Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Star Seeker departs Shingu and arrives at Hinode Pier in Shimizu Port at 08:00. She sails for Tokyo the same day at 17:00.
🇯🇵 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 re-boarding, a realistic estimate for time spent outside the port is about 7 hours. That is still plenty of time to enjoy the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka in a single day: Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, whose shrine buildings are a National Treasure; the Toro Archaeological Site, which recreates life about 2,000 years ago; Kashi no Ichi, the fish market where Shimizu Port’s tuna comes ashore; and 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, here is what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your time in Shimizu, all from a local’s perspective.
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 27, 2026
- 3. Getting from Shimizu Port to the City and Sightseeing Spots
- 4. Recommended Model Route: "A Rainy-Day-Friendly Loop of National Treasures, Ruins, and Seafood"
- 5. Events in Shimizu on October 27, 2026
- 6. Shimizu and Shizuoka Local Food
- 7. Practical Information for Worry-Free Sightseeing
- 8. Getting Back to Your Ship
- 9. About Star Seeker
1. Port Day Basics
Here is the port schedule for October 27, 2026 at a glance.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port date | Tuesday, October 27, 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 is when autumn begins to deepen in Shimizu. From October to December it is the autumn fishing season for sakura shrimp, which you can enjoy as kakiage (tempura fritters). September and October are also typhoon season, so please check the weather forecast regularly.
Note that the port call data for this visit lists the berth as undecided and ship tours as unavailable. This article assumes Hinode Pier, but please confirm the final berth in the announcements on the day.
2. Weather and What to Wear on October 27, 2026
The forecast calls for heavy showers on your port day, with a 90% chance of precipitation. The high is expected to be around 24℃ (75°F) and the low around 19℃ (66°F).
If you’re not used to Celsius, here are some reference points: 20℃ = 68°F, 25℃ = 77°F, 30℃ = 86°F.
It won’t be cold, but heavy rain is likely. Besides an umbrella, a hooded rain jacket and shoes that dry quickly will give you peace of mind.
It’s also a good idea to carry a spare pair of socks. This looks like a day best spent mostly under cover.
7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue
Please note that this forecast was current when the article was published, a few days before your port call. The weather widget above always shows the latest weekly forecast, so check it again on the morning you arrive.
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 service runs. If you want the most freedom during a limited port call, we recommend a taxi.
🚕 Taxi (Most flexible and recommended)
The biggest advantage is that you can visit several 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 heavy rain day, a taxi is also the most comfortable way to get around.
- 【Where to board】Taxis wait at Hinode Pier to meet cruise ship arrivals. If you don’t see one, the tourist information desk in the port terminal can call one for you (Shizutetsu Taxi Dispatch Center 054-281-5111)
- 【How fares work】Taxis are metered. The base fare is ¥700 (up to 1.17 km), then the fare rises by ¥100 for every 285 m. Time spent at traffic lights or in traffic is also added. It’s perfectly polite to ask for a rough estimate before getting in, such as “About how much to ○○?”
- 【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 works out to about ¥7,700 per person for four people. Show the driver your list of places you want to visit and work out the route together
- 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are the safest options. Support for transit IC cards and QR payments varies by vehicle, so check before boarding if you want to use them. Tipping is not necessary
- 【Language】Most drivers speak only Japanese, but showing the spot names in this article (with their Japanese names) on your phone will get the message across
🚌 Free Shuttle Buses (Connecting the port and Shimizu Station — a lesser-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)
This bus connects Dream Plaza, Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu), and the Minato exit of JR Shimizu Station in about 8 minutes. The stop is at Dream Plaza, next to the pier, not at Hinode Pier itself.
- 【Fare】Free. You don’t have 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)
- 【First and last bus】From Dream Plaza, the first bus is at 10:00 and the last is at 22:20. From the Minato exit of JR Shimizu Station, the first bus is at 9:45
- 【Note】The bus does not run before 10:00 a.m. On days with an early arrival, choose a taxi or walking for your first trip of the morning
- 【Best for】Heading toward JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It saves you a walk of more than 20 minutes
Since your ship arrives at 08:00 this time, a taxi is the realistic choice for the morning.
② Free shuttle bus for cruise passengers, port days only (arranged by the cruise line)
On port days, a free bus toward 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 immediately after leaving the ship.
- When Celebrity Millennium called on August 16, 2026, Ihara Kanko Bus ran this service, connecting Hinode Pier, Shin-Shimizu Station, and JR Shimizu Station (confirmed on site by our editorial team)
- Whether the service runs, and its times and destinations, differ with each port call. 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), while ② is a chartered vehicle that operates only on port days
⛴ Water Bus (Travel while viewing Mt. Fuji from the sea)
These small boats run from Hinode landing (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 heavy rain is forecast this time, we suggest using it sparingly and checking operating status first.
- 【How fares work】A flat fare per segment: ¥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】Buy tickets at the landing
- 【Cancellations】Because the route is inside the harbor, cancellations are rare, but service may be suspended in typhoons or other severe weather. Check that day’s operation at the landing or by phone (054-353-2222)
🚏 Local Bus (The standard route 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 the Miho no Matsubara entrance.
- 【Frequency】Roughly 3 to 4 buses per 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). With nationwide interoperable transit IC cards such as Suica or ICOCA, you simply tap when boarding and 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 safer 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, a covered train ride is comfortable.
- 【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 daytime
- 【Shizuoka Railway (Shizutetsu train)】Shin-Shimizu Station to Shin-Shizuoka Station costs ¥350 and takes about 23 minutes. Trains run about every 8 minutes, so you can ride without worrying about the timetable
- 【Payment】Transit IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA work on both lines. Contactless credit card payment at the gates is not supported, 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 getting around the port area)
- 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 you when you get off
- JR Shimizu Station: About 1.5 km, 20 to 25 minutes on foot. We recommend using the free shuttle bus
- Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu): About 1 km, around 15 minutes on foot
For more detailed transportation and practical information from the port, see our Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.
4. Recommended Model Route: “A Rainy-Day-Friendly Loop of National Treasures, Ruins, and Seafood”
If you can’t decide between a cruise line tour and a local tour or independent arrangements, start with our Shimizu Shore Excursions Compared, which sets out costs and who each option suits.
“With 9 hours in port, what can I do on a rainy day?”
This course is our answer.
You’ll visit Kunozan Toshogu and the Toro Site in the south first, then return to the port area and finish with a seafood lunch and shopping. Because it’s a one-way loop that avoids going back and forth between the port and distant spots, no travel time is wasted, even in the rain.
The shrine buildings at Kunozan Toshogu are a National Treasure, and the main sights are viewed under roofs. The ropeway also runs in the rain. The Toro Museum, Kashi no Ichi, and Dream Plaza can all be enjoyed indoors.
| Time | Spot | Activity | Approx. duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | Hinode Pier | Disembark. Take a bus to Nihondaira (about 55 min) | About 55 min |
| 09:25 | Nihondaira / Kunozan Toshogu | Take the ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu. Visit the National Treasure shrine buildings and the museum | About 120 min |
| 11:30 | Nihondaira | Ropeway back to Nihondaira, then taxi to the Toro Site | About 30 min |
| 12:00 | Toro Site / Toro Museum | Learn about life in the Yayoi period | About 75 min |
| 13:15 | Transfer | Taxi toward Shimizu Port (about 25 min) | About 25 min |
| 13:40 | Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” | A slightly late tuna bowl lunch | About 60 min |
| 14:40 | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Chibi Maruko-chan Land and souvenirs | About 90 min |
| 16:10 | Hinode Pier | 5-minute walk back to the ship | About 5 min |
| 16:30 | Back on board | Return 30 minutes before departure |
Estimated budget: from about ¥7,000 per person (including taxi, admission fees, and meals)
Nihondaira / Kunozan Toshogu
Kunozan Toshogu is the oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Its brilliantly colored shrine buildings are designated a National Treasure.
It’s about 5 minutes by ropeway from Nihondaira. Admission is ¥700 for the shrine buildings and ¥600 for the museum, or ¥1,200 for a combined ticket. We think the combination ticket with the museum is the easiest to use.
You can continue to tour the shrine in the rain, but the stone steps and approach will be wet, so wear shoes that are good for walking. On a rainy day, it’s best not to expect too much from the view at Nihondaira Yume Terrace.
For how to get to Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu on your own and what it costs, see our Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.
Toro Site / Toro Museum
The Toro Site is the remains of a Yayoi-period settlement about 2,000 years old, and is a Special Historic Site designated by the national government. Reconstructed pit dwellings and rice paddies spread out before you.
At the museum you can see excavated artifacts. The first floor and the site are free, and the permanent exhibition on the second floor costs ¥300.
On a rainy day, one option is to keep your walk through the site park short and spend more time in the museum. English support is limited, so a translation app is handy.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”
This market, where Shimizu Port’s tuna is brought together, is a 3 to 5 minute walk from the east exit of JR Shimizu Station. It has two buildings: Maguro-kan and Ichiba-kan.
Maguro-kan is lined with shops serving tuna bowls and sashimi, while Ichiba-kan, open 9:30 to 17:30, is a good place to look for souvenirs.
Because lunch will be a little late, secure your seat early. The market is open on Tuesdays.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza
This complex adjoins the port, about a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier. It houses Chibi Maruko-chan Land, Shimizu Sushi Yokocho, and about 60 shops.
Chibi Maruko-chan Land is open 10:00 to 20:00 (last entry 19:30). Admission is ¥1,200 for adults and ¥700 for children aged 3 to elementary school.
It can be enjoyed indoors even in the rain, making it a good place to spend the time before returning to your ship.
Opening Status on Tuesday, October 27, 2026
- Kunozan Toshogu: Open (9:00 to 17:00, no regular closing days)
- Nihondaira Ropeway: Runs in rain (suspended in strong wind or thunder)
- Toro Museum: Open (closed on Mondays, so open on Tuesday; 9:00 to 16:30)
- Kashi no Ichi: Open (closed on Wednesdays, so open on Tuesday)
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Open (shops 10:00 to 20:00 / restaurants 11:00 to 21:00)
Because strong rain and wind are forecast, check the ropeway’s operating status on the morning of your port day. If it’s suspended, you could switch to a day centered on Kashi no Ichi and Dream Plaza.
For other options beyond those introduced 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 27, 2026
We have not found any specific events confirmed for October 27, 2026.
You may be able to find information on events that day at the tourist information desk in the Shimizu Port passenger terminal, or by searching 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 assortment | Maguro-kan (inside 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 minutes on foot from the port. A good rainy-day choice |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage | Yui fishing port area | ¥800–1,500 | Autumn season. Cash only. 25 minutes by car from the port |
| Shizuoka oden | Aoba Yokocho area | ¥500–1,500 | Features black hanpen and dashi powder. Mostly open from the evening |
| Seafood bowl / sakura shrimp shumai | Ichiba-kan (Kashi no Ichi) | ¥500–2,000 | Takeout available. Also good for souvenirs |
| Wasabi soft serve / wasabi-zuke | Various places around Shimizu Port | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi-producing region |
What we especially want to tell you about is sakura shrimp, a seasonal taste unique to October.
Sakura shrimp are small shrimp caught only in Suruga Bay, with fishing seasons in spring and autumn. October through December is the autumn season.
Made into kakiage, they have a crisp texture and a fragrant, toasty flavor. You can also enjoy dishes made with sakura shrimp at Kashi no Ichi and at the sushi alley in Dream Plaza.
If you visit Shimizu in season, we hope you’ll try them at least once.
For more on the seasons and ways to eat tuna, sakura shrimp, and shirasu, plus recommended restaurants, please also see our Shimizu Seafood Guide.
7. Practical Information for Worry-Free Sightseeing
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Shimizu Port terminal and S-Pulse Dream Plaza. Nationwide free Wi-Fi is also available at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart.
If you’ll be using data a lot, it’s handy to buy a prepaid SIM at the airport.
Payment Methods
In Japan, many places are cash-based, so be especially careful at small restaurants and with taxis.
Credit cards can be used at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and at larger shops in Kashi no Ichi. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted, while some shops do not accept Amex or Diners.
Near the port, there are Seven Bank ATMs inside convenience stores. We recommend carrying about ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 in cash per person per day.
Transit IC Cards
On buses and trains, you can use transit IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA. They can be purchased at convenience stores near the port and at Shimizu Station.
You can also ride with cash, but change may not always be available, so have coins ready.
Language Support
The tourist information desks at the Shimizu Port terminal and Shimizu Station offer English support. At S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi, some shops have English menus or staff.
Taxis are basically Japanese only, so we recommend using Google Translate or a similar app.
Tourist Information Desks
- Inside the Shimizu Port passenger terminal (right after you disembark)
- Shimizu Station tourist information desk (about 1.5 km from the port; free shuttle bus, or 20 to 25 minutes on foot)
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City General 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
Star Seeker departs at 17:00. Please be back at Hinode Pier by 16:30, 30 minutes before departure.
On Google Maps, search for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭” to see the location.
If you get lost in the city, tell the taxi driver “清水港 日の出埠頭 (Hinode Pier).” Roads tend to be congested on rainy days, so allow plenty of extra time.
9. About Star Seeker
Star Seeker is a foreign-flagged cruise ship of 9,923 tons. As a small ship, we think her calm atmosphere is part of her appeal, quite different from that of a large cruise ship.
Details such as her year of entry into service, the operating company, and onboard facilities are not included in the information provided to us. Please check the onboard announcements or the operator’s official website.
The port call data for this visit lists the berth as undecided and ship tours as unavailable. If you are planning to tour the ship, please check the latest announcements in advance.
From Shingu to Shimizu, and then on to Tokyo. Heavy rain is forecast, but we think it will still be a day to enjoy the National Treasure shrine buildings, the Yayoi-period ruins, and the port’s seafood at a relaxed pace.
Bring an umbrella and comfortable walking shoes, and take care out there.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
