Sunday, October 25, 2026. Star Seeker departs Shingu and arrives at Hinode Pier in Shimizu Port at 08:00. She sails for Tokyo at 17:00 the same day.
🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む
The scheduled time in port is 9 hours. Once you allow for disembarking and getting back on board, you can realistically expect about 7 hours outside the port. That’s still enough to enjoy the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka in a single day: Kunozan Toshogu Shrine with its National Treasure shrine buildings, the Toro Archaeological Site where you can learn about life in the Yayoi period, the Kashi no Ichi market where Shimizu’s tuna is landed, and the S-Pulse Dream Plaza, right next to 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 Shingu still fresh, we’ll tell you from a local’s perspective what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your time in 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 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: "Rainy-Day Autumn Shizuoka: History and Seafood 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 the Ship
- 9. About Star Seeker
1. Port Day Basics
Here is the port schedule for October 25, 2026, at a glance.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port date | Sunday, October 25, 2026 |
| Arrival | 08:00 |
| Departure | 17:00 |
| Scheduled time in port | About 9 hours |
| Realistic sightseeing time | About 7 hours |
| Berth | Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port |
| Previous port | Shingu |
| Next port | Tokyo |
Late October marks the start of autumn. The autumn sakura shrimp season begins around now, which makes this one of the liveliest times of year for Shimizu’s local specialties.
Because this is a Sunday, the Dream Plaza free shuttle bus runs more frequently than on weekdays. Facilities that close on Mondays are open, so it’s an easy day to plan. Please note that, as mentioned in the remarks, Hinode Maru No. 1 is not open for visits.
2. Weather and What to Wear on October 25, 2026
The forecast for your port day is rain. The high is around 24.1℃ (75°F), the low around 19.2℃ (67°F), and the chance of rain is 63%.
If you’re not used to Celsius, use these as a guide: 20℃ = 68°F, 25℃ = 77°F, 30℃ = 86°F.
It’s fairly warm, but you can get chilled easily on a rainy day. A light jacket and an umbrella or raincoat will keep you comfortable. Comfortable shoes that can get wet are best.
On a rainy day, we recommend focusing on indoor or covered places. Taxis and buses keep you dry while you travel.
7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue
Please note that this forecast was current at the time of publication (a few days before your port call). The weather widget above always shows the latest weekly forecast, so check it again on the morning of your port day.
3. Getting from Shimizu Port to the City and Sightseeing Spots
For each type of transportation, we’ve summarized how fares work, how to pay, and how often it runs. If you want the most freedom with your limited time in port, we recommend a taxi.
🚕 Taxi (Most flexible and 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 trip. If you split the fare in a group, the cost per person is more affordable than you might expect. On a rainy day, a taxi is especially comfortable because you stay under cover.
- 【Where to board】Taxis wait for passengers at Hinode Pier to coincide with cruise ship arrivals. If you can’t find one, the tourist information center in the port terminal can call one for you (Shizutetsu Taxi Dispatch Center 054-281-5111)
- 【How fares work】Fares are metered. The base fare is ¥700 (up to 1.17 km), then rises by ¥100 for every 285 m. Time spent waiting at traffic lights or in traffic is also charged. It’s not rude to ask for a rough estimate before getting in, such as “About how much to ○○?”
- 【Private charter option】Hourly private charter is ¥7,700 per hour for a standard car. The sightseeing taxi plan (Shizutetsu Taxi) starts at ¥30,800 for 4 hours, or about ¥7,700 per person for 4 people. Show the driver your list of places and discuss the route with them
- 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are the safest options. 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 text) 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 know the difference.
① S-Pulse Dream Plaza Free Shuttle Bus (year-round, open to everyone)
It connects Dream Plaza, Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu), and the JR Shimizu Station Minato Exit in about 8 minutes. The boarding point is not at Hinode Pier, but at the Dream Plaza bus stop next 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 past the hour), every 15 minutes on weekends and holidays (at :00, :15, :30, and :45). Since this day is a Sunday, buses run every 15 minutes
- 【First and last bus】From Dream Plaza, the first bus is at 10:00 and the last at 22:20. From JR Shimizu Station Minato Exit, the first bus is at 9:45
- 【Note】The bus does not run before 10:00 a.m. With the ship arriving at 08:00 on this day, choose a taxi or walking for your first move of the morning
- 【Best for】Heading toward JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It shortcuts a route that would take more than 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 sometimes departs from right in front of Hinode Pier. The biggest difference from ① is that you can board right after leaving the ship.
- When Celebrity Millennium called on August 16, 2026, Ihara Kanko Bus operated this service, connecting Hinode Pier, Shin-Shimizu Station, and JR Shimizu Station (confirmed on-site by our editorial team)
- Whether the bus runs, and its times and destinations, differ with each port call. Please check the onboard announcements, or ask the 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 available only on port days
⛴ Water Bus (Travel while looking at Mt. Fuji from the sea)
These small boats run from Hinode Pier (in front of Dream Plaza) to the Miho area and to Ejiri (toward Kashi no Ichi). The ride itself is part of the Shimizu Port sightseeing experience. Since rain is forecast, please check operating status at the boarding point.
- 【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 possible; boarding is first come, first served
- 【How to buy】Tickets are sold at the boarding point
- 【Cancellations】Because the route is within the harbor, cancellations are rare, but service may be suspended in severe weather such as typhoons. Check that day’s operation at the boarding point or by phone (054-353-2222)
🚏 Local Bus (The standard way to Miho — Shizutetsu Justline)
If you’re heading to Miho no Matsubara by public transport, take the “Miho Yamanote Line.” It’s ¥440 and about 25 minutes from Shimizu Station to Miho no Matsubara Iriguchi.
- 【Frequency】Roughly 3 to 4 buses an hour during the daytime
- 【How to ride】Board through the rear door and pay at the fare box at the front when you get off (pay-on-exit system). With nationally interoperable transit IC cards such as Suica or ICOCA, simply tap when boarding and again when getting off
- 【If paying in cash】The change machine on board accepts only coins and ¥1,000 bills. If you only have large bills, it’s a good idea to break them at a convenience store before boarding
- 【Note】To get from the port to the Shimizu Station bus terminal, you’ll need to take the free shuttle bus or walk
🚃 Train (To central Shizuoka City)
This is an option if you want to venture to the Shizuoka Station area, such as Aoba Yokocho for Shizuoka oden or Sunpu Castle Park. On a rainy day, traveling by train is comfortable.
- 【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu Station to Shizuoka Station is ¥240 and about 12 minutes. Trains run 3 to 4 times an hour during the day
- 【Shizuoka Railway (Shizutetsu)】Shin-Shimizu Station to Shin-Shizuoka Station is ¥350 and about 23 minutes. Trains run frequently, about every 8 minutes, so you can ride without worrying about a timetable
- 【Payment】Transit IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA work on both. Contactless credit card payment is not accepted for boarding, 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 if you’re staying 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. If you take the water bus from Hinode to Ejiri (about 10 minutes), Kashi no Ichi is right in front of you when you get off
- JR Shimizu Station: About 1.5 km, 20–25 minutes on foot. We recommend using the free shuttle bus
- Shizutetsu Shin-Shimizu Station: About 1 km, around 15 minutes on foot
For more detailed information on getting around from the port and other practical tips, see the Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.
4. Recommended Model Route: “Rainy-Day Autumn Shizuoka: History and Seafood Course”
If you’re deciding between a cruise line tour, a local tour, or arranging things on your own, start with Shimizu Shore Excursions Compared, which lays out costs and suitability side by side.
“What should I see with 7 hours on a rainy day?” This course is the answer to that question.
We’ve chosen sightseeing spots with a roof overhead so you can enjoy them even in the rain. You’ll visit Kunozan Toshogu and the Toro Archaeological Site to the south first, then return to the port area to finish with a seafood lunch and shopping. It’s a one-way loop that avoids going back and forth between the port and distant spots, so no travel time is wasted.
| Time | Spot | Details | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | Hinode Pier | After disembarking, take a bus or taxi toward Nihondaira (about 55 min) | About 55 min |
| 09:30 | Kunozan Toshogu Shrine | Take the ropeway to see the National Treasure shrine buildings and museum | About 120 min |
| 11:30 | Nihondaira | Ride the ropeway back, then take a taxi to the Toro Archaeological Site (about 20 min) | About 20 min |
| 12:00 | Toro Archaeological Site & Toro Museum | Learn about life in the Yayoi period | About 75 min |
| 13:20 | Kashi no Ichi | Take a taxi (about 25 min). Tuna bowl lunch | About 60 min |
| 14:30 | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Chibi Maruko-chan Land and souvenirs | About 90 min |
| 16:00 | Hinode Pier | 5-minute walk back to the ship (1 hour before departure) | About 5 min |
Estimated budget: from about ¥7,000 per person (including taxi, admission, and meals)
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
This is the oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. The brilliantly colored National Treasure shrine buildings look vivid even when wet with rain.
Hours are 9:00–17:00. Admission is ¥700 for the shrine buildings, ¥600 for the museum, and ¥1,200 for a combined ticket. The ropeway from Nihondaira takes about 5 minutes. It runs in the rain, but stops during strong winds or thunderstorms.
For how to get to Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu on your own and what it costs, see the Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.
Nihondaira
This is a viewpoint at the 307 m summit with views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay. Since rain is forecast for this day, it’s best not to expect too much from the view.
This time, you’ll pass through as the transfer point for the ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu. “Nihondaira Yume Terrace” is open on this day (9:00–17:00).
For how to get to Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu on your own and what it costs, see the Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.
Toro Archaeological Site & Toro Museum
This nationally designated Special Historic Site shows what life was like in the Yayoi period about 2,000 years ago. Reconstructed pit dwellings and rice paddies line the site.
The first floor of the museum is free, and the second floor is ¥300. On a rainy day, we recommend taking your time with the museum exhibits. English support is limited, so a translation app is handy.
Kashi no Ichi
This facility opens up the market where Shimizu’s fresh fish is gathered. It has two buildings: “Maguro-kan” and “Ichiba-kan.”
Ichiba-kan is open 9:30–17:30, while opening hours at Maguro-kan vary by shop. The tuna bowl is a dish you’ll want to eat here.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza
This complex is about a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier. Shops are open 10:00–20:00 and restaurants 11:00–21:00.
Chibi Maruko-chan Land costs ¥1,200 for adults and ¥700 for children aged 3 to elementary school. You can stop by just before returning to the ship, which makes it a perfect last stop on a rainy day.
Opening Status on Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Kunozan Toshogu: Open (no regular closing days)
- Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open (closed on the second Tuesday, so normal operation on this day)
- Toro Museum: Open (closed on Mondays, so open on Sunday)
- Kashi no Ichi: Open (closed on Wednesdays, so open on Sunday)
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Open (varies by shop)
For other options not covered here, from places within walking distance to half-day courses and rainy-day plans, see 20 Things to Do in Shimizu.
5. Events in Shimizu on October 25, 2026
We have not found any specific events confirmed for October 25, 2026. To find out what’s on that day, ask at the tourist information center in the Shimizu Port terminal, or search for “清水 イベント”.
6. Shimizu and Shizuoka Local Food
The Shimizu and Shizuoka area is one of the best food destinations in Japan. Here are the local specialties we hope you’ll try on your port day.
| Dish | Where | Approx. Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna bowl, sashimi platter | Maguro-kan (inside Kashi no Ichi) | ¥1,000–2,500 | Fresh and wide 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. Convenient in the rain |
| Seafood bowl, sakura shrimp shumai | Ichiba-kan (Kashi no Ichi) | ¥500–2,000 | Takeout available |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage (tempura fritter) | Yui Fishing Port area | ¥800–1,500 | Cash only. Closes when sold out |
| Shizuoka oden | Aoba Yokocho area | ¥500–1,500 | Known for black hanpen and dashi powder. Mostly open from the evening |
| Wasabi-zuke, wasabi soft serve | Various places around Shimizu Port | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi-producing region. Great for souvenirs |
What we especially want to tell you about is the sakura shrimp, a seasonal treat that’s special to October.
Sakura shrimp are small shrimp caught only in Suruga Bay, with fishing seasons in spring and autumn. The autumn season runs from October through December, so your port day falls within the season.
The kakiage is crispy, packed with the sweetness and aroma of the shrimp. You can also try sakura shrimp in the gunkan at Shimizu Sushi Yokocho or in the sakura shrimp shumai at Ichiba-kan. The kakiage at Yui takes about 25 minutes by car, so on this day’s course, eating it around the port is the realistic option.
For more on the seasons, how to eat, and recommended shops for tuna, sakura shrimp, and shirasu (whitebait), see the 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. Seven-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart also offer nationwide free Wi-Fi.
Payment Methods
In Japan, many shops are cash-based, especially small restaurants and taxis. Credit cards can be used at larger shops in S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi.
Visa and Mastercard are the easiest to use, and many places don’t accept Amex or Diners. Convenience stores near the port have Seven Bank ATMs. We recommend carrying ¥3,000–10,000 in cash per person per day.
Transit IC Cards
You can use transit IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA on buses and trains. They can be purchased at convenience stores near the port and at Shimizu Station. You can also ride with cash, but change may not be available, so carry coins.
Language Support
The tourist information centers at the Shimizu Port terminal and Shimizu Station offer English support. S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi also have English menus and English-speaking staff. Taxis are generally Japanese only, so Google Translate comes in handy.
Tourist Information Centers
- Inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Ship Terminal (right after 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 General Tourist Information Center (Shizuoka Station North Exit, English support) | 054-253-1170 |
| Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi General Dispatch Center) | 054-281-5111 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
Star Seeker departs at 17:00. Please be back at Hinode Pier by 16:30, 30 minutes before departure.
In Google Maps, search for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭.”
For taxis, tell the driver “清水港 日の出埠頭 (Hinode Pier).” Roads tend to be congested on rainy days, so it’s safest to allow plenty of time.
9. About Star Seeker
Star Seeker is a foreign-flagged cruise ship of 9,923 tons. Her compact size allows her to call at small ports that larger ships can’t enter. We have not listed her year of entry into service or operating company here, as we have no confirmed information.
On this voyage, she travels from Shingu to Shimizu and then on to Tokyo. For details on onboard facilities and entertainment, please check the information provided on board.
From Shingu, through Shimizu, to Tokyo. Shimizu on a rainy day is quiet, and it looks set to be a day of enjoying history and fresh seafood at a leisurely pace under a roof.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
