port day is rain, with a 63% chance of precipitation, a high of about 24℃ (75°F) and a low of about 19℃ (66°F).
Shimizu at this time of year is comfortable during the day and a little chilly in the morning and evening. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach about 24℃ (75°F), with a low of about 19℃ (66°F). Typhoons are also a concern in September and October.
If Celsius is unfamiliar, use this as a guide: 15℃ = 59°F, 20℃ = 68°F, 25℃ = 77°F. A long-sleeved top with a light jacket on top works well. Nihondaira and Kunozan are cooler than the city, so bring something to layer. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket, as rain is forecast.
7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue
Please note that this forecast reflects the outlook at the time of publication (a few days before your port day). The weather widget above always shows the latest weekly forecast, so check it again on the morning of your port call.
3. Getting from Shimizu Port to the City and Sightseeing Spots
For each mode of transport, we’ve summarized how fares work, how to pay, and how often it runs. If you want the most freedom with your limited time, we recommend a taxi. Our model route this time uses a taxi and the water bus.
🚕 Taxi (Most flexible — recommended)
The biggest advantage is that you can visit places that are hard to reach by public transport, such as Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu, in one go. Splitting the fare in a group makes the cost per person more affordable than you might expect.
- 【Where to board】Taxis wait for passengers at Hinode Pier to match the cruise ship’s arrival. If you don’t see one, the tourist information desk inside 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 rises by ¥100 every 285 m. Time spent waiting at traffic lights or in traffic is also added. It’s perfectly polite to ask “About how much to ◯◯?” for an estimate before you get in
- 【Private hire option】Hourly private hire is ¥7,700 per hour for a standard car. The sightseeing taxi plan (Shizutetsu Taxi) starts at ¥30,800 for 4 hours, which comes to about ¥7,700 per person for a group of 4. Show the driver your list of places and discuss the route with them
- 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are the safest bet. Support for transit IC cards and QR payments varies by vehicle, so check before you ride if you want to use them. Tipping is not necessary
- 【Language】Most drivers speak only Japanese, but showing them the spot names in this article (with Japanese writing) on your phone will get the message across
🚌 Free Shuttle Buses (Connecting the port and Shimizu Station — a little-known helper)
There are two kinds of free buses at Shimizu Port. They board at different places, so it helps to tell them apart.
① S-PULSE Dream Plaza Free Shuttle Bus (year-round, open to everyone)
Connects Dream Plaza, Shizutetsu Shin-Shimizu Station, and JR Shimizu Station Minato Exit in about 8 minutes. The stop is at Dream Plaza next to the pier, not at Hinode Pier itself.
- 【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 each hour), every 15 minutes on weekends and holidays (at :00, :15, :30, and :45). Your port day is a Sunday, so buses run every 15 minutes
- 【First and last bus】From Dream Plaza: first bus 10:00, last bus 22:20. From JR Shimizu Station Minato Exit: first bus 9:45
- 【Note】The bus does not run before 10 AM. On early-arrival days, choose a taxi or walking for your first move of the morning. Since Westerdam arrives at 08:00 this time, a taxi suits your morning transfer best
- 【Best for】Heading toward JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It shortcuts a route that would take over 20 minutes on foot
② Free Shuttle Bus for Cruise Passengers, Port Days Only (arranged by the cruise line)
On port days, a free bus to Shin-Shimizu Station and JR Shimizu Station may run from right in front of Hinode Pier. The big difference from ① is that you can board as soon as you step off the ship.
- When Celebrity Millennium called on August 16, 2026, Iwahara Kanko Bus operated this service, connecting Hinode Pier, Shin-Shimizu Station, and JR Shimizu Station (confirmed on site by our editorial team)
- Whether it runs, and its times and destinations, differ with each port call. Check the onboard information or ask staff on the pier after disembarking
- How to tell them apart: ① is a red bus (with “S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA” on the body), and ② is a chartered vehicle that runs only on port days
⛴ Water Bus (Travel with views of Mt. Fuji from the sea)
Small boats connect Hinode Pier (in front of Dream Plaza) with the Miho area and Ejiri (toward Kashi no Ichi market). The ride itself is a Shimizu Port sightseeing experience.
- 【How fares work】A flat fare per section: ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for elementary school children. Hinode to Miho takes about 15 minutes, and Hinode to Ejiri about 10 minutes
- 【Frequency】7 sailings a day. Reservations are not accepted; boarding is first come, first served
- 【How to buy】Buy your ticket at the boarding point
- 【Cancellations】Because it runs on routes inside the harbor, cancellations are rare, but service may be suspended in bad weather such as typhoons. Check that day’s operation at the pier or by phone (054-353-2222)
🚏 Local Bus (The standard way to Miho — Shizutetsu Justline)
To reach Miho no Matsubara by public transport, take the “Miho Yamanote Line.” It costs ¥440 and takes about 25 minutes from Shimizu Station to Miho no Matsubara Iriguchi.
- 【Frequency】Roughly 3 to 4 buses an hour during the day
- 【How to ride】Board at the rear door and pay at the fare box at the front when you get off (pay-on-exit system). With nationwide-compatible transit IC cards like Suica or ICOCA, simply tap when you get on and off
- 【Paying cash】The changer on board handles only coins and ¥1,000 bills. If you only have large bills, break them at a convenience store before boarding
- 【Note】You’ll need to take the free shuttle bus or walk from the port to the Shimizu Station bus terminal
🚃 Train (To central Shizuoka)
A good option if you want to go on to the Shizuoka Station area, such as the Aoba Yokocho Shizuoka oden alley or Sunpu Castle Park.
- 【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu Station to Shizuoka Station costs ¥240 and takes about 12 minutes. Trains run 3 to 4 times an hour during the day
- 【Shizuoka Railway (Shizutetsu)】Shin-Shimizu Station to Shin-Shizuoka Station costs ¥350 and takes about 23 minutes. Trains run roughly every 8 minutes, so you can ride without worrying about the timetable
- 【Payment】Transit IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA work on both. Contactless credit card payment is not accepted for entry, so buy a ticket with an IC card or cash
- 【From the port to the stations】The free shuttle bus is the convenient way to reach Shimizu Station and Shin-Shimizu Station
🚶 On Foot (Fine for sights around the port)
- S-PULSE Dream Plaza: right next to the pier (1 to 3 minutes on foot)
- Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”: about 1.3 km, 15 to 20 minutes on foot. If you take the water bus from Hinode to Ejiri (about 10 minutes), Kashi no Ichi is right in front of where you get off
- JR Shimizu Station: about 1.5 km, 20 to 25 minutes on foot. We recommend the free shuttle bus
- Shizutetsu Shin-Shimizu Station: about 1 km, around 15 minutes on foot
For more detail on getting around from the port and other practical information, see our Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.
4. Recommended Model Route: “Autumn Mt. Fuji and Shizuoka Full Course”
Not sure whether to take a cruise line tour, or go with a local tour or make your own arrangements? Start with Shimizu Shore Excursions Compared, which sets out the costs and who each option suits.
“Nine hours is a lot, but what should I see in Shimizu?”
This course answers that question. It links the classic spots in one day: Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu, Kashi no Ichi, Miho no Matsubara, and Dream Plaza.
Late October is a great season for Mt. Fuji views, though with rain forecast, views may be limited; the indoor spots (Kunozan Toshogu, Kashi no Ichi, Dream Plaza) work well in rain. The route flows in one direction: south from the port to Nihondaira and Kunozan, lunch at Kashi no Ichi, a visit to Miho no Matsubara, and finally back to the ship via Dream Plaza.
| Time | Spot | Activity | Approx. duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | Hinode Pier | Leave by taxi for Nihondaira | About 20 min |
| 09:00 | Nihondaira Yume Terrace | 360-degree views. Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay in one panorama | 60 min |
| 10:00 | Kunozan Toshogu | Take the ropeway, then tour the shrine buildings and museum | 90 min |
| 11:30 | Kashi no Ichi | Travel by taxi (about 20 min). Tuna rice bowl lunch | About 60 min |
| 13:20 | Miho no Matsubara | Water bus from Ejiri or local bus. Stroll the Kami no Michi path and the Hagoromo Pine | About 90 min |
| 15:20 | Dream Plaza | Return to the port by water bus or bus, and shop for souvenirs | About 60 min |
| 16:20 | Hinode Pier | Back on board (about 40 minutes before departure) |
Estimated budget: from about ¥12,000 per person (including taxi, admission, and meals)
Nihondaira Yume Terrace
An observation facility at the 307 m summit, with free admission. You can see Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and even Miho no Matsubara.
Sunday hours are 9:00 to 17:00. It closes on the second Tuesday of the month and at year-end, but it is open on this day.
For how to get to Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu on your own, and what it costs, see our Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.
Kunozan Toshogu
Enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, this is the oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan. The highlight is its brilliantly colored National Treasure shrine buildings, reached by a ropeway ride of about 5 minutes from Nihondaira.
Admission is ¥700 for the shrine buildings, ¥600 for the museum, and ¥1,200 for a combined ticket. If you plan to see the museum exhibits, the combined ticket is the better deal. It is open from 9:00 to 17:00, and allowing 1 to 1.5 hours lets you explore at a relaxed pace.
For how to get to Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu on your own, and what it costs, see our Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.
Kashi no Ichi
A facility that opens the Shimizu fish market to the public, with two buildings: Maguro-kan (Tuna Hall) and Ichiba-kan (Market Hall). You’ll find tuna rice bowls, seafood bowls, and souvenirs made with local ingredients.
It’s a 3 to 5 minute walk from the east exit of JR Shimizu Station. Ichiba-kan is open 9:30 to 17:30, while Maguro-kan hours vary by shop. This is the autumn sakura shrimp season, so look for dishes featuring them.
Miho no Matsubara
A UNESCO World Heritage scenic spot where you can see Mt. Fuji through a pine grove of about 30,000 trees. You can walk to the “Hagoromo Pine,” where a celestial maiden is said to have hung her robe, and along the “Kami no Michi,” a path lined with pine trees.
Admission is free, and you can stroll here all day. The “Mihoshirube” tourist information center is open 9:00 to 16:30. Whether you can see Mt. Fuji depends on the weather, and with rain forecast, views may be limited. You can board the water bus at the Ejiri pier, right in front of Kashi no Ichi, so there’s no backtracking.
For Miho no Matsubara’s highlights, the Hagoromo legend, and access details, see our Miho no Matsubara UNESCO Guide.
S-PULSE Dream Plaza
A complex about a 5-minute walk from the port, ideal for a last stop before heading back to the ship. It has Chibi Maruko-chan Land, Shimizu Sushi Yokocho, and souvenir shops.
Shops are open 10:00 to 20:00 and restaurants 11:00 to 21:00. Chibi Maruko-chan Land costs ¥1,200 for adults and ¥700 for ages 3 to elementary school, with last entry at 19:30. There is also the Dream Sky Ferris wheel (¥700).
Opening Status on Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open (it is not the second Tuesday)
- Kunozan Toshogu: Open (9:00 to 17:00, no regular closing days)
- Kashi no Ichi: Open (closed on Wednesdays)
- Miho no Matsubara: Open for strolling all day. Mihoshirube is also open (open year-round)
- S-PULSE Dream Plaza: Open (varies by shop)
- Water bus: Scheduled to run, but because it has irregular closures, please check at the pier on the day
Sundays can get busy with tourists. It’s best to secure your taxi early.
For other options, from walking-distance spots to half-day courses and rainy-day plans, see 20 Things to Do in Shimizu.
5. Events in Shimizu on October 25, 2026
At this time, no specific events have been confirmed for this day.
On the morning of your port call, try asking the tourist information desk at the port terminal about the latest happenings. Searching “清水 イベント” on your smartphone may also turn up information for the day.
6. Shimizu and Shizuoka Local Food
The Shimizu and Shizuoka area is one of Japan’s top food destinations. Here are the local specialties we especially want you to try on your port day.
| Dish | Where | Approx. price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna rice bowl / sashimi platter | Maguro-kan (Kashi no Ichi) | ¥1,000〜2,500 | Known for freshness and variety. Closed Wednesdays |
| Shimizu tuna sushi / sakura shrimp gunkan | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500〜4,000 | 5-minute walk from the port. English menu available |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage (tempura fritter) | Yui (about 25 min by car) | ¥800〜1,500 | Autumn season. Cash only; ends when sold out |
| Shizuoka oden | Aoba Yokocho area (20 min by train from Shimizu Station + 5 min walk) | ¥500〜1,500 | Known for black hanpen and dashi powder. Many shops open from the evening |
| Seafood bowl / seared tuna | Ichiba-kan (Kashi no Ichi) | ¥500〜2,000 | Plenty of takeout options. Great for souvenirs too |
| Wasabi dishes / wasabi-zuke | Various places around Shimizu Port | ¥300〜3,000 | Wasabi soft serve is also available |
What we most want to recommend is the seasonal treat of October: sakura shrimp. These small shrimp are landed only in Suruga Bay and are known across Japan as a Shizuoka specialty. They are fished twice a year, in spring and autumn, and October to December is the autumn season.
Kakiage is crispy on the outside, with a sweet, fragrant flavor inside. You can find sakura shrimp dishes at Kashi no Ichi and Sushi Yokocho too. If you’re in Shimizu, it’s a taste we hope you’ll try at least once.
For a deeper look at the seasons, ways to eat, and recommended shops for tuna, sakura shrimp, and shirasu (whitebait), see our Shimizu Seafood Guide.
7. Practical Information for a Worry-Free Day
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Shimizu Port terminal and S-PULSE Dream Plaza. Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart also offer free Wi-Fi nationwide. If you want to stay connected for longer, it’s handy to buy a prepaid SIM at the airport.
Payment Methods
In Japan, many places still run mainly on cash, especially small restaurants and taxis. Larger shops at Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi accept credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are the easiest to use, and some shops don’t take Amex or Diners.
There are Seven Bank ATMs (inside convenience stores) near the port. Carrying roughly ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 in cash per person per day should keep you comfortable.
Transit IC Cards
Transit IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA work on buses and trains. You can buy them at convenience stores near the port or at Shimizu Station. You can also ride with cash, but change may not be available, so keep some coins handy.
Language Support
The tourist information desks at the Shimizu Port terminal and Shimizu Station offer English support. Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi also have English menus and staff. Mihoshirube at Miho no Matsubara has multilingual brochures.
Taxis are basically Japanese only. Google Translate comes in handy.
Tourist Information Centers
- Inside the Shimizu Port passenger ship terminal: right where you disembark
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information: about 1.5 km from the port, by free shuttle bus or a 20 to 25 minute walk
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 General Dispatch Center) | 054-281-5111 |
8. Getting Back to Your Ship
Westerdam departs at 17:00. Please be back at Hinode Pier by 16:30, 30 minutes before departure.
Search for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭” on Google Maps and the location will appear. If you get lost in the city, tell your taxi driver “清水港 日の出埠頭 (Hinode Pier).”
The model route ends at Dream Plaza, so it’s only a 5-minute walk back to the pier.
9. About Westerdam
Westerdam is a foreign-flagged ship of 82,348 tons. Operated by Holland America Line, she is known for her relaxed, refined atmosphere.
We don’t have data on onboard facilities and entertainment, so we’ll refrain from describing them in detail. Please check the onboard guide during your cruise.
From Tokyo to Shimizu, and on to Kagoshima. On your journey through Japan’s ports, we hope Shimizu brings you Mt. Fuji and tuna.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
