Thursday, May 7, 2026. After departing Kobe and sailing through the Seto Inland Sea into the Pacific Ocean, Azamara Pursuit arrives at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 10:30. Departure is the same day at 19:00, bound for Tokyo.
While the scheduled port time is 8.5 hours, once you account for disembarkation and re-boarding, you’ll realistically have around 7 hours to explore ashore. Even so, that’s more than enough time to experience the very best of Shimizu and Shizuoka in a single day — from a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint overlooking Mt. Fuji, to a National Treasure shrine with ties to Tokugawa Ieyasu, a UNESCO World Heritage pine grove, and a fresh tuna bowl right at the harbor.
This page is your complete day guide for making the most of your May 7 port call. Fresh from Kobe, here’s everything you need to know about what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your time in Shimizu — told from a local perspective.
About the Author
Shimizu Port Cruise Guide — Site Editor
Based in Shizuoka Prefecture, I work in hospitality for international visitors to the Shimizu and Shizuoka area. Through this blog, I share on-the-ground local information to help cruise passengers make the most of their limited time in port. Drawing on connections with taxi drivers, tourist information staff, and local restaurants, I aim to give you a real, up-to-date picture of Shimizu that you won’t find in any guidebook.
Table of Contents
- Port Day Essentials
- Weather & What to Wear on May 7, 2026
- Getting Around from Hinode Pier
- Recommended Itinerary: The Shizuoka Full Course (Nihondaira · Toshogu · Miho · Food)
- Local Events on May 7, 2026
- Must-Try Food & Drink in Shimizu and Shizuoka
- Practical Tips for a Smooth Day Ashore
- Getting Back to the Ship
- About Azamara Pursuit
1. Port Day Essentials
Here’s everything you need to know about the May 7, 2026 port call at a glance.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Date | Thursday, May 7, 2026 |
| Arrival | 10:30 |
| Departure | 19:00 |
| Scheduled Port Time | Approx. 8.5 hours |
| Practical Time Ashore | Approx. 7 hours |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier |
| Previous Port | Kobe |
| Next Port | Tokyo |
May 7 falls on the Thursday immediately following Japan’s “Golden Week,” the country’s largest holiday period. In 2026, Golden Week runs from Wednesday, April 29 through Wednesday, May 6, making May 7 the first day most Japanese people return to work and school. For visitors, this timing is ideal — the post-holiday crowds have cleared, and popular attractions should be noticeably less busy than in the days prior. While cherry blossom season has passed, the fresh greenery of early summer is at its finest, and Mt. Fuji is still dusted with snow — one of the most rewarding times of year to visit Shizuoka.
May also marks the peak of the first tea harvest (shincha) season in Shizuoka, one of Japan’s foremost tea-producing regions. You’ll find new-crop green tea featured in sweets, drinks, and products throughout the port area and at local attractions — a lovely seasonal bonus on top of everything else. With the Golden Week rush behind you, this Thursday port call offers a wonderfully unhurried way to experience Shimizu’s highlights.
2. Weather & What to Wear on May 7, 2026
May is one of the most pleasant times of year to visit Shimizu. Daytime highs typically reach 20–24°C (68–75°F), with overnight lows around 15–17°C (59–63°F). Midday can feel genuinely warm, while mornings, evenings, and spots near the water tend to carry a slight chill. On clear days, Mt. Fuji stands out brilliantly against a blue sky, with the surrounding greenery making for spectacular views. Japan’s rainy season (tsuyu) doesn’t reach Shizuoka until early June, so May weather is generally stable — though a compact umbrella is worth packing, as occasional showers can catch you off guard from mid-May onward.
Layering is the way to go: start with a light shirt or blouse, and bring a thin cardigan or jacket you can easily add or remove throughout the day. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a good idea, especially at outdoor spots like Miho no Matsubara and Nihondaira where the sun can be strong. For footwear, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are strongly recommended — you’ll be covering sandy beaches, pine-forest paths, and stone steps over the course of the day.
Please note that this article was written a few days before the port call, when precise day-of forecasts weren’t yet available. For the most accurate weather information, check closer to May 7 — reliable forecasts for the day are typically available about three days out. On the morning of your arrival, a quick search for “Shimizu, Shizuoka weather” will bring up an up-to-date English-language forecast.
3. Getting Around from Hinode Pier
With limited time in port, how you get around can make or break your day. Here are your best options from Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier, listed from most to least recommended.
① Taxi (Highly Recommended)
For groups of two or more, taxis are by far the most efficient and cost-effective way to explore Shimizu. You can combine visits to Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu, Miho no Matsubara, and other key spots entirely on your own schedule — and drivers often share handy local tips along the way (Google Translate works surprisingly well for these exchanges). A rough estimate for a 4-hour charter runs ¥15,000–20,000 in total — split among a group, this is excellent value. English-speaking drivers are limited, but the tourist information office inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal can often help connect you with a driver comfortable using translation tools. We recommend stopping there first after disembarking.
② Water Bus (Shimizu Port Water Bus)
A scenic ferry service connecting Hinode Pier, Ejiri, and the Miho Peninsula, the water bus lets you glide across the harbor with Mt. Fuji in view — a uniquely Shimizu experience. ¥1,000 one way, with a journey time of about 35 minutes. The boarding point is a 2–5 minute walk from S-Pulse Dream Plaza, making it a popular and convenient option for reaching Miho no Matsubara. Departures from Hinode are scheduled roughly between 9:55 and 15:55, but services may be cancelled or altered due to weather or sea conditions. Always check the latest schedule with the official Shimizu Port Water Bus website or the tourist information office before you go.
③ Local Bus
Buses to the Miho area depart from Shimizu Station (stop: Miho Shako-yuki, approx. 25 minutes, ¥470). For Nihondaira, take a Nihondaira-bound bus from Shimizu or Shizuoka Station (approx. 55 minutes from Shizuoka Station). Buses are a budget-friendly option, but connections and wait times can eat into your limited port time, so plan carefully if you choose this route.
④ On Foot
There’s plenty to enjoy within easy walking distance of the pier. S-Pulse Dream Plaza (about 5 minutes on foot) is a waterfront shopping and dining complex — great even on a rainy day. Kashi no Ichi (Shimizu Fish Market) (about 15 minutes on foot) is a tuna lover’s paradise and perfect for lunch or souvenirs. Even if you don’t venture far from the port, there’s no shortage of genuinely local Shimizu experiences close at hand.
⑤ JR Shimizu Station
About a 15-minute walk from Hinode Pier, Shimizu Station gives you access to the JR Tokaido Line. A short 10-minute ride (¥240) brings you to Shizuoka Station, opening up a wider range of restaurants and sights — including Toro Ruins and the famous Aoba Yokocho alley, home to Shizuoka-style oden.
4. Recommended Itinerary: The Shizuoka Full Course (Nihondaira · Toshogu · Miho · Food)
“With 7 hours, where do I even begin?” If that’s the question on your mind, this is the itinerary we’d stake our local reputation on. A 360-degree panoramic observation deck. A National Treasure shrine. A UNESCO World Heritage coastline. Fresh tuna in the heart of the harbor. This is Shizuoka’s greatest hits — all in one day. The route is designed around a chartered taxi for two to four people, which gives you the flexibility and efficiency to pull it all off comfortably.
Day Schedule
| Time | Stop | What to Do | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 | Depart (Hinode Pier) | Disembark, stop by tourist info office, take taxi to Nihondaira | — |
| 11:30–12:30 | Nihondaira & Yume Terrace | 360° views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay from the observation deck | 60 min |
| 12:35–13:35 | Kunozan Toshogu | Descend by ropeway (~5 min). Explore the National Treasure shrine and museum | 60 min |
| 13:40–14:00 | In Transit | Taxi to Kashi no Ichi (~20 min) | 20 min |
| 14:00–15:00 | Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” | Tuna bowl lunch and souvenir shopping | 60 min |
| 15:10–15:45 | In Transit | Water bus or bus to Miho no Matsubara (~30–35 min) | 35 min |
| 15:45–17:15 | Miho no Matsubara | Walk the Divine Path, see the Hagoromo Pine, take in Mt. Fuji views | 90 min |
| 17:15–17:45 | In Transit | Water bus or taxi back to Shimizu Port (~30 min) | 30 min |
| 17:45–18:15 | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Last-minute souvenirs and a stop at Chibi Maruko-chan Land | 30 min |
| 18:15 | Return to Hinode Pier | Complete re-boarding by 18:30 (30 min before departure) | — |
Estimated Budget: Approx. ¥12,000+ per person (including taxi, admission fees, and lunch)
Nihondaira & Nihondaira Yume Terrace
Perched at 307 meters above sea level, the Nihondaira Yume Terrace is Shizuoka’s premier panoramic viewpoint — offering sweeping 360-degree views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and Miho no Matsubara all at once. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the latticed wooden structure is as striking as the view it frames. Visitors regularly describe the experience as surreal — “Is this really Japan?” The combination of May’s lush greenery and Mt. Fuji’s lingering snow cap makes this one of the best times of year to visit. Best of all, admission is completely free.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
Japan’s oldest Toshogu shrine, Kunozan Toshogu is a designated National Treasure — and it looks the part. The elaborately carved, lacquered, and gold-leafed main hall is a jaw-dropping example of Edo-period craftsmanship, and the setting is made even more memorable by the ropeway descent from Nihondaira (about five minutes, with spectacular views along the way). The shrine complex includes a museum (combination ticket: ¥1,200) housing armor, swords, and other artifacts connected to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the powerful shogun enshrined here. For anyone interested in Japanese history, this is not to be missed.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” — Maguro-kan (Tuna Hall)
Shimizu is one of Japan’s most important tuna ports, and Kashi no Ichi is where you come to taste exactly that. A cluster of restaurants dedicated to fresh local tuna, the Maguro-kan (Tuna Hall) serves up beautifully arranged tuna rice bowls featuring lean cuts, medium fatty toro, and premium fatty toro — often at prices that feel almost too good to be true for the quality on offer. Visitors are consistently amazed at the freshness. The recently renovated Ichiba-kan (Market Hall) next door is the place to browse for seafood souvenirs and local food products. English menus are available.
Miho no Matsubara
A sweeping coastline of roughly 30,000 pine trees, Miho no Matsubara is registered as a component of Japan’s UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site “Fujisan.” The path through the pines — known as the “Kami no Michi” (Divine Path) — is a serene, dappled walkway where the scent of salt air mingles with the rustling of ancient trees. Many visitors describe it as quietly moving, almost meditative. The centerpiece of the grove is the Hagoromo no Matsu — the legendary pine upon which a celestial maiden once hung her feathered robe — an image immortalized in classical Japanese art and theater. May is an ideal time to visit, with vibrant pine greens, clear blue Suruga Bay, and excellent odds of catching Mt. Fuji in full view.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza
Right next to the pier, this lively waterfront complex makes for the perfect final stop before heading back to the ship. The main draw for many visitors is Chibi Maruko-chan Land — a theme park celebrating the beloved anime series created by Shimizu-born manga artist Momoko Sakura. Cheerful, quirky, and entirely unique to this part of Japan, it’s fun for all ages. The Shimizu Sushi Alley within the complex is a great spot to squeeze in one last piece of local tuna sushi or sakura shrimp gunkan before departure. There’s also a solid selection of Shizuoka souvenirs and local food products if you still have shopping to do.
Opening Hours on Thursday, May 7, 2026
- ✅ Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open Thursdays, regular hours (9:00–17:00). Closed the 2nd Tuesday of the month — no issue here.
- ✅ Kunozan Toshogu: No regular closing day. Open 9:00–17:00.
- ✅ Kashi no Ichi (Shimizu Fish Market): Closed Wednesdays — open as normal on Thursday. Ichiba-kan hours: 9:30–17:30.
- ✅ Miho no Matsubara: Open all day (Miho Shirube visitor center open 9:00–16:30).
- ✅ S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Open Thursday; hours vary by shop (retail generally 10:00–20:00).
As this port day falls on the first Thursday after Golden Week, most attractions should be considerably quieter than during the holiday itself. That said, some lingering holiday travelers may still be around, and lunch spots could get busy between 12:00 and 13:30. If you’re planning to eat at Kashi no Ichi, aiming for around 14:00 should help you avoid the midday rush and secure a table with ease.
5. Local Events on May 7, 2026
May 7 is the first Thursday after Golden Week, and while the holiday period is winding down, the Shimizu and Shizuoka area still has plenty going on. Consider weaving one of these events into your day if time allows.
1. Kitsunega-saki Arts Festival
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Kitsunega-saki Arts Festival |
| Dates | Ongoing (check official website for details) |
| Location | Kitsunega-saki area, Shimizu Ward |
This arts festival transforms the Kitsunega-saki neighborhood of Shimizu into an open-air gallery, with exhibitions and performances by local and nationally recognized artists. The combination of creative energy and Shimizu’s harbor-town atmosphere makes for a distinctive cultural experience — a great complement to the day’s sightseeing.
2. GAKOTEN
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | GAKOTEN |
| Dates | Ongoing (check official website for details) |
| Location | Venues in Shizuoka City (see official website for details) |
A celebration of student and emerging creative talent, GAKOTEN brings together music, performance, and visual art under one roof. If you want to get a feel for the vibrant, youthful energy of contemporary Shizuoka, this is a great place to do it.
3. Children’s Day Traditional Decorations Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Children’s Day Traditional Decorations Exhibition (Tango no Sekku Kazari-ten) |
| Dates | Running around Japan’s Children’s Day (May 5) |
| Location | Facilities in Shizuoka City (see official website for details) |
Timed to coincide with Japan’s Children’s Day (May 5), this exhibition showcases traditional Tango no Sekku decorations — including ornamental samurai helmets, armor, and koi nobori (carp streamers). It’s a visually engaging introduction to Japanese seasonal customs and makes for a genuinely interesting cultural stop, especially for international visitors curious about Japanese traditions.
4. Noritake Suzuki Original Artwork Exhibition — Shimizu Culture Hall Marinart
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Noritake Suzuki Original Artwork Exhibition |
| Dates | Ongoing (check official website for details) |
| Location | Shimizu Culture Hall Marinart (near Shimizu Port) |
A special exhibition of original artwork by Noritake Suzuki, a picture book author and illustrator born in Shimizu. His witty, highly inventive style appeals to children and adults alike. The venue — Marinart — is located just a short distance from the port, making it easy to fit in before or after your main sightseeing. A charming way to discover a beloved local artist and connect with Japan’s picture book culture.
5. Ukiyo-e Journey Along the Tokaido: Scenes of Suruga
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Ukiyo-e Journey Along the Tokaido: Scenes of Suruga |
| Dates | Ongoing (check official website for details) |
| Location | Venues in Shizuoka City (see official website for details) |
An exhibition of woodblock prints by Edo-period masters including Utagawa Hiroshige, depicting famous views along the Tokaido road through Suruga Province — present-day Shizuoka. What makes this especially compelling on a day like today: many of the landscapes depicted — Satta Pass, Miho no Matsubara — are places you’ll be visiting in person. Seeing the same scenery through the eyes of an Edo-period artist, then experiencing it yourself, is a genuinely memorable way to connect past and present. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in art or history.
6. Must-Try Food & Drink in Shimizu and Shizuoka
The Shimizu and Shizuoka area is one of Japan’s finest culinary destinations. Here are the dishes and drinks you shouldn’t leave without trying.
| Dish | Where to Find It | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna rice bowl / sashimi platter | Kashi no Ichi, Maguro-kan | ¥1,000–2,500 | Locally caught, supremely fresh. English menus available. |
| Shimizu sushi (tuna, sakura shrimp gunkan) | Shimizu Sushi Alley (Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500–4,000 | 5 minutes from the pier. Multiple restaurants to choose from. |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage (fritter) | Yui Port area (25 min by car) | ¥800–1,500 | Spring fishing season is at its peak in May. Fresh raw shrimp also available. |
| Seafood bowl / minced tuna | Ichiba-kan (Kashi no Ichi) | ¥500–2,000 | Renovated in 2025. Good takeaway options too. |
| Shizuoka oden (black fish cake, beef tendon) | Aoba Yokocho, Shizuoka City | ¥500–1,500 | Served with green laver — uniquely Shizuoka. About 20 min by train from Shimizu. |
| Wasabi snacks (wasabi soft serve, wasabi pickles) | Around Shimizu Port area | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer. Popular as souvenirs too. |
| New-crop green tea / matcha sweets | Throughout Shimizu and Shizuoka City | ¥300–1,500 | May is peak shincha season. Look for tea-leaf ice cream and matcha desserts. |
One ingredient deserves special mention: sakura ebi (sakura shrimp). These tiny, jewel-pink crustaceans — just 4–5 cm long — are found only in Suruga Bay and harvested just twice a year, in spring (March–June) and autumn (October–December). May sits squarely in the peak of the spring season, meaning freshly caught, raw sakura shrimp are available right now — a fleeting luxury even for local residents. Lightly battered and fried into kakiage fritters, they’re aromatic and delicate, and absolutely irresistible served over a bowl of rice. Restaurants near Yui Port (about 25 minutes by car) specialize in them, but you’ll also find sakura shrimp on menus closer to the port. If you spot a sign reading「さくらえび」, don’t hesitate — order it.
7. Practical Tips for a Smooth Day Ashore
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal, so you can get connected the moment you step off the ship. S-Pulse Dream Plaza also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the complex. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) near the port provide free Wi-Fi access on a nationwide network as well. If you’re planning a longer day of exploring, a prepaid SIM card — available at major Japanese airports — is worth considering for uninterrupted connectivity.
Payments
Cash is king in Japan, especially at smaller restaurants, local food stalls, and taxis. Larger establishments at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi generally accept credit cards, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely accepted (American Express and Diners Club are sometimes declined). There are Seven Bank ATMs inside convenience stores near the port that accept international cards for yen withdrawals. We recommend carrying ¥3,000–10,000 per person in cash to ensure you’re covered in any situation.
IC Transport Cards
Local buses and JR trains in the area accept IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA — simply tap on and off for a seamless ride. These can be purchased and topped up at Shimizu Station and at nearby convenience stores. While cash is also accepted on most buses, note that change may not always be available, so IC cards or exact change are helpful. If you’re planning multiple bus or train journeys, an IC card will make your day considerably smoother.
Language Support
English-speaking staff are available at the tourist information office inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal and at the Shimizu Station tourist information center. S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi have English menus and staff with varying levels of English ability. The Miho no Matsubara visitor center (“Miho Shirube”) offers multilingual brochures. Most taxi drivers speak Japanese only, but Google Translate (especially the camera and conversation features) works remarkably well in practice — download it before you leave the ship and you’ll be able to handle almost any situation that comes up.
Tourist Information Offices
- Inside Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — Your first stop after disembarking. Get maps, arrange a taxi, and check the latest local information here.
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information Center — About 15 minutes on foot from the pier. Convenient if you’re heading to JR trains or local buses.
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City Tourism Info (English) | 054-221-1173 |
| Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi) | 054-285-1212 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
Azamara Pursuit departs at 19:00. Please plan to be back at Hinode Pier by 18:30 at the latest (30 minutes before departure) to allow ample time for re-boarding.
Your berth is at Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier. You can locate it on Google Maps by searching “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭.” If you’re in a taxi and need to return to the ship, tell your driver “Hinode Pier (日の出埠頭)” — showing the map on your smartphone will make sure there’s no confusion.
To stay safely on schedule, we recommend starting your journey back by 17:00–17:30 at the latest. Work backwards from your 18:30 re-boarding time when planning the end of your day, and build in a comfortable buffer — there’s nothing worse than rushing the last stretch of a wonderful shore day.
9. About Azamara Pursuit
Azamara Pursuit is a 30,277-gross-ton mid-size ship operated by Azamara Cruises. Launched in 2001 as part of the “R-Class” fleet (originally built for Renaissance Cruises), she was refitted for Azamara in 2018. Her compact size — carrying approximately 680 guests — allows her to call at smaller, less-visited ports that larger cruise ships simply cannot access, and it enables a level of personalized service that sets boutique cruising apart.
Among the highlights on board is the pool deck and open-air bar “The Patio” on the upper deck — a wonderful spot to sip a cocktail while watching a port come into view, or fade into the distance. Evening entertainment is varied and lively, from live music and comedy shows to cultural lectures. Perhaps most distinctively, Azamara’s philosophy of “Country Intensives” means sailings are deliberately structured with overnight stays and late departure times to maximize time in port — giving passengers a deeper, more immersive experience in each destination. Today’s 19:00 departure from Shimizu is a perfect expression of that commitment.
From the refined harbor atmosphere of Kobe, to the sweeping natural beauty and rich history of Shimizu, and onward to the energy of Tokyo — this voyage captures three of Japan’s most iconic faces in a single sailing. We hope today in Shimizu adds a vivid and memorable chapter to your journey. With warm wishes from the local side of the pier:
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
