Saturday, May 9, 2026. The Mitsui Ocean Fuji departs Matsuyama and sails north through the Seto Inland Sea and into the Pacific, arriving at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 08:00. Departure is the same day at 18:00, bound for Yokohama. This day also marks a special milestone — it will be the first-ever call at Shimizu Port for the Mitsui Ocean Fuji.
While the scheduled port time is ten hours, realistically you can expect around 8 to 8.5 hours outside the ship once you factor in disembarkation and re-boarding procedures. Even so, that’s more than enough time to experience the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka in a single day — gazing at Mount Fuji through the ancient pine groves of Miho no Matsubara, marveling at the brilliantly decorated National Treasure shrines of Kunozan Toshogu, taking in a sweeping 360-degree panorama from the Nihondaira Yume Terrace at 307 meters above sea level, savoring a fresh tuna bowl at one of Japan’s top tuna-landing ports, and strolling through early-summer Shizuoka with the fragrance of new-harvest tea in the air.
This page is your complete guide to making the most of the May 9, 2026 port day. Fresh from Matsuyama, it’s time to discover what Shimizu has to offer — what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your time ashore. Read on for local insights you won’t find in any standard guidebook.
About the Author
Shimizu Port Cruise Guide — Site Editor
Based in Shizuoka Prefecture, I work in the hospitality industry welcoming international visitors to the Shimizu and Shizuoka area. Through this blog, I share up-to-date local information to help cruise passengers make the most of their limited time in port. Drawing on close connections with local taxi drivers, tourist information staff, and restaurant owners, I aim to give you an honest, real-time picture of Shimizu — the kind of insider knowledge that never makes it into the guidebooks.
Table of Contents
- Port Day Basics
- Weather & What to Wear on May 9, 2026
- Getting Around from Shimizu Port
- Recommended Itinerary: The Shizuoka Full Course (Nihondaira, Toshogu, Miho & Local Food)
- Local Events on May 9, 2026
- Must-Try Food in Shimizu & Shizuoka
- Practical Information for a Comfortable Day Ashore
- Getting Back to the Ship
- About the Mitsui Ocean Fuji
1. Port Day Basics
Here’s a quick overview of the key details for May 9, 2026.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Day | Saturday, May 9, 2026 |
| Arrival | 08:00 |
| Departure | 18:00 |
| Scheduled Time in Port | Approx. 10 hours |
| Realistic Time Ashore | Approx. 8–8.5 hours |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier |
| Previous Port | Matsuyama |
| Next Port | Yokohama |
May 9 falls in the pleasant early-summer season, just after Japan’s Golden Week holiday period (May 3–6). The crowds at major sightseeing spots will have started to ease off following the holiday rush, though as a Saturday, you can still expect a lively atmosphere with plenty of locals out enjoying the weekend. In Shizuoka, the first flush of new tea — known as ichibancha — will be at its peak, painting the hillside tea fields in vivid shades of fresh green. It’s also prime season for sakura shrimp (sakuraebi), with the spring fishing season running from March through June, making this an ideal time to enjoy some of the region’s most prized seasonal flavors.
And of course, this day marks the first-ever port call at Shimizu for the Mitsui Ocean Fuji — a genuinely historic occasion. The port and the local community are ready to give you a warm welcome. We hope you’ll enjoy everything Shizuoka has to offer.
2. Weather & What to Wear on May 9, 2026
May is one of the most pleasant times of year to visit Shimizu. Average high temperatures typically range from 19 to 22°C (66–72°F), with lows around 14 to 16°C (57–61°F). Midday can feel warm enough for short sleeves, while mornings and evenings carry a slight chill. On clear days, Mount Fuji — still dusted with snow at its peak — rises magnificently above the pine trees, making the views from Miho no Matsubara and Nihondaira truly breathtaking.
A light layering approach works well: a cardigan, denim jacket, or trench coat over a T-shirt or blouse gives you flexibility as temperatures shift throughout the day. Since Miho no Matsubara involves walking along a sandy beach, comfortable flat shoes or sneakers are a much better choice than heels. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen for the UV rays, and pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket just in case — May showers can appear without much warning.
A note on weather forecasts: This article was written several weeks before the port day, so accurate day-of forecasts aren’t yet available. Reliable forecasts typically become available about three days in advance. Before you go ashore, check the latest conditions — searching “Shimizu, Shizuoka weather” will bring up English-language forecasts easily.
3. Getting Around from Shimizu Port
When you’re working with limited time in port, choosing the right transportation can make or break your day. Here’s a rundown of your options from Hinode Pier, starting with the most efficient.
① Taxi (Highly Recommended)
For groups or anyone wanting to maximize their sightseeing time, taxis are by far the best option. The key attractions — Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu, and Miho no Matsubara — are spread across a fairly wide area, and trying to connect them by bus involves time-consuming transfers. Sharing a taxi among a group makes the cost very reasonable: a four-hour charter typically runs ¥15,000–¥20,000 total, which works out to roughly ¥3,000–¥5,000 per person. Most drivers speak Japanese only, but showing your destination written in Japanese or using Google Translate works perfectly well. The tourist information desk inside the port terminal can help arrange a taxi as soon as you disembark. You can also contact Shizutetsu Taxi directly at 054-285-1212.
② Water Bus (Shimizu Port Water Bus)
A scenic ferry service connecting Hinode Pier to the Miho Pier near Miho no Matsubara, with a stop at Eshpul Dream Plaza along the way. The fare is ¥1,000 per adult (¥500 for children), and the 35-minute crossing offers a unique perspective — watching Mount Fuji rise above Suruga Bay from the water. The boarding point is a 2–5 minute walk from Eshpul Dream Plaza, and the Miho Hagoromo Line generally runs departures between 9:55 and 15:55. Note that the service may be cancelled in rough or windy weather, so check the day’s operating status with Shizutetsu Marine (via their website or the notice board at the pier) before heading over.
③ Local Bus
For Miho no Matsubara, take the “Miho Yamanote Line” bus from in front of JR Shimizu Station and get off at either the “Miho Matsubara Iriguchi” stop (then a 15-minute walk) or the closer “Sekai Isan Miho no Matsubara Iriguchi” stop. The journey takes about 25 minutes from Shimizu Station, and the fare is ¥470. For Nihondaira, you’ll need to travel via JR Shizuoka or Higashi-Shizuoka Station, and the total journey to the Nihondaira Ropeway takes 50–60 minutes by bus. Buses are a good fit if you have plenty of time and prefer to move at your own pace.
④ On Foot
The area immediately around the port is easy to explore on foot. Eshpul Dream Plaza is about a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier, and Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” (near JR Shimizu Station) is roughly 15 minutes away. A short stroll through this working port town is a pleasant way to start or end your day ashore.
⑤ JR Shimizu Station
About 15 minutes on foot from Hinode Pier. From Shimizu Station, the JR Tokaido Line takes you to Shizuoka Station in approximately 10 minutes (¥240). This is a convenient option if you’d like to include downtown Shizuoka in your plans — for example, visiting Aoba Yokocho (famous for Shizuoka-style oden) or Toro Ruins.
4. Recommended Itinerary: The Shizuoka Full Course (Nihondaira, Toshogu, Miho & Local Food)
“We have ten hours — but where should we actually go?” Since this is the Mitsui Ocean Fuji’s inaugural call at Shimizu, let’s make it count. This itinerary covers the three crown jewels of the Shimizu–Shizuoka region in a single day: the panoramic summit of Nihondaira, the National Treasure shrines of Kunozan Toshogu, and the UNESCO World Heritage pine groves of Miho no Matsubara. By combining a taxi with the water bus, you can cover a large area efficiently while still giving each stop the attention it deserves.
The ship arrives at 08:00, with disembarkation typically completed by 08:30–09:00. Since you’ll need to be back at Hinode Pier by 17:30 (30 minutes before departure), you have a working window of roughly 9 hours ashore from around 08:30 to 17:30. On a clear May morning, with fresh green tea fields on the hillsides and snow still capping Mount Fuji, it’s the perfect backdrop for a day that fits in world-class scenery, a National Treasure, a UNESCO site, fresh seafood, and even a beloved Japanese cartoon character — all in honor of this historic first port call.
Day Schedule
| Time | Location | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier | Arrival & disembarkation | 30–45 min |
| 08:45 | Hinode Pier (depart) | Take taxi to Nihondaira | Approx. 30 min transit |
| 09:15 | Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace | 360° observation deck — views of Fuji, Suruga Bay & Miho | 60 min |
| 10:15 | Nihondaira Ropeway | Ropeway down to Kunozan Toshogu (5 min each way) | 5 min transit |
| 10:20 | Kunozan Toshogu | Explore the National Treasure shrine & museum | 90 min |
| 11:50 | Kunozan Toshogu (depart) | Ropeway back to Nihondaira, then taxi | Approx. 25 min transit |
| 12:15 | Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” | Tuna bowl lunch at the Maguro-kan | 60 min |
| 13:15 | Kashi no Ichi (depart) | Walk or short ride to water bus boarding point (Dream Plaza) | Approx. 10 min transit |
| 13:30 | Shimizu Port Water Bus — depart | Sail from Hinode stop to Miho, with views of Fuji over the bay | 35 min onboard |
| 14:05 | Miho no Matsubara | Walk the “Path of the Gods,” visit the Hagoromo Pine | 90 min |
| 15:35 | Miho no Matsubara (depart) | Bus or taxi back toward Shimizu Port | Approx. 25–30 min transit |
| 16:05 | Eshpul Dream Plaza | Chibi Maruko-chan Land, souvenirs & a rest | 75 min |
| 17:20 | Eshpul Dream Plaza (depart) | 5-minute walk to Hinode Pier | 5 min transit |
| 17:30 | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier | Re-board (target time: 30 min before departure) | — |
| 18:00 | Departure | Mitsui Ocean Fuji sails for Yokohama | — |
Estimated budget: approx. ¥10,000–¥14,000+ per person (including taxi, ropeway, entrance fees, lunch & water bus)
Highlights in Detail
Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace
Opened in 2018 atop a 307-meter summit, this striking observation facility was designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, whose signature wooden lattice structure blends beautifully into the natural setting. The wraparound observation walkway offers 360-degree views encompassing Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and the pine groves of Miho no Matsubara. In May, the snow-capped summit of Fuji frames perfectly against the vivid green of the new-season tea fields below — a combination you’ll only see at this time of year. Best of all, admission is free.
Kunozan Toshogu
This is where Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of Japan’s last shogunate, was first enshrined after his death — making it the oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan, predating even the famous Nikko Toshogu. The brilliantly painted National Treasure shrine buildings are breathtaking up close, adorned with intricate gold-leafed carvings in vivid reds, blues, and greens. The on-site museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts connected to Ieyasu’s legacy. Accessible by ropeway from Nihondaira in just five minutes. Admission: ¥700 for the shrine only, or ¥1,200 for a combined ticket including the museum.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” — Maguro-kan
Shimizu Port is one of Japan’s leading tuna-landing ports, and Maguro-kan is the place to taste the catch fresh. Tuna is served in a range of styles — donburi (rice bowls), sashimi, and nigiri sushi — at very reasonable prices (¥1,000–¥2,500). English menus are available at several of the restaurants. In May, sakura shrimp dishes are also in season, so try to fit in both while you’re here.
Shimizu Port Water Bus
Gliding across Suruga Bay with Mount Fuji rising white against the blue sky above the water’s surface — this is a quintessentially Shimizu experience. The 35-minute crossing from the Hinode stop to Miho costs ¥1,000 per adult. Head out to the deck to feel the sea breeze and take in the views. As always, check for any cancellations due to weather before boarding.
Miho no Matsubara
A 7-kilometer stretch of coastline lined with roughly 30,000 pine trees, with Mount Fuji soaring above the far shore — this view earned Miho no Matsubara recognition as a component of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site “Fujisan.” The walk along the “Kami no Michi” (Path of the Gods) — a pine-canopied lane leading to the legendary Hagoromo Pine, where a celestial maiden is said to have hung her feathered robe — is serene and atmospheric, with the crunch of gravel underfoot and the scent of pine in the air. The visitor center “Mihoshiruibe” provides multilingual brochures and maps.
Eshpul Dream Plaza
Just a five-minute walk from Hinode Pier, this waterfront complex is the perfect final stop before heading back to the ship. The highlight for many visitors is Chibi Maruko-chan Land (admission from ¥800), a charming attraction celebrating the beloved manga and anime series set right here in Shimizu. The complex also includes the Shimizu Sushi Yokocho, a row of sushi restaurants, along with souvenir shops and cafés — ideal for last-minute gift shopping.
Operating Status on Saturday, May 9, 2026
- ✅ Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open Saturdays 9:00–21:00 (observation walkway open all day). Closed on the 2nd Tuesday of each month — no issue for this date
- ✅ Kunozan Toshogu: Open year-round, 9:00–17:00. Regular hours on Saturdays
- ✅ Kashi no Ichi — Maguro-kan & Ichiba-kan: Closed on Wednesdays; open on Saturdays
- ✅ Shimizu Port Water Bus: Regular service on Saturdays (subject to cancellation in poor weather — confirm on the morning of your visit)
- ✅ Miho no Matsubara (Mihoshiruibe visitor center): Open year-round, 9:00–16:30. No issues on Saturdays
- ✅ Eshpul Dream Plaza: Shops 10:00–20:00; restaurants 11:00–21:00
Weekend crowds: May 9 is the first Saturday after Golden Week, so expect some crowds, particularly at Kashi no Ichi and Miho no Matsubara around midday. Popular tuna bowl restaurants can have a wait — aim for an early lunch around noon, or arrive right when they open (around 11:00) to avoid the longest queues.
5. Local Events on May 9, 2026
May 9 is the first weekend after Golden Week, and the spring events calendar in Shimizu and Shizuoka is still in full swing. Locals will be out in force to enjoy the weekend, so you’ll find a lively atmosphere throughout the city. Here’s a look at events happening around the time of your port day.
1. Food Fest: Gourmet Kitchen Car & Street Food Grand Prix 2026 in Shizuoka
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Food Fest: Gourmet Kitchen Car & Street Food Grand Prix 2026 in Shizuoka |
| Date | Around Saturday, May 9, 2026 (check official website for exact dates) |
| Location | Shizuoka City (see official website for venue details) |
A bustling food festival bringing together food trucks and street food vendors from across Shizuoka and beyond. The lineup spans local Shizuoka specialties alongside regional favorites from all over Japan, creating a lively open-air atmosphere that’s perfect for grazing. Sharing food and good cheer with the locals offers a slice of everyday Shizuoka life that’s quite different from the usual sightseeing experience.
2. Kitsuné-ga-saki Arts Festival
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Kitsuné-ga-saki Arts Festival |
| Date | Around Saturday, May 9, 2026 (check official website for exact dates) |
| Location | Around Kitsunegasaki, Shimizu Ward (see official website for venue details) |
An arts festival in the Shimizu area where contemporary art meets local culture. Exhibitions by local artists and a variety of community-focused programs bring a creative energy to the neighborhood. Held in an area easily accessible from Shimizu Port, it’s worth a detour if you have a spare moment — a great way to see a different, more artistic side of Shimizu.
3. Children’s Bazaar (May 9–10)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Children’s Bazaar (Kodomo Bazaar) |
| Date | Saturday, May 9 – Sunday, May 10, 2026 |
| Location | Shizuoka City (see official website for venue details) |
A handmade and second-hand market centered on children’s goods, popular with local families. The scene of kids browsing stalls and parents chatting has a warm, neighborly charm that gives you a genuine glimpse into Japanese family life on a weekend.
6. Must-Try Food in Shimizu & Shizuoka
Shimizu and Shizuoka are among the finest food destinations in Japan. From the fresh catch of Suruga Bay to Japan’s top-landing tuna port, and from Shizuoka’s world-famous wasabi to its prized spring seafood, here’s a rundown of the local flavors you shouldn’t miss.
Food Guide
| Dish | Where to Find It | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna donburi / tuna sashimi | Kashi no Ichi — Maguro-kan | ¥1,000–2,500 | Ultra-fresh tuna from Shimizu Port; English menus available |
| Shimizu sushi (tuna, sakura shrimp gunkan) | Eshpul Dream Plaza — Shimizu Sushi Yokocho | ¥1,500–4,000 | 5 min walk from the pier; multiple sushi restaurants in one spot |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage (deep-fried fritters) | Yui Fishing Port area (approx. 25 min by car) | ¥800–1,500 | Spring season at its peak; fresh raw sakura shrimp is a once-a-year treat |
| Seafood donburi / minced tuna (tataki) | Kashi no Ichi — Ichiba-kan | ¥500–2,000 | Great takeout options; renovated in 2025 |
| Shizuoka oden (black fish cake, beef tendon) | Aoba Yokocho (5 min walk from Shizuoka Station) | ¥500–1,500 | Served with dried bonito powder and green nori — a true local comfort food |
| Wasabi treats (wasabi soft-serve ice cream, wasabi pickles) | Various spots around Shimizu Port | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer — a perfect souvenir |
| Shirasu-don (fresh whitebait rice bowl) | Shimizu Port area / Yui area | ¥1,000–2,000 | Spring to early summer is peak season for fresh, translucent whitebait |
A special word about one seasonal ingredient that’s absolutely worth seeking out in May: sakura shrimp (sakuraebi). These tiny pink crustaceans — barely 4 centimeters long — are found only in Suruga Bay, and the spring fishing season (March through June) is right at its peak. Deep-fried into golden kakiage fritters, they have an irresistible crunch and a sweet, concentrated umami flavor. On a good fishing day, they may also be available raw as sashimi, with a delicate sweetness and faint oceanic fragrance that truly can’t be replicated outside this place and season. Look for them at the Ichiba-kan stalls inside Kashi no Ichi, or at restaurants in the Yui Fishing Port area (about 25 minutes from Shimizu Port by car). May 9 is quite simply the best possible time to taste them. Note that many smaller vendors are cash only, so keep some banknotes and coins handy.
7. Practical Information for a Comfortable Day Ashore
Wi-Fi
- Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal: Free Wi-Fi available. It’s worth connecting as soon as you step off the ship
- Eshpul Dream Plaza: Free Wi-Fi throughout the complex, so maps and translation apps will work seamlessly while you shop
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart): All offer free Wi-Fi on a nationwide network. Simply select the network name and agree to the terms of service
- If you’re staying in Japan for a while, picking up a prepaid SIM card at the airport is a convenient option for continuous connectivity
Payment
Cash remains king at many places in Japan, particularly smaller restaurants and the sakura shrimp vendors around Yui Fishing Port. Larger establishments at Eshpul Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi generally accept credit cards; Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted (American Express and Diners Club may not be accepted everywhere). If you need to withdraw cash, the 7-Bank ATMs inside 7-Eleven convenience stores accept most international cards. As a general guideline, carrying ¥3,000–¥10,000 in cash per person will cover most situations comfortably.
IC Cards for Public Transport
IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA work on local buses and trains throughout the area. They can be charged and purchased at JR Shimizu Station or at convenience stores. Cash is accepted on buses too, but note that some bus routes don’t give change, so having small coins on hand is useful.
Language Support
- Tourist Information Desk, Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal: English-speaking staff on hand for help with taxi arrangements, maps, and general sightseeing advice — your first stop after disembarking
- Eshpul Dream Plaza & Kashi no Ichi: Several restaurants have English menus, and English-speaking staff members are available
- Miho no Matsubara, Mihoshiruibe Visitor Center: Multilingual brochures available at the front desk
- Taxi drivers generally speak Japanese only. Using Google Translate (especially its camera/real-time translation feature) or showing a written note with your destination in Japanese makes communication straightforward
Tourist Information Centers
- Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — Right at the pier. Taxi bookings, maps, brochures, and general advice
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information — About 15 minutes on foot from the pier. Located inside JR Shimizu Station; helpful for local transport queries
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City Tourist Information (English) | 054-221-1173 |
| Shizutetsu Taxi | 054-285-1212 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
Today’s departure is at 18:00. Please aim to be back at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier by 17:30 — 30 minutes before sailing. To give yourself a comfortable buffer, try to wrap up your last sightseeing stop by 17:00 at the latest.
How to get back to Hinode Pier:
- Google Maps: Search “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭” for turn-by-turn directions from wherever you are
- By taxi: Tell the driver “清水港 日の出埠頭 (Hinode Pier)” — or simply show them these words on your phone screen
- From Eshpul Dream Plaza: It’s just a 5-minute walk to Hinode Pier, which is why we recommend finishing your day here — it’s the easiest possible return to the ship
- From Miho no Matsubara: Aim to leave by around 15:35 and take a taxi or bus back toward Shimizu Port. The journey takes approximately 25–30 minutes
Important: Taxis can be harder to find in the late afternoon. If you’re heading back from the city center after 17:00, either call ahead to book a taxi or make your way to the area around Eshpul Dream Plaza, where taxis are more readily available.
9. About the Mitsui Ocean Fuji
At 32,477 gross tons, the Mitsui Ocean Fuji is a comparatively compact vessel — and that’s very much part of her appeal. Her size allows her to enter harbors and inner port areas that larger ships simply can’t reach, making a berth right at Shimizu’s Hinode Pier possible in the first place.
On board, guests enjoy a rich program of entertainment and cultural content inspired by Japan and the East Asian ports along the route — themed live performances and enrichment lectures that change with each destination keep the voyage feeling fresh from port to port. The dining venues draw on Japanese culinary traditions, ensuring that the sense of being on a “journey through Japan” extends well beyond the shore excursions. The ship’s intimate scale also naturally fosters a community atmosphere among passengers — the kind of easy camaraderie that’s harder to find on a megaship. This first-ever call at Shimizu is very much in keeping with the Mitsui Ocean Fuji’s spirit of exploration: always seeking out new ports, new stories, and new connections.
From the gentle waters of the Seto Inland Sea at Matsuyama, to a day of mountains, history, and seafood in Shimizu, and onward to the great urban harbor of Yokohama — the Mitsui Ocean Fuji keeps revealing new faces of Japan, one port at a time. We hope that May 9, 2026 — the historic first call at Shimizu Port — becomes one of the most treasured memories of your voyage.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
