📅 Monday, April 6, 2026 | Arrival 07:00 → Departure 15:00 | 8 hours ashore
Welcome to Shimizu Port in cherry blossom season! You have 8 hours to explore today. With a 50% chance of rain, we’ve put together a plan that’s fully enjoyable whatever the weather — and this spring, Shimizu’s indoor treasures are just as stunning as its outdoor views.
☁️ Today’s Weather
- Conditions: Rain likely
- High: 21°C (70°F) / Low: 13°C (55°F)
- Chance of rain: 50%
- What to wear: Light raincoat or folding umbrella + thin jacket
> Late cherry blossom season — even if the flowers are fading, Shimizu in April is beautiful in the rain.
🎪 Today’s Events in Shimizu & Shizuoka
1. Dolphin Watching Cruise from Shimizu Port — Morning departure! A rare chance to spot wild dolphins in Suruga Bay (Mar–Apr)
2. Ukiyo-e Exhibition: Journeying the Tokaido — Suruga Landscapes — Classic woodblock prints of the historic Tokaido route
3. Kazuichi Hayashi Pottery Exhibition — March 28 – April 26
4. Kazumi Akiyama Art Exhibition — April 1–30
🚌 Getting Around from the Port
- 🚶 Walking — S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashinoichi Market are 5–10 min on foot
- 🚌 Local bus — IC cards (Suica etc.) accepted. Most routes go via Shimizu Station
- 🚕 Taxi — A 4-hour charter taxi (approx. ¥15,000–20,000) is ideal for groups wanting to cover multiple sights
🗺️ Recommended Itinerary for Today
8 hours ashore × Rainy Monday → Kunozan Toshogu & Kashinoichi Classic
With 8 hours and rainy weather, focus on Shimizu’s most spectacular all-weather experiences.
▶ 9:00 Nihondaira Yume Terrace (approx. 1 hour)
Take the bus to Nihondaira (55 min). The Nihondaira Yume Terrace observation deck offers sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the Southern Alps. Dramatic even in rain or mist.
- 🎫 Observation floor: ¥360
- ⏰ 10:00–18:00 / Closed Tuesdays (open today — Monday ✓)
▶ 10:30 Kunozan Toshogu Shrine (approx. 1.5 hours)
Ride the Nihondaira Ropeway (5 min) down to Kunozan Toshogu, a National Treasure shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo Shogunate. The brilliantly lacquered shrine buildings are stunning — sheltered and fully enjoyable even in rain.
- 🎫 Admission: ¥500 (shrine) / ¥800 (shrine + museum)
- ⏰ 9:00–17:00 / Open year-round ✓
▶ 12:30 Shimizu Fish Market “Kashinoichi” — Lunch (approx. 1 hour)
Head to Shimizu’s famous fish market by taxi or bus. The fresh tuna bowl is a must, and the spring-season Sakura shrimp tempura is still on the menu.
- Tuna bowl (Maguro-don): ¥1,500–2,000
- Sakura shrimp tempura: from ¥800 (spring season)
- ⏰ 9:30–17:30 / Closed Wednesdays (open today — Monday ✓)
▶ 14:00 S-Pulse Dream Plaza (approx. 30 min)
A 5-minute walk from the port — fully indoors, perfect for a rainy day. Pick up souvenirs and visit the beloved Chibi Maruko-chan Land before heading back.
- ⏰ 10:00–20:00
▶ 14:30 Return to Shimizu Port
🍽️ Shimizu & Shizuoka’s Must-Try Food
| Food | About | Price |
|——|——-|——-|
| 🐟 Maguro-don (Tuna bowl) | Some of Japan’s freshest tuna, landed right here in Shimizu | from ¥1,500 |
| 🦐 Sakura shrimp tempura | Spring only! Tiny pink shrimp from Suruga Bay | from ¥800 |
| 🍢 Shizuoka Oden | Dark broth, black fish cakes — a beloved local B-grade classic | from ¥500 |
| 🌿 Wasabi | Shizuoka grows Japan’s finest wasabi — perfect as a souvenir | from ¥300 |
| 🍵 Shizuoka green tea | Japan’s #1 tea-producing region. Try the deep-steamed variety | from ¥500 |
ℹ️ Practical Information
| | |
|–|–|
| 💴 Payment | Cash is king in Japan. Major facilities accept cards. ATMs at convenience stores |
| 📶 Wi-Fi | Free Wi-Fi at the port terminal and S-Pulse Dream Plaza |
| 🗣️ Language | English-speaking staff at port terminal and Shimizu Station tourist info center |
| 🚕 Taxi | Shizutetsu Taxi: 054-285-1212 |
| 🆘 Emergency | Police: 110 / Ambulance & Fire: 119 |
🚢 How to Get Back to Your Ship
Please be back at Shimizu Port “Hinode Pier” by 14:30 (30 minutes before departure). If you’re lost, search “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” on Google Maps or show a taxi driver: 清水港 日の出埠頭.
⛵ About Crystal Symphony
Crystal Symphony is one of the world’s most acclaimed luxury cruise ships (51,044 GT), operated by Crystal Cruises. Renowned for her impeccable service, spacious suites, and award-winning dining, she is a favorite among discerning travelers. Today she calls in from Tokyo and continues onward to Kobe.
We hope your time in Shimizu becomes a treasured memory of your journey. ⚓
*Information is current as of April 6, 2026. Please check with individual facilities for the latest details.*
