Ohayou gozaimasu — good morning, and welcome to Shimizu! 🎌
ルミナラ arrives at Shimizu Port at 06:00 today, giving you a generous 12 full hours ashore before departure at 18:00. This is the ship’s very first call here — a special milestone — so make the most of every moment! Coming from Kobe and heading on to Tokyo, Shimizu sits at the heart of Japan’s most iconic scenery. With a full day at your disposal and fair weather on the way, today is tailor-made for an unforgettable Japanese adventure.
> ⭐ First-ever call for ルミナラ at Shimizu! This historic visit deserves a celebration — and Shimizu has plenty to offer.
☁️ Today’s Weather
| | Details |
|—|—|
| Conditions | Looks to be a fine day — outdoor sightseeing highly recommended! |
| Season | Late April: warm, pleasant, and one of the most beautiful times of year in Shizuoka |
| What to wear | Light layers work best — a light jacket for the early morning (6 AM can be cool), then a t-shirt or shirt for the afternoon. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. |
🌸 Spring bonus: Late April is the tail end of cherry blossom season in the Shimizu area, and the sakura shrimp (桜えび) spring fishing season is in full swing. Keep your eyes on the menu!
🎪 Today’s Events in Shimizu & Shizuoka
There’s plenty happening around the city today. Here are some local events worth exploring:
1. 🖼️ 壜壥 鳥山高史展 ―ガラスの中の陰影― (Takashi Toriyama Glass Art Exhibition)
An intriguing art exhibition exploring light, shadow and glass. A great cultural stop for art lovers.
2. 🎏 端午の節句飾り展 (Children’s Day Festival Decorations Exhibition)
Traditional Japanese decorations for the upcoming Children’s Day (May 5th). A wonderful window into Japanese seasonal culture.
3. 🎨 清水文化会館マリナート 鈴木のりたけ大原画展 (Suzuki Noritake Original Art Exhibition at Marinart)
A large-scale exhibition of original illustrations by beloved Japanese picture-book artist Suzuki Noritake, held at the Marinart Cultural Hall right here in Shimizu. Perfect for families and art enthusiasts alike.
4. 🏠 セミナー・講演 屋根・外壁塗り替えセミナー (Home Renovation Seminar)
A free local seminar — more of a community event, but it shows how lively local life is in Shimizu today!
5. 🦻 しずおか補聴器相談会 (Hearing Aid Consultation — Torisaka Community Hall)
A local health consultation event hosted in the community.
> Top recommendation for visitors: The 鈴木のりたけ大原画展 at Marinart is especially accessible and enjoyable for international guests — it’s right in Shimizu and the artwork speaks across language barriers.
🚌 Getting Around from the Port
Your ship docks at Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier (清水港 日の出埠頭). Here’s how to get around:
🚶 Walking (Free)
Several spots are easy to reach on foot directly from the pier:
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza — 5 min walk (shops, sushi, Chibi Maruko-chan Land)
- Shimizu Fish Market “Kashinoichi” — ~10 min walk
- Jirocho Birthplace — ~15 min walk
🚢 Water Bus (¥400 / ~30 min)
A scenic boat ride from Hinode Pier to Miho no Matsubara — the journey itself is part of the fun, with views of Mt. Fuji from the water. Check the timetable on arrival, as schedules vary and cancellations can occur in rough weather.
🚌 Local Bus — Shizutetsu Justline (¥180–¥700)
- Buses connect to Nihondaira, Miho no Matsubara, and Shimizu Station
- IC cards (Suica, ICOCA, etc.) accepted — very convenient
- Transfer at Shimizu Station for most routes
🚕 Taxi (Most Flexible Option)
| Destination | Approx. Fare | Time |
|—|—|—|
| Nihondaira (日本平) | ¥4,000 | ~30 min |
| Miho no Matsubara | ¥2,500 | ~20 min |
| Kashinoichi Market | ¥800 | ~5 min |
| S-Pulse Dream Plaza | ¥600 | ~5 min |
| Toro Ruins | ¥3,000 | ~25 min |
> 💡 Pro tip: For a group of 3–4 people, a chartered taxi for 4 hours costs approximately ¥15,000–20,000 — often more economical than individual transport and far more flexible. Ask at the port information desk.
🗺️ Today’s Recommended Model Route
🌞 Full Day Sunny Course — The Best of Shimizu & Shizuoka
*”Shizuoka Full Day – Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu, Kashinoichi & Miho no Matsubara”*
With 12 hours ashore and fine weather, today is a rare gift. This route covers the greatest hits: a panoramic mountain-top terrace, a National Treasure shrine, the freshest tuna in Japan, and a UNESCO World Heritage pine grove. Let’s go!
> ⚠️ Venue check for Tuesday, April 21:
> – ✅ Nihondaira Yume Terrace — OPEN (closed Tuesdays when a public holiday falls on Monday; regular Tuesday closures apply — *please verify on the day*)
> – ✅ Kunozan Toshogu — OPEN (open year-round)
> – ✅ Kashinoichi Fish Market — OPEN (closed Wednesdays)
> – ✅ Miho no Matsubara — OPEN (outdoor access all day)
> – ✅ S-Pulse Dream Plaza — OPEN (irregular holidays — check on the day)
>
> ⚠️ Note: Nihondaira Yume Terrace is normally closed on Tuesdays. However, the closure rule is “Tuesday (or the following day if a public holiday falls on Monday).” April 20, 2026 is a Monday but not a public holiday, so the regular Tuesday closure may apply. Please confirm directly with the facility upon arrival. If closed, replace this stop with a direct trip to Kunozan Toshogu via bus + ropeway from the port.
⏱️ Step-by-Step Itinerary
| Time | Destination | What to Do | Duration |
|—|—|—|—|
| 06:00–06:30 | 🚢 Disembark | Clear immigration, collect info at the port terminal, grab a coffee | 30 min |
| 06:30 | 🚕 Depart by taxi | Head to Nihondaira (日本平) | ~30 min |
| 07:00–08:00 | 🏔️ Nihondaira & Yume Terrace | 360° panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay & the Southern Alps from 307m elevation | 60 min |
| 08:00–09:30 | 🏯 Kunozan Toshogu Shrine | Take the ropeway (5 min) down to the National Treasure shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Explore the dazzlingly ornate shrine buildings and museum | 90 min |
| 09:30 | 🚕 Taxi to Kashinoichi | ~20 min ride | — |
| 10:00–11:00 | 🐟 Kashinoichi Fish Market | Tuna-don (tuna rice bowl) brunch/early lunch at Maguro-kan. Browse the market stalls | 60 min |
| 11:00 | 🚢 Water bus or 🚌 Bus | Head to Miho no Matsubara (water bus ~30 min / bus ~25 min) | ~30 min |
| 11:30–13:30 | 🌲 Miho no Matsubara Pine Grove | Walk the “Divine Path” (神の道) through 30,000 pine trees. Visit Miho Shrine and the legendary Hagoromo no Matsu pine. Soak in the iconic view of Mt. Fuji over the sea | 90–120 min |
| 13:30 | 🚢 Water bus back | Return to Shimizu Port (~30 min) | ~30 min |
| 14:00–15:30 | 🛍️ S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Souvenir shopping, Chibi Maruko-chan Land (¥800+), Shimizu Sushi Alley for a light snack if still hungry | 60–90 min |
| 15:30–17:00 | 🎨 Free time | Visit the 鈴木のりたけ大原画展 at Marinart nearby, or simply stroll along the waterfront | As desired |
| 17:00 | 🚢 Return to ship | Head back to Hinode Pier — it’s just a 5-min walk from Dream Plaza | — |
| 18:00 | ⛵ Departure | All aboard! | |
💰 Estimated Budget (per person)
| Item | Cost |
|—|—|
| Nihondaira Yume Terrace | ¥360 |
| Nihondaira Ropeway (round trip) | ~¥1,100 |
| Kunozan Toshogu (shrine + museum) | ¥800 |
| Tuna-don lunch at Kashinoichi | ¥1,500–2,500 |
| Water bus (Miho no Matsubara return) | ¥800 |
| S-Pulse Dream Plaza / snacks / souvenirs | ¥2,000–5,000 |
| Taxi fares (shared, estimate per person) | ¥2,000–4,000 |
| Total estimate | ~¥8,000–14,000 |
🍽️ Shimizu & Shizuoka Must-Try Food
| Dish | Where to Try | Notes |
|—|—|—|
| 🐟 Tuna Rice Bowl (まぐろ丼) | Kashinoichi Fish Market (10-min walk) | Shimizu is Japan’s top tuna port. Don’t miss it! |
| 🍣 Fresh Shimizu Sushi | Shimizu Sushi Alley, Dream Plaza (5-min walk) | Tuna and sakura shrimp nigiri are the stars |
| 🦐 Sakura Shrimp Kakiage (桜えびのかき揚げ) | Yui area (25 min by car) or select Shimizu restaurants | ⭐ Spring seasonal special — tiny pink shrimp, crispy-fried. Only available March–June! |
| 🍵 Shizuoka Deep-Steamed Green Tea (深蒸し茶) | Most shops & cafés | Shizuoka produces ~40% of Japan’s tea. Rich, smooth flavour |
| 🥢 Shizuoka Oden (静岡おでん) | Aoba Alley in Shizuoka City (20 min by train) | Dark broth, black fish cake (黒はんぺん), topped with dried seaweed powder. A local B-grade classic |
| 🌿 Wasabi Products | Dream Plaza, Kashinoichi, souvenir shops | Shizuoka grows the finest wasabi in Japan — try the soft-serve! |
> 🌸 April special: Sakura shrimp are at their seasonal peak right now. If you see *kakiage* (crispy sakura shrimp fritters) on any menu, order it without hesitation.
ℹ️ Practical Information
📶 Wi-Fi
| Location | Availability |
|—|—|
| Shimizu Port Terminal | ✅ Free Wi-Fi |
| S-Pulse Dream Plaza | ✅ Free Wi-Fi |
| Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) | ✅ Free Wi-Fi nationwide |
| Prepaid SIM | Available at major airports — recommended for full-day data access |
💳 Payment
- Cash is king in Japan, especially at smaller restaurants, taxis and local stalls
- Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) accepted at Dream Plaza, Kashinoichi (larger shops), and most hotels
- ATMs: Seven Bank ATMs inside 7-Eleven convenience stores accept international cards
- 💡 Recommendation: Carry at least ¥5,000–10,000 in cash per person for the day
🚌 IC Transport Cards
- Suica / ICOCA / other IC cards work on local buses and trains
- Available at Shimizu Station and convenience stores
- Cash payment also accepted on buses (carry coins — no change given for large bills on some routes)
🗣️ Language
| Venue | English Support |
|—|—|
| Port Terminal Tourist Info | ✅ English available |
| S-Pulse Dream Plaza | ✅ English menus & some staff |
| Kashinoichi Fish Market | ✅ English menus |
| Miho no Matsubara “Mihoshirube” | ✅ Multilingual pamphlets |
| Kunozan Toshogu | ✅ English signage & info |
| Taxis | ⚠️ Japanese only — use Google Translate or show your destination written in Japanese |
🆘 Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|—|—|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance & Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City Tourism (English) | 054-221-1173 |
| Shizutetsu Taxi | 054-285-1212 |
🚢 Getting Back to the Ship
- Departure: 18:00 — aim to be back at the pier by 17:15 at the latest
- Your ship is docked at Hinode Pier (日の出埠頭), Shimizu Port
- From Dream Plaza: 5-min walk
- From anywhere else in the city: tell your taxi driver “清水港 日の出埠頭” (Shimizu-ko Hinode Futo) or search “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” on Google Maps
- Give yourself extra time — Shimizu traffic can be unpredictable during peak afternoon hours
⛵ About ルミナラ
ルミナラ is a mid-size foreign cruise vessel of 46,750 gross tons, offering an intimate yet well-appointed cruising experience. Compared to the mega-ships that frequent Asian itineraries, ルミナラ’s size means a more personal atmosphere onboard — and the ability to dock at characterful ports like Shimizu that larger vessels simply cannot access.
Today’s call is a historic first visit for
