Friday, May 22, 2026. Viking Orion departs Osaka and sails through the Seto Inland Sea, Kumano-nada, and Enshu-nada before arriving at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 18:00. The ship departs the following day — Saturday, May 23, 2026 — at 18:00, bound for the next port of call: Tokyo.
While the scheduled port stay is 24 hours, since the ship arrives at 18:00 on the first evening, sightseeing won’t realistically begin until the following morning. Factoring in disembarkation and re-boarding time, you’ll have approximately 20 to 21 hours to spend ashore. Even so, that’s a wonderfully generous window to experience the very best of Shimizu and Shizuoka — the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Miho no Matsubara with its iconic views of Mt. Fuji, the brilliantly decorated national treasure shrines of Kunozan Toshogu, fresh tuna bowls and Suruga Bay seafood, the charming world of Chibi Maruko-chan (born right here in Shimizu), and the seasonal flavors of Shizuoka’s finest green tea and sakura shrimp.
This page is your complete shore day guide for May 22–23, 2026. From a local perspective, we’ll walk you through what to see, what to eat, and how to make the most of your time in Shimizu — fresh off the vibrant energy of Osaka.
About the Author
Shimizu Port Cruise Guide — Site Editor
Based in Shizuoka Prefecture. I work in hospitality welcoming 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 local taxi drivers, tourist information staff, and restaurant owners, I aim to give you a real, up-to-date picture of Shimizu — the kind you won’t find in any guidebook.
Table of Contents
- Shore Day Essentials
- Weather & What to Wear — May 22–23, 2026
- Getting Around from Shimizu Port
- Recommended Itinerary: “Great Even in the Rain — Indoor Highlights Tour”
- Local Events During Your Stay, May 22–23, 2026
- Must-Try Food & Drink in Shimizu and Shizuoka
- Practical Tips for a Smooth Shore Day
- Getting Back to the Ship
- About Viking Orion
1. Shore Day Essentials
Here’s a quick overview of the key details for your May 22–23, 2026 port call.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Stay | Friday, May 22 – Saturday, May 23, 2026 |
| Arrival Time | 18:00 (May 22) |
| Departure Time | 18:00 (May 23) |
| Scheduled Port Stay | Approx. 24 hours |
| Practical Sightseeing Time | Approx. 20–21 hours (sightseeing begins the following morning) |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier |
| Previous Port | Osaka |
| Next Port | Tokyo |
This is an exceptionally well-timed port call. A 24-hour stay is among the most generous schedules for any Shimizu call, and the Friday evening arrival (18:00) followed by a Saturday evening departure (18:00) means you effectively get the Friday night in Shimizu plus a full Saturday to explore — a rare treat on any cruise itinerary.
May is also the finest season to visit Shizuoka. The prefecture’s celebrated first-flush green tea (shincha) is at its peak, the tea fields glow a vivid emerald green, and if the skies are clear, Mt. Fuji stands tall and snow-capped in all its glory. The spring sakura shrimp season is also in full swing, and the Shimizu and Yui areas come alive with fresh sakura shrimp tempura and raw sakura shrimp dishes. With the Golden Week holiday crowds long gone, late May is a refreshingly calm and pleasant time to explore.
2. Weather & What to Wear — May 22–23, 2026
May in the Shimizu and Shizuoka area brings pleasant early-summer weather, with daytime highs typically ranging from 20 to 25°C (68–77°F). That said, late May also marks the start of Japan’s pre-rainy season, and rainy days are not uncommon. Mornings and evenings can dip to around 15–17°C (59–63°F), so a light jacket or cardigan is a practical addition to your day bag.
For the May 22–23 port dates specifically, weather data suggests a relatively high chance of rain and possible light showers. If you plan to spend extended time outdoors, pack a compact folding umbrella or a light rain jacket. Comfortable, non-slip footwear is also recommended for wet conditions. UV levels are already strong in May, so on any sunny spells, don’t forget the sunscreen. A small backpack or tote bag with a compact rain cover is ideal for a day out in this kind of weather.
A Note on Weather Forecasts
This article was written a few days before the port call, so highly accurate forecasts for the exact dates may not yet be available. More precise predictions typically become available about three days out. We recommend checking the latest forecast just before you depart — searching “Shimizu, Shizuoka weather” will bring up English-language results in seconds.
3. Getting Around from Shimizu Port
In cruise travel, how you get around can make or break your day. Here’s a breakdown of transport options from Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier, starting with the most recommended.
Taxi (Highly Recommended)
With a full 24 hours in port, you have real flexibility — but a taxi (especially a chartered one) remains by far the most efficient way to get around. For groups of two or more, the per-person cost is very reasonable, and it gives you direct access to spots like Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu, and Miho no Matsubara that would require multiple transfers by public transport. A 4-hour charter typically runs ¥15,000–20,000 (roughly ¥3,750–5,000 per person).
English-speaking taxi drivers are limited, but the Tourist Information Center inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — just steps from where you disembark — can help arrange a taxi for you. Staff there speak English and can communicate your preferred route and schedule directly to the driver. Since May 23 is a Saturday and taxi demand may be higher than usual, we recommend heading to the information center early in the morning.
Water Bus (Shimizu Port Water Bus)
A scenic ferry service connecting the Hinode waterfront area to Miho no Matsubara. One-way fare is ¥1,000, with a journey time of approximately 35 minutes. The boarding point is a 2–5 minute walk from S-Pulse Dream Plaza. Gliding across Suruga Bay with Mt. Fuji on the horizon is a quintessentially Shimizu experience.
Departures from Hinode run roughly between 9:55 and 15:55, but services may be cancelled in bad weather or strong winds. Given the forecast of possible showers during your stay, be sure to check the day’s operating status at the pier or at the Tourist Information Center. If the water bus isn’t running, local buses from Shimizu Station to Miho take about 25 minutes and cost ¥470.
Local Bus
To Miho no Matsubara: Take the Miho Yamanote Line bus from JR Shimizu Station — approximately 25 minutes, ¥470 one way. A solid backup option if the water bus is cancelled.
To Nihondaira: Accessible by bus from Shizuoka Station or Higashi-Shizuoka Station, but it involves several transfers and takes considerable time. For Nihondaira, a charter taxi is strongly recommended.
Local buses accept cash or IC cards (Suica, ICOCA, etc.). Keeping some coins handy makes boarding smoother.
On Foot
S-Pulse Dream Plaza, a large shopping and dining complex, is directly adjacent to the port — just a 5-minute walk from the ship. It’s the perfect first stop after arriving on Friday evening. Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” is about 15 minutes on foot, making it an easy morning destination on May 23.
JR Shimizu Station
About a 15-minute walk from the port. From here, the JR Tokaido Line takes you to Shizuoka Station in about 10 minutes (¥230 one way), opening up access to Shizuoka City’s famous oden, the Toro Ruins, and further destinations. With a full 24 hours ashore, a trip into Shizuoka City is entirely doable.
4. Recommended Itinerary: “Great Even in the Rain — Indoor Highlights Tour”
“With 24 hours in port, where do I even begin?” — This itinerary is our answer. The schedule — arriving Friday evening at 18:00 and departing Saturday evening at 18:00 — gives you Friday night plus a full Saturday, an unusually generous window for a cruise port call.
The forecast suggests a good chance of rain, but with 24 hours to work with, you have plenty of room to adapt. This itinerary pairs must-see destinations that are genuinely enjoyable in wet weather — Kunozan Toshogu (its stunning national treasure shrine buildings are best admired under shelter anyway), Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi,” the Toro Ruins, and S-Pulse Dream Plaza — for a well-rounded day of Shimizu and Shizuoka history, culture, and food. We’ll start Friday evening with dinner and a gentle stroll near the port, then launch into full sightseeing mode Saturday morning.
Day-by-Day Schedule
| Time | Destination | What to Do | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18:30 (Fri, May 22) | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | 5-min walk from the ship. Dinner at Shimizu Sushi Yokocho — fresh sushi in the heart of tuna country | 90 min |
| 20:00 (Fri, May 22) | Evening Port Stroll | A leisurely walk along the lit-up waterfront | 30 min |
| 20:30 (Fri, May 22) | Return to Ship | Rest up for a full day of sightseeing tomorrow | — |
| 08:30 (Sat, May 23) | Kunozan Toshogu (via Nihondaira) | Taxi to Nihondaira summit (~20 min), then ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu (~5 min). Explore the national treasure shrine and museum | 120 min |
| 11:00 (Sat, May 23) | Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” | Taxi to the market (~20 min). Lunch: a bowl of fresh tuna over rice | 60 min |
| 12:30 (Sat, May 23) | Toro Ruins & Toro Museum | Taxi to the site (~20 min). Explore a reconstructed Yayoi-period village and well-curated museum | 75 min |
| 14:15 (Sat, May 23) | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Taxi back to the port (~20 min). Visit Chibi Maruko-chan Land and browse for souvenirs | 90 min |
| 16:00 (Sat, May 23) | Return to Ship | Head back to the pier at a relaxed pace. Aim to be on board by 17:30 at the latest | — |
Estimated Budget: Approx. ¥7,000–8,000+ per person (including taxi, admission, and meals)
S-Pulse Dream Plaza (Dinner — Friday Evening)
Right next to the port — just a 5-minute walk from the ship — S-Pulse Dream Plaza is a large indoor shopping and dining complex with around 60 stores across four floors. Since it’s fully indoors, it’s a perfect destination rain or shine. Highlights include Chibi Maruko-chan Land, dedicated to Japan’s beloved anime series that was born right here in Shimizu, and Shimizu Sushi Yokocho, a collection of fresh-tuna sushi restaurants that’s the ideal setting for your first meal ashore. After the journey from Osaka, let the flavors of Shimizu’s seafood wash over you. After dinner, take a gentle stroll along the illuminated waterfront and soak in the atmosphere of your first Shimizu evening.
Kunozan Toshogu
Japan’s oldest Toshogu shrine, and the site where Tokugawa Ieyasu — the warlord who unified Japan and founded the Tokugawa Shogunate — was first enshrined after his death in 1616. The ornately decorated shrine buildings, designated a National Treasure, are breathtaking in their richness of color and detail. The approach via the Nihondaira Ropeway adds its own magic: a sweeping panoramic view of Suruga Bay and the surrounding mountains as you descend. Shrine admission is ¥700; a combined ticket including the museum (housing Ieyasu’s personal effects and artifacts) is ¥1,200. The shrine’s covered walkways and indoor museum make this a rewarding destination even in wet weather.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”
A lively public fish market divided into two buildings: the Maguro-kan (Tuna Hall) and the Ichiba-kan (Market Hall). Shimizu Port is one of Japan’s top tuna landing ports, and eating a bowl of fresh tuna right here is as authentic as it gets. The Maguro-kan’s restaurants serve generous tuna-don (tuna rice bowls) featuring fatty toro and lean akami, priced from ¥1,000 to ¥2,500. English menus are available, making it easy to order with confidence. The Ichiba-kan, recently renovated in 2025, is excellent for takeaway snacks and souvenirs — look for wasabi-zuke (wasabi pickles), sakura shrimp shumai, and other Shizuoka specialties.
Toro Ruins & Toro Museum
A nationally designated Special Historic Site, the Toro Ruins preserve a remarkably intact Yayoi-period settlement from roughly 2,000 years ago. The open-air park features reconstructed pit dwellings and rice paddies that bring Japan’s early agricultural civilization to life — particularly atmospheric on a misty, rainy day. The adjacent museum (ground floor free; second-floor exhibition ¥300) displays excavated pottery, wooden tools, and farming implements with English captions throughout. It’s a thoughtful, visually engaging introduction to the origins of Japanese civilization. Getting here by taxi is the most practical option, but for history lovers, it’s well worth the journey.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza (Souvenirs & Chibi Maruko-chan Land — Saturday Afternoon)
A great final stop before heading back to the ship. Chibi Maruko-chan Land (admission from ¥800) celebrates Japan’s iconic animated series in a fun, immersive setting full of photo opportunities and exclusive merchandise. The complex also offers an excellent range of Shimizu souvenirs — wasabi products, sakura shrimp snacks, green tea sweets, and more — so you can tick off your shopping list in one convenient spot. And best of all, it’s a 5-minute walk back to the ship, even with your bags in hand.
Operating Hours on Saturday, May 23, 2026
- ✅ S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Open as normal on Saturdays. Shops 10:00–20:00 / Restaurants 11:00–21:00
- ✅ Kunozan Toshogu: Open year-round, 9:00–17:00. No issues on Saturdays
- ✅ Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”: Closed on Wednesdays — open on Saturdays. Ichiba-kan: 9:30–17:30
- ✅ Toro Ruins (outdoor): Open 24 hours. No issues
- ⚠️ Toro Museum (2nd-floor exhibition): Closed Mondays and the day after public holidays. Open on Saturdays (9:00–16:30)
- ✅ Chibi Maruko-chan Land: Open as normal on Saturdays
Since May 23 is a Saturday, all major sightseeing destinations on this itinerary are open. While late May is generally a quieter period after Golden Week, Saturdays do tend to attract more visitors. At popular spots like the Nihondaira Ropeway and the busy restaurants in Kashi no Ichi, you may encounter short waits during peak lunch hours (approximately 11:30–13:00). Getting an early start will help you stay ahead of the crowds.
5. Local Events During Your Stay, May 22–23, 2026
Late May in Shimizu and Shizuoka is a quietly lively time of year. With Golden Week behind it and the fresh greenery of early summer in full bloom, the region hosts a range of cultural and arts events that offer a genuine window into local life.
Shizuoka × Cannes Week 2026
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Shizuoka × Cannes Week 2026 |
| Dates | May 2026 (check the official website for specific dates) |
| Venue | Various locations throughout Shizuoka City |
A uniquely Shizuoka cultural event held in conjunction with the Cannes Film Festival in France. Film screenings, talks, art exhibitions, and more are staged at venues across the city, showcasing Shizuoka’s vibrant urban arts scene. Your Viking Orion port call may coincide with this week-long event, and with 24 hours ashore, it’s worth looking into if you plan to head into Shizuoka City. Full program details are available on the official website.
2026 Archaeological Skills Experience at Toro Ruins
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 2026 Archaeological Skills Experience (令和8年度 考古学技術体験) |
| Dates | Held periodically throughout 2026 (check the official website for specific dates) |
| Venue | Toro Ruins & Toro Museum, Shizuoka City |
The Toro Ruins — already featured in our recommended itinerary — offer hands-on archaeological workshops where you can try your hand at Yayoi-period crafts and techniques: pottery making, fire starting, weaving, and more. Suitable for adults and children alike, these sessions add a wonderful layer of engagement to a museum visit. For reservations and details, visit the official website.
Miho Lifelong Learning Center Painting Club Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Miho Lifelong Learning Center Painting Club Exhibition |
| Dates | May 2026 (check the official website for specific dates) |
| Venue | Miho Lifelong Learning Center, Shimizu Ward, Miho |
A community art exhibition held just steps from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Miho no Matsubara. Local artists display paintings inspired by the pine-lined coast and seascape of Miho, offering a warm and intimate glimpse into the area’s artistic community. If you’re visiting Miho no Matsubara on a fine day, this is a lovely stop to add to your walk. For details, see here.
6. Must-Try Food & Drink in Shimizu and Shizuoka
The Shimizu and Shizuoka area is one of Japan’s great food destinations. Here’s a quick guide to the dishes you simply shouldn’t leave without trying.
| Dish | Where to Find It | Price Range | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna bowl / sashimi | Kashi no Ichi, Maguro-kan | ¥1,000–2,500 | Ultra-fresh tuna landed at Shimizu Port. English menus available |
| Shimizu tuna sushi | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500–4,000 | Right at the port. English menus available. Try the sakura shrimp gunkan too |
| Sakura shrimp tempura (kakiage) | Yui Port area | ¥800–1,500 | Peak spring season. Found nowhere else in the world but Suruga Bay |
| Shizuoka oden | Aoba Yokocho (Shizuoka City) | ¥500–1,500 | Black fishcake, beef tendon, topped with green laver and dashi powder |
| Seafood bowl / sakura shrimp shumai | Kashi no Ichi, Ichiba-kan | ¥500–2,000 | Great for eat-in or takeaway. Doubles as a souvenir stop |
| Wasabi products / wasabi soft serve | Various spots near the port | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer. Popular souvenir |
| New-harvest green tea sweets / fukamushi-cha | Dream Plaza / souvenir shops | ¥300–1,500 | May is first-flush tea season. A uniquely Shizuoka flavor |
One dish deserves special mention as the flavor of the season: sakura shrimp (桜えび). These delicate, jewel-like pink shrimp are found in only one place on earth — Suruga Bay, off the coast of Yui and Kambara. The spring fishing season (March through June) is at its peak in May, making this the ideal time to try raw sakura shrimp in their most vivid, fresh form. Lightly battered and fried into crispy kakiage fritters — eaten on their own or served over a bowl of rice — they are extraordinary. The best place to taste them is at a local diner near Yui Port, about 25 minutes from Shimizu by taxi. With a full 24 hours ashore, it’s absolutely worth the short detour. If you can’t make it to Yui, Kashi no Ichi’s Ichiba-kan also serves sakura shrimp dishes — a great alternative.
7. Practical Tips for a Smooth Shore Day
Wi-Fi
- Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal: Free Wi-Fi available from the moment you step off the ship.
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Free Wi-Fi throughout the complex.
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart): Free Wi-Fi available at all branches nationwide. You’ll find several near Shimizu Station and around major sightseeing spots.
- For extended connectivity throughout the day, we strongly recommend picking up a prepaid SIM card at the airport upon arrival in Japan.
Payment
Cash is still king at many establishments in Japan, especially smaller restaurants, market stalls, and taxis. Larger stores in S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi typically accept credit cards — Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted (Amex and Diners are not accepted everywhere). The 7-Bank ATM at the convenience store near Hinode Pier accepts most foreign-issued cards for yen withdrawals. We recommend carrying ¥5,000–10,000 in cash per person to cover a comfortable day of sightseeing.
IC Transit Cards
JR trains and local buses accept Suica, ICOCA, and other IC transit cards. These can be purchased at Shimizu Station or at convenience stores. If your plan centers around a chartered taxi, cash payments are fine throughout the day. For those using buses frequently, keep ¥100 and ¥500 coins handy for exact-fare payment.
Language Support
- Tourist Information Center, Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal: English-speaking staff on hand. Located right at the point of disembarkation.
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza & Kashi no Ichi: English menus and some English-speaking staff available.
- Miho no Matsubara “Mihoshiruhe” Visitor Center: Multilingual brochures available.
- Most taxi drivers speak Japanese only, but Google Translate works brilliantly here. Pre-loading phrases like 「日本平までお願いします」(“Nihondaira made onegaishimasu” — “To Nihondaira, please”) or 「久能山東照宮に行きたいです」 (“I’d like to go to Kunozan Toshogu”) before you get in the cab will make communication much smoother.
Tourist Information Centers
- Inside Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — Right at disembarkation. English-speaking staff; can assist with taxi arrangements.
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information — Approx. 15-minute walk from the port. Useful for bus and train information.
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City Tourism Info (English available) | 054-221-1173 |
| Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi) | 054-285-1212 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
Viking Orion departs Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 18:00. Please aim to be back on board at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier no later than 17:30 — 30 minutes before departure. You have plenty of time with a 24-hour stay, but Saturday evening traffic in the city can be heavier than usual, so we recommend leaving your final destination by around 17:00 to give yourself a comfortable buffer.
If you’re ever unsure of your way back, search “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or 「清水港 日の出埠頭」 in Google Maps for step-by-step directions from your current location. When taking a taxi, simply tell the driver: 「清水港 日の出埠頭へお願いします」 (“Shimizu Port Hinode Pier, please”). Most drivers will immediately recognize “Hinode Pier” as the cruise ship berth.
9. About Viking Orion
Viking Orion is a mid-sized ocean cruise ship operated by Viking Cruises, a Norwegian company headquartered in Bergen. Launched in 2018, she measures 47,842 gross tons and is one of the flagship vessels in Viking’s ocean fleet. With a guest capacity of around 930 passengers, she is notably more intimate than today’s mega-ships — a scale that allows for the kind of attentive, personalized service that Viking is renowned for among experienced travelers.
One of the ship’s most beloved spaces is The Atrium, a light-filled, multi-purpose social hub at the heart of the vessel. With its soaring skylight, live music, casual dining, and bar, it’s the natural gathering place for guests at any time of day — and especially atmospheric in the evenings when the ship is in port. Sipping a glass of wine with Shimizu’s harbor lights reflecting on the water is a memory that will stay with you long after the voyage ends.
Viking Orion also features the Nordic Spa, a wellness sanctuary inspired by Scandinavian design, offering a genuine sauna experience and a full program of wellness treatments. After a day of sightseeing on May 23, returning to the ship for a relaxing soak or massage is a deeply satisfying way to close out your Shimizu experience — and one of the pleasures that makes a 24-hour port call especially worthwhile.
Carrying the warmth and energy of Osaka with you, you arrive in Shimizu — where a World Heritage pine grove frames Mt. Fuji, a national treasure shrine echoes with centuries of history, and the sea gives up its freshest tuna and seasonal sakura shrimp. After a day rich with all of that, you step back on board and set sail for Tokyo. Japan still has so much more to offer.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
