Friday, June 5, 2026. Celebrity Millennium departs Osaka and makes her way north through the Seto Inland Sea, Kumano-nada, and out into the Pacific, arriving at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 07:00. Departure is at 18:00 the same evening, bound for Tokyo.
While the scheduled port time is 11 hours, factoring in disembarkation and re-boarding procedures, you can realistically expect around 9 to 10 hours to explore ashore. That’s still plenty of time to experience the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka in a single day — the sweeping 360-degree panorama from Nihondaira Yume Terrace, the dazzlingly ornate Kunozan Toshogu Shrine (a National Treasure), the iconic view of Mt. Fuji from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Miho no Matsubara, a fresh tuna bowl at one of Japan’s top fishing ports, and a visit to S-Pulse Dream Plaza — the hometown of beloved anime character Chibi Maruko-chan.
This page is your complete guide to making the most of your June 5, 2026 port day. Fresh from Osaka, here’s everything you need to know about what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your time in Shimizu — straight from a local perspective.
About the Author
Shimizu Port Cruise Guide — Site Administrator
Based in Shizuoka Prefecture, the author works in hospitality for international visitors to the Shimizu and Shizuoka area. This blog shares 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 center staff, and restaurants, the goal is to bring you the kind of real, up-to-the-moment insights that don’t make it into guidebooks.
Table of Contents
- Port Day Basics
- Weather & What to Wear on June 5, 2026
- Getting Around from Hinode Pier
- Recommended Itinerary: The Shizuoka Full Course (Nihondaira, Toshogu, Miho & Food)
- Local Events on June 5, 2026
- Must-Try Food in Shimizu & Shizuoka
- Practical Information for a Smooth Day Ashore
- Getting Back to the Ship
- About Celebrity Millennium
1. Port Day Basics
Here’s a quick-reference overview of your port day schedule for June 5, 2026.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Day | Friday, June 5, 2026 |
| Arrival | 07:00 |
| Departure | 18:00 |
| Scheduled Time in Port | Approx. 11 hours |
| Realistic Sightseeing Time | Approx. 9–10 hours |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier |
| Previous Port | Osaka |
| Next Port | Tokyo |
June 5 falls right in the heart of early summer — the season of fresh-harvest green tea and lush new greenery. Shizuoka in June is among the most beautiful times of year, when the vivid green of tea fields carpets the hillsides. The air is still relatively clear in the first half of June, and Mt. Fuji often reveals itself in all its snow-capped glory before the hazy summer heat sets in.
Early June also tends to fall just before the full onset of the rainy season (tsuyu typically arrives in Shizuoka around mid-June), meaning clear, sunny days are still very much possible. It’s also the tail end of the spring cherry shrimp (sakura ebi) season — roughly March through June — so if you’re a seafood lover, the timing couldn’t be better for a crispy sakura ebi kakiage tempura from Yui Port. Make the most of your early summer day in Shizuoka.
2. Weather & What to Wear on June 5, 2026
June in Shimizu is pleasantly warm, with average highs around 22–26°C (72–79°F) and lows around 18–20°C (64–68°F) — one of the more comfortable seasons weather-wise. That said, the lead-up to rainy season means conditions can be unpredictable: a cloudy morning may give way to a sunny afternoon, or vice versa. Humidity starts to climb in June, so if you tend to run warm, packing a spare shirt is a good idea.
Layering is the way to go — a T-shirt or polo with a light cardigan or jacket should cover most scenarios. Since the day involves a fair amount of outdoor walking (Nihondaira, Miho no Matsubara), comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are a must. Tuck a compact umbrella into your bag in case of a sudden shower. When the sun does come out, UV levels are already strong by June, so sunscreen and sunglasses are worth bringing.
Note that this article is published a few days before the port call, so precise day-of forecasts aren’t yet available at the time of writing. Accurate forecasts generally appear about three days out — be sure to check the latest before you go. On the morning of your port day, a quick search for “Shimizu, Shizuoka weather” will pull up an 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’s a rundown of your options from Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier, starting with the most efficient.
Taxi (Highly Recommended)
For groups or anyone who wants to maximize their time, chartering a taxi is by far the best option. Taxis are typically waiting at Hinode Pier on cruise ship days, and the tourist information center inside the terminal can also help arrange one. A 4-hour charter runs approximately ¥15,000–20,000 for 2–4 passengers — which works out to a surprisingly reasonable per-person cost. The big advantage is being able to set your own pace across Nihondaira, Kunozan, and Miho no Matsubara without worrying about timetables. English-speaking drivers are limited, but Google Translate (including the camera and voice features) and a written list of destinations will get you through just fine. The tourist information center can also help you put together a destination list in Japanese.
Water Bus (Shimizu Port Water Bus)
One of Shimizu’s most scenic transport options, the water bus (Miho Hagoromo Line) departs from a pier near S-Pulse Dream Plaza (about a 2–5 minute walk from Hinode Pier) and takes approximately 35 minutes to reach Miho no Matsubara. Tickets are ¥1,000 one way (¥500 for children) — and the ride itself, with Mt. Fuji visible across the water on clear days, is part of the experience. Departures from Hinode run from around 9:55 to 15:55, but services can be cancelled in bad weather. Check the Shimizu Port Water Bus website or ask at the tourist information center on the day. Since June falls within the rainy season, it’s wise to have a backup plan just in case.
City Bus
Buses are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or those who prefer public transit. For Miho no Matsubara, take a bus from JR Shimizu Station heading toward “Miho / Tokai University” — the ride takes about 25 minutes and costs around ¥470, arriving at Miho Yamanote bus stop, then a 15–20 minute walk to the pine grove. For Nihondaira, buses run from both Shimizu and Shizuoka stations, but the journey is long and involves transfers — for a port day, combining bus with taxi is more realistic. Timetables are available on the Shizuoka Bus / Shizutetsu JustLine website.
On Foot
The area right around the port is very walkable. S-Pulse Dream Plaza is just a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier — perfect for a quick first stop or a final browse before re-boarding. It’s home to Sushi Yokocho and Chibi Maruko-chan Land. Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” is located near JR Shimizu Station — a 15–20 minute walk from the pier, best combined with a stroll through the port area.
JR Shimizu Station
JR Shimizu Station is about a 15-minute walk from Hinode Pier. From there, the JR Tokaido Line connects to Shizuoka Station in about 10–15 minutes (around ¥200), opening up Shizuoka city options like Aoba Yokocho (for Shizuoka oden) and Toro Ruins. With an 11-hour port call, you could spend the morning around Shimizu and head toward Shizuoka Station in the afternoon — or tackle it in reverse.
4. Recommended Itinerary: The Shizuoka Full Course (Nihondaira, Toshogu, Miho & Food)
“With 11 hours, where do I even begin?” — If that’s your question, this itinerary is for you. The “Shizuoka Full Course” is designed for a long port day with good weather, and it hits Shimizu and Shizuoka’s three crown jewels in one day: the 360-degree panorama of Nihondaira Yume Terrace, the breathtaking National Treasure of Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, and the mystical pine-fringed coast of the UNESCO World Heritage site Miho no Matsubara, with Mt. Fuji as your backdrop. The early 07:00 arrival is a genuine advantage — experiencing Mt. Fuji in the crisp morning air is something you simply can’t plan for anywhere else.
To cover all this efficiently, a chartered taxi (4–5 hours, approximately ¥15,000–20,000) is strongly recommended. It minimizes transit time and lets you linger at each spot. Split four ways, the cost is roughly ¥4,000–5,000 per person — not far off public transport when you factor in the convenience.
Sample Schedule
| Time | Location | What to Do | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port | Disembark | — |
| 07:30 | Tourist Information Center | Arrange taxi, pick up maps | 15 min |
| 07:45 | Depart | Taxi to Nihondaira | Approx. 30 min |
| 08:15 | Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace | 360° panoramic views; Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay in morning clarity | 60 min |
| 09:15 | Depart | Nihondaira Ropeway down to Kunozan | Approx. 5 min |
| 09:20 | Kunozan Toshogu Shrine | Explore the National Treasure shrine and museum | 90 min |
| 10:50 | Depart | Taxi to Kashi no Ichi | Approx. 20 min |
| 11:10 | Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” — Maguro-kan | Tuna bowl lunch; souvenir shopping | 60 min |
| 12:10 | Depart | Water bus or bus to Miho no Matsubara | Approx. 30–35 min |
| 12:45 | Miho no Matsubara | Walk the “Path of the Gods”; Hagoromo no Matsu pine; Mt. Fuji views | 90 min |
| 14:15 | Depart | Water bus back to Shimizu Port (or bus + walk) | Approx. 35 min |
| 14:50 | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Chibi Maruko-chan Land, Sushi Yokocho, souvenir shopping | 90 min |
| 16:20 | Depart | Walk back to pier | 5 min |
| 16:25 | Hinode Pier area | Back at the pier with time to spare | — |
| 17:00 | Re-boarding (target time) | Aim to be at the pier at least 1 hour before departure | — |
| 18:00 | Departure | Bound for Tokyo | — |
Estimated budget: From approx. ¥12,000 per person (based on 4-person taxi charter, entrance fees, lunch, and souvenirs)
Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace
Perched at 307 meters above sea level, the circular Nihondaira Yume Terrace is Shizuoka’s finest panoramic viewpoint, offering unobstructed 360-degree views encompassing Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and even Miho no Matsubara. The views are especially stunning in the clear morning air — free to enter, with the outdoor observation deck open all day (the indoor facility opens at 9:00). Arriving by 08:15, you’ll likely have the place nearly to yourself.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
This is where Tokugawa Ieyasu — the first shogun of the Edo Period and founder of Japan’s 260-year feudal government — is enshrined. Recognized as Japan’s oldest Toshogu shrine, it can be reached either by climbing 1,159 stone steps or by taking the ropeway from Nihondaira (about 5 minutes). The shrine buildings are designated National Treasures, adorned with brilliant Momoyama-period lacquerwork and gilded carvings that will genuinely take your breath away. Admission to the shrine is ¥700 for adults; a combined ticket with the museum is ¥1,200. History enthusiasts will want to explore the museum, which houses swords, armor, and even European clocks that belonged to Ieyasu.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” — Maguro-kan
Shimizu Port is one of Japan’s top tuna-landing ports, and Kashi no Ichi’s Maguro-kan (Tuna Hall) is the place to experience it firsthand. Multiple restaurants serve up tuna caught that very morning — in bowls, as sashimi platters, or rolled into tekka-maki. Prices range from about ¥1,000 to ¥2,500, and English menus are available. If you eat one thing in Shimizu, make it this.
Miho no Matsubara
One of the component sites of the UNESCO World Heritage “Fujisan,” Miho no Matsubara is a coastal pine grove stretching along a crescent beach, with roughly 30,000 ancient pines lining the shore. Walk the “Path of the Gods” (Kami no Michi) and Mt. Fuji appears majestically through the trees at the far end — one of Japan’s most iconic vistas. Near the beach stands the legendary Hagoromo no Matsu (Robe Pine), connected to a famous legend of a celestial maiden. Open 24 hours, free of charge (the visitor center “Mihoshirubbe” is open 9:00–16:30). On a clear day in early June, Mt. Fuji may still carry a dusting of snow on its peak.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza
Just a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier, this waterfront shopping complex is a great spot to start or end your day. It’s home to Chibi Maruko-chan Land (admission from ¥800), inspired by the beloved anime series set right here in Shimizu; Shimizu Sushi Yokocho, with its fresh-catch counters; and around 60 shops carrying Shizuoka specialties and souvenirs. It’s also entirely indoors — a reliable backup if the weather turns. A relaxed browse here makes for a perfect send-off before heading back to the ship.
Operating Status on Friday, June 5, 2026
- ✅ Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open Friday (indoor facility 9:00–17:00; outdoor deck open all day)
- ✅ Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: Open Friday (9:00–17:00)
- ✅ Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” — Maguro-kan: Open Friday (closed Wednesdays)
- ✅ Miho no Matsubara: Open all day, every day / Mihoshirubbe visitor center open Friday
- ✅ S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Open Friday (shops 10:00–20:00 / restaurants 11:00–21:00)
Early June is a regular season — nothing like the Golden Week crowds — but being a Friday heading into the weekend, Miho no Matsubara and Kashi no Ichi can get busy around midday. Popular stalls at Maguro-kan sometimes sell out, so aim to arrive for lunch between 11:00 and 11:30 to be safe.
5. Local Events on June 5, 2026
June 5 falls in the height of early summer, just before the rainy season, and several indoor arts and cultural events are running in the Shimizu-Shizuoka area. These make for a lovely complement to the outdoor sightseeing highlights, and offer a genuine glimpse into daily life and local culture that most tourist itineraries miss.
1. Memorial Exhibition: Takayo Furusawa, Etegami Instructor
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Memorial Exhibition: Takayo Furusawa, Etegami Instructor |
| Dates | Running throughout June 2026 |
| Venue | Shizuoka City (please check official listings for details) |
A posthumous exhibition honoring Takayo Furusawa, who spent years teaching etegami — a distinctly Japanese art form in which hand-painted images and handwritten words are combined to create a heartfelt illustrated letter. This quiet, intimate exhibition offers a window into one of Japan’s most personal folk art traditions. Each piece carries a gentle warmth that tends to resonate with thoughtful travelers.
2. Washi Chigiri-e Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Washi Chigiri-e Exhibition |
| Dates | Running throughout June 2026 |
| Venue | Shizuoka City (please check official listings for details) |
An exhibition of chigiri-e — a traditional Japanese craft in which pieces of washi (Japanese paper) are torn by hand and arranged into landscapes, flowers, and birds. The subtle gradients and textures of handmade washi produce effects that are surprisingly expressive and beautiful. Highly accessible for international visitors, this is a wonderful introduction to Japan’s deep paper-craft traditions.
3. Shunjukai Painting Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Shunjukai Painting Exhibition |
| Dates | Running throughout June 2026 |
| Venue | Shizuoka City (please check official listings for details) |
An exhibition by Shunjukai, a local painting circle, featuring works in Western oil, watercolor, Japanese nihonga, and other styles. The paintings — many depicting familiar Shizuoka landscapes and everyday scenes — convey a quiet love for this place that makes for a moving souvenir of your visit.
4. Reiwa 8 Archaeological Techniques Experience
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Reiwa 8 Archaeological Techniques Experience |
| Dates | Running throughout June 2026 |
| Venue | Shizuoka City (please check official listings for details) |
A hands-on archaeological program tied to Toro Ruins, a famous Yayoi Period site in Shizuoka City. Participants can try pottery restoration and excavation techniques, getting an up-close look at ancient Japanese history. While not included in the main itinerary, those with a passion for history or archaeology may find it worth a detour if time allows.
5. Daitsukezomenbo Presents: Ito Onsen Yukemuri Ramen Festival 2026
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Daitsukezomenbo Presents: Ito Onsen Yukemuri Ramen Festival 2026 |
| Dates | Running throughout June 2026 |
| Venue | Nagisacho, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture |
A popular ramen and tsukemen food festival held in Ito City, Shizuoka, drawing celebrated ramen shops from across Japan for a week of noodle-tasting. Ito City is roughly 90 minutes by car from Shimizu Port, making it a stretch for a port day — but for serious ramen enthusiasts with time to spare, combining the festival with a dip at Ito Onsen is a uniquely Japanese way to round out the day.
6. Must-Try Food in Shimizu & Shizuoka
Shimizu and Shizuoka are among Japan’s finest food destinations. Here’s a guide to the dishes you won’t want to miss on your port day.
| Dish | Where | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna bowl / sashimi platter | Kashi no Ichi — Maguro-kan | ¥1,000–2,500 | Straight from Shimizu Port; English menus available |
| Shimizu tuna sushi / sakura ebi nigiri | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500–4,000 | 5 min walk from pier; cards accepted |
| Sakura ebi kakiage / raw sakura ebi | Yui Port area (25 min by car) | ¥800–1,500 | Peak spring harvest season — early June is ideal! Cash only |
| Seafood bowl / sakura ebi shumai | Kashi no Ichi — Ichiba-kan | ¥500–2,000 | Takeout options; great for souvenir shopping too |
| Shizuoka oden (black hanpen & beef tendon) | Aoba Yokocho (5 min walk from Shizuoka Sta.) | ¥500–1,500 | A local classic — topped with dashi powder and aonori |
| Wasabi soft serve / wasabi-zuke pickle | Around Shimizu Port | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer; a great souvenir |
| New harvest green tea (shincha) | Throughout Shimizu and Shizuoka | ¥500–2,000 | June is prime tea season; tea leaves are a popular gift |
The one thing we’d especially urge you not to miss in June is sakura ebi — the tiny red shrimp found only in Suruga Bay, harvested during two brief seasons each year (spring: March–June, autumn: October–December). Early June sits at the very end of the spring harvest, which means there’s still a chance to taste raw sakura ebi (nama sakura ebi) — one of the rarest and most fleeting seasonal delicacies in Japan. At restaurants around Yui Port, you’ll find them served as crispy kakiage tempura or piled fresh onto rice bowls (sold until they run out; cash only). It’s about 25 minutes from Shimizu Port by taxi, but well worth working into your itinerary if you have a charter. As availability depends on the day’s catch, it’s worth checking locally before heading out.
7. Practical Information for a Smooth Day Ashore
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available inside the Shimizu Port passenger terminal — you can connect as soon as you step off the ship. S-Pulse Dream Plaza also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the complex. All major convenience store chains — 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart — provide free Wi-Fi connections as well. We recommend getting connected at the terminal before heading out, so your maps and translation apps are ready to go. If you’re planning an extended stay in Japan, a prepaid SIM card purchased at a Japanese airport is a convenient option for reliable data throughout your trip.
Payment
Cash is still king at many Japanese establishments, particularly small restaurants, local buses, and the sakura ebi eateries around Yui Port. Larger stores at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi accept credit cards — Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted. American Express and Diners Club are not accepted everywhere, so don’t rely on them. There are 7-Bank ATMs at convenience stores near the port that accept overseas-issued cards for yen withdrawals. Having ¥3,000–10,000 per person in cash will keep your day stress-free.
IC Transit Cards
Suica or ICOCA cards make riding the train and bus much smoother. They can be purchased at Shimizu Station or nearby convenience stores, though if you already have one, it works perfectly here. That said, cash is always accepted on buses — just be aware that some buses don’t give change, so having ¥100 and ¥500 coins on hand saves fumbling at the fare box.
Language Support
The tourist information center inside the Shimizu Port passenger terminal, as well as the one at Shimizu Station, has English-speaking staff. S-Pulse Dream Plaza and the major restaurants at Kashi no Ichi offer English menus and some English-speaking staff. The Miho no Matsubara visitor center “Mihoshirubbe” provides multilingual brochures free of charge. Most taxi drivers speak Japanese only, but Google Translate’s camera function (point it at any sign for an instant translation) and voice translation work remarkably well in practice.
Tourist Information Centers
- Inside Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — Steps from the gangway; taxi arrangements, maps, and English assistance available
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information — About 15 minutes’ walk from the pier; full city information and bus timetables
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City Tourist Information (English) | 054-221-1173 |
| Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi) | 054-285-1212 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
Celebrity Millennium departs at 18:00. You must be back at Hinode Pier by 17:30 at the latest, but we strongly recommend aiming to arrive by 17:00 to allow comfortable time for re-boarding procedures. The sample itinerary above has you back at the pier around 16:25, so you’ll have a comfortable buffer.
If you’re ever unsure how to get back, search “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or 「清水港 日の出埠頭」 in Google Maps for step-by-step directions from anywhere in the city. If you’re in a taxi, show the driver the Japanese name 「清水港 日の出埠頭」 written out, or show them the location on your map.
From S-Pulse Dream Plaza to Hinode Pier is about a 5-minute walk; from Kashi no Ichi, it’s roughly 15 minutes. If you’re coming from the area around Shimizu Station, a taxi is the safest bet (approximately ¥1,000 from Shimizu Station to Hinode Pier).
9. About Celebrity Millennium
Celebrity Millennium is a 91,011-gross-ton premium cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises. Launched in 2000, she was the lead vessel of the M-Class series and has long been one of the line’s most beloved ships. While rooted in an upscale American lifestyle experience, Celebrity Millennium has a well-established presence on Asian itineraries and offers a distinctly international onboard atmosphere.
The ship features multiple specialty restaurants with thoughtfully curated menus — including Murano (French dining) and Fuji (Japanese cuisine) — allowing guests to explore the world’s culinary traditions without leaving the ship. After a full day in Shimizu, there’s something wonderfully fitting about wrapping up your evening at the Japanese restaurant on board. The AquaSpa is a full-service facility with hydrotherapy pools and water therapy treatments — perfect for soothing tired legs after a day of exploring. And as you sail out of Suruga Bay at sunset, finding a spot on deck with a drink in hand to watch Shimizu slip into the evening horizon is one of those travel moments you won’t forget.
From the history and energy of Osaka, to Mt. Fuji and the sea’s bounty in Shimizu, and onward to Tokyo — this itinerary captures so much of what makes Japan extraordinary, all in a few remarkable days. We hope the Shimizu air, the scent of the pine grove, and the taste of fresh tuna become some of your most treasured memories of this voyage.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
