Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The Hanseatic Inspiration departs Uwajima and makes her way through the Seto Inland Sea and Pacific Ocean, arriving at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 07:00. Departure is set for 19:00 the same evening, bound for Tokyo.
While the scheduled port time is 12 hours, once you account for disembarkation and re-boarding, you’ll realistically have around 10 hours to explore ashore. That’s still plenty of time to experience the very best of Shimizu and Shizuoka — panoramic views of Mount Fuji from a hilltop observatory, a UNESCO-listed pine grove stretching along a white sand beach, a National Treasure shrine with deep ties to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and some of Japan’s finest seafood, fresh from one of the country’s top fishing ports.
This guide is designed to help you make the most of your time in port on June 16, 2026. You’ve just left the charm and history of Uwajima behind — now it’s time to discover what Shimizu has to offer. From a local perspective, we’ll walk you through what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your day.
About the Author
Shimizu Port Cruise Guide — Site Editor
Based in Shizuoka Prefecture, I work in tourism hospitality, 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 connections with taxi drivers, tourist information staff, and local restaurant owners, I aim to give you a real, on-the-ground picture of Shimizu — the kind of insider knowledge you won’t find in a standard guidebook.
Table of Contents
- Port Day Overview
- Weather & What to Wear on June 16, 2026
- Getting Around from Hinode Pier
- Recommended Full-Day Itinerary: “The Shizuoka Grand Tour (Nihondaira · Tosho-gu · Miho · Seafood)”
- Local Events on June 16, 2026
- Must-Try Local Food & Drink
- Practical Information for a Smooth Day Ashore
- Getting Back to the Ship
- About the Hanseatic Inspiration
1. Port Day Overview
Here’s a quick summary of your port schedule for June 16, 2026.
| Port Date | Tuesday, June 16, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Arrival | 07:00 |
| Departure | 19:00 |
| Scheduled Time in Port | Approx. 12 hours |
| Realistic Time Ashore | Approx. 10 hours |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier |
| Previous Port | Uwajima |
| Next Port | Tokyo |
June 16 falls in early summer, when the rainy season occasionally breaks to reveal clear skies. On bright days, Mount Fuji still wears a crown of snow, gleaming brilliantly against the blue. June is also peak season for the spring sakura shrimp harvest — a rare local delicacy found only in Suruga Bay — making this an excellent time to sample some truly seasonal cuisine at Shimizu Port.
★ This call marks the first-ever visit by the Hanseatic Inspiration to Shimizu Port — a historic occasion for the local community. There’s a genuine sense of excitement and welcome here, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating this special arrival.
2. Weather & What to Wear on June 16, 2026
June in Shimizu falls squarely in Japan’s rainy season (tsuyu), but that doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck in the rain all day. Typical patterns bring clear or partly cloudy mornings, with clouds building and occasional showers in the afternoon. Expect daytime highs of around 22–26°C (72–79°F) and overnight lows around 16–18°C (61–64°F) — warm enough for short sleeves during the day, but cool enough in the early morning and evening to appreciate a light layer.
Clothing tips: Layering works well — a light t-shirt or short-sleeve shirt with a breathable jacket or cardigan gives you flexibility throughout the day. Note that the shoreline at Miho no Matsubara and the hilltop at Nihondaira can be breezy, so that extra layer will come in handy. Comfortable walking shoes are a good choice, especially if you plan to stroll along the sandy beach at Miho. A compact umbrella or packable rain jacket is strongly recommended given the season. And don’t underestimate the June sun — UV levels can be quite strong on clear days, so sunscreen and a hat are worth packing.
Please note that this article is published a few days before the port call, so a precise forecast for June 16 is not yet available. Accurate predictions typically become available around three days out — we recommend checking the latest forecast just before you arrive. Searching “Shimizu, Shizuoka weather” on the morning of your port call will bring up current English-language forecasts.
3. Getting Around from Hinode Pier
With a limited window ashore, choosing the right mode of transport can make or break your day. Here’s a look at your options from Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier, starting with the most efficient.
Taxi (Highly Recommended)
For a port stay of around 10 hours, chartering a taxi is by far the most efficient and stress-free option. Shared between a group of four, the cost per person becomes very reasonable — roughly ¥2,000–3,000 per person for a full day of sightseeing. A half-day charter (around 4 hours) typically runs ¥15,000–20,000, and full-day rates can often be negotiated at a discount. For English-speaking drivers, advance booking is advisable, though the tourist information desk at the port terminal can also help arrange a taxi on the day. Shizutetsu Taxi (054-285-1212) has a strong track record serving passengers at Shimizu Port.
Water Bus (Shimizu Port Water Bus)
A scenic ferry service connecting Hinode Pier, Ejiri, and Miho, offering beautiful views of Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji along the way. One-way fare between Hinode and Miho is ¥1,000 for adults (¥500 for children), with a journey time of around 35 minutes. The Hinode departure point is a 2–5 minute walk from S-Pulse Dream Plaza. Departures from Hinode run approximately between 09:55 and 15:55, but please check service status before relying on it — sailings can be cancelled in rough weather, which is a real possibility during the rainy season. If the water bus is not running, Miho is also accessible by local bus (see below).
Local Bus
Miho no Matsubara is accessible by local bus from Shimizu Station — about 25 minutes and ¥470. The stop is near the entrance to the “Kami no Michi” (Divine Road) leading through the pine grove, so the bus is a practical option. For Nihondaira, routes typically run via Shizuoka or Higashi-Shizuoka stations, making a taxi or water bus combination more time-efficient. Buses accept cash or IC transit cards (such as Suica) — having small change handy is useful just in case.
On Foot
Hinode Pier is just a 5-minute walk from S-Pulse Dream Plaza, making it easy to start your morning with a stroll or a quick browse before heading further afield. Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” is about 15 minutes on foot from the pier (3–5 minutes from JR Shimizu Station’s east exit) — perfect for a seafood lunch or a wander through the market. The area around the port is flat and easy to navigate on foot.
JR Shimizu Station
A 15-minute walk from Hinode Pier, JR Shimizu Station gives you quick access to Shizuoka City — just about 10 minutes by the Tokaido Line. This is useful if you want to explore central Shizuoka, including historic sites like the Toro Ruins or the lively Aoba Yokocho alley (best in the evening). Given the generous 07:00–19:00 port window, combining trains with other transport for a wider day out is entirely feasible.
4. Recommended Full-Day Itinerary: “The Shizuoka Grand Tour (Nihondaira · Tosho-gu · Miho · Seafood)”
“So what should I actually do with 10 hours?” — This full-day itinerary answers exactly that question, packing the very best of Shimizu and Shizuoka into a single well-paced day. A 07:00 arrival is actually an ideal start: you’ll reach the hilltop viewpoints before the crowds, with crisp morning air and clear views of Mount Fuji. From there, the day flows naturally through a National Treasure shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage coastal forest, a world-class seafood lunch, and a final afternoon of shopping and leisurely strolling back to the ship. Chartering a taxi keeps transitions smooth and leaves you plenty of energy throughout.
Day Schedule
| Time | Location | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier | Disembark · collect information at tourist desk · arrange taxi | 30 min |
| 07:30 | Depart by taxi | Transfer to Nihondaira | Approx. 30 min |
| 08:00 | Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace | 360° panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay & the Alps | 60 min |
| 09:00 | Depart by ropeway | Ropeway to Kunozan Tosho-gu (approx. 5 min each way) | Approx. 15 min (incl. waiting) |
| 09:15 | Kunozan Tosho-gu | Explore the National Treasure shrine buildings and museum | 90 min |
| 10:45 | Depart by ropeway & taxi | Return to Nihondaira by ropeway · taxi to Kashi no Ichi | Approx. 25 min |
| 11:10 | Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” | Tuna bowl lunch at Maguro-kan · souvenir shopping | 60 min |
| 12:10 | Depart by water bus or taxi | Transfer to Miho no Matsubara | Approx. 30–35 min |
| 12:45 | Miho no Matsubara | Stroll the Divine Road · visit Hagoromo no Matsu · Mt. Fuji views | 90 min |
| 14:15 | Depart by water bus or taxi | Return to Shimizu Port | Approx. 30–35 min |
| 14:50 | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Chibi Maruko-chan Land · souvenir shopping · café break | 90 min |
| 16:20 | Port area | Leisurely walk around the port · last-minute shopping · prepare to board | 60 min |
| 17:20 | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier | Return to ship | — |
| 19:00 | Departure |
Estimated budget: approx. ¥12,000–15,000+ per person (based on 4-person taxi charter, entrance fees, lunch, and water bus)
Nihondaira & Nihondaira Yume Terrace
Perched at 307 metres above sea level, Nihondaira Yume Terrace offers a sweeping 360-degree panorama that takes in Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and Miho no Matsubara all at once — one of the finest viewpoints in all of Shizuoka. Arriving around 08:00 puts you here before the tour groups, with clear morning air and the mountain largely to yourself. The wooden observation deck is a favourite among photographers, and on a fine June day with residual snow still capping Fuji, the view is simply unforgettable.
Kunozan Tosho-gu
This is the oldest Tosho-gu shrine in Japan — dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founding shogun of the Edo period. Reached from Nihondaira via a short ropeway ride, the main hall sits at 216 metres atop Mount Kuno and is designated a National Treasure. The vivid gold-and-lacquer architecture is breathtaking up close, richly decorated in a style that reflects the power and artistry of the early Edo era. The adjoining museum houses Ieyasu’s personal belongings, swords, and historical artefacts, with bilingual Japanese-English explanations — a must for anyone with an interest in Japanese history. A combined ticket for the main hall (¥700) and museum (¥600) is available for ¥1,200.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” — Maguro-kan
Shimizu’s public fish market complex is split into two halls: Maguro-kan (tuna hall) and Ichiba-kan (market hall). At Maguro-kan, you can sit down for a bowl of freshly landed tuna over rice — the tuna here is as fresh as it gets, having come straight off the boats. June is also peak sakura shrimp season, so you may well be able to enjoy both tuna and sakura shrimp in the same meal. With several restaurants to choose from under one roof, it’s easy to find a table, and English menus are available.
Miho no Matsubara
A forest of roughly 30,000 pine trees stretching along a white sand beach, with Mount Fuji rising majestically beyond — Miho no Matsubara is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and one of Japan’s most iconic views. The “Kami no Michi” (Divine Road), a straight path cutting through the ancient pines, leads to “Hagoromo no Matsu” — the legendary pine upon which a celestial maiden is said to have hung her feathered robe. It’s a scene that has inspired Japanese artists and poets for centuries. The visitor centre “Mihoshiruibe” (open 9:00–16:30) offers multilingual pamphlets and English-language assistance.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza
Right next to Hinode Pier, this waterfront shopping and entertainment complex is home to Chibi Maruko-chan Land — a theme park based on the beloved anime series created by local Shimizu author Momoko Sakura. It’s a hit with visitors of all ages. The “Shimizu Sushi Yokocho” (Sushi Lane) inside the complex serves locally caught tuna and sakura shrimp sushi. You’ll also find a great range of Shizuoka souvenirs here — green tea, wasabi products, sakura shrimp snacks — making it the ideal spot for a final shopping stop before heading back to the ship.
Operating Status for Tuesday, June 16, 2026
- ✅ Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Closed on the 2nd Tuesday of each month — June 16 is the 3rd Tuesday, so open as normal
- ✅ Kunozan Tosho-gu: No regular closing day — open
- ✅ Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”: Closed Wednesdays — open on Tuesday
- ✅ Miho no Matsubara: Open at all times (Mihoshiruibe visitor centre open 9:00–16:30) — open
- ✅ S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Most shops open on Tuesdays — open
- ✅ Water Bus: June falls in the rainy season — check service status on the morning of your port call
⚠️ June weather note: The water bus is subject to cancellation in rough or windy weather during the rainy season. If the service is not running, Miho no Matsubara is also reachable by local bus from Shimizu Station (approx. 25 minutes, ¥470) or by taxi. Please also double-check the Nihondaira Yume Terrace closure schedule before you go, as the 2nd Tuesday closure date shifts each month.
5. Local Events on June 16, 2026
Mid-June sits in the heart of early summer, and the Shimizu–Shizuoka area has a selection of small cultural events running around this time. Here’s a look at what’s on during your port call — a nice way to dip into local life between sightseeing stops.
1. Eucalyptus Photo Club Exhibition
| Event | Eucalyptus Photo Club Exhibition |
|---|---|
| Dates | Around June 16, 2026 (multi-day event) |
| Venue | Shizuoka City (please check the organiser’s website for details) |
An exhibition by a local photography group, showcasing images of Shizuoka’s landscapes and everyday life. It’s a quiet, intimate way to see the city through local eyes — and admission is typically free, making it an easy detour.
2. Ohta Glass Laboratory Exhibition
| Event | Ohta Glass Laboratory Exhibition |
|---|---|
| Dates | Around June 16, 2026 (multi-day event) |
| Venue | Shizuoka City (please check the organiser’s website for details) |
A showcase of works by a glass artist, blending traditional Japanese craft with a contemporary aesthetic. Delicate and beautiful, the pieces on display represent a unique artistic world all their own. Original works may also be available to purchase — a one-of-a-kind memento from your day in Shimizu.
3. Go-Sekku “Tanabata Exhibition”
| Event | Go-Sekku “Tanabata Exhibition” |
|---|---|
| Dates | Around June 16, 2026 (multi-day event) |
| Venue | Shizuoka City (please check the organiser’s website for details) |
An exhibition celebrating the traditional Japanese Tanabata festival, held annually on July 7. The display features colourful paper strips (tanzaku), bamboo decorations, and the seasonal ornaments associated with this beloved star festival — a lovely glimpse into Japan’s seasonal traditions and the beginning of summer.
ℹ️ Event details (exact venue, times, and admission) are subject to change. For the latest information, please check the relevant official websites or contact the Shizuoka City Tourist Information Centre at 054-221-1173. Staff at the port terminal tourist desk can also assist.
6. Must-Try Local Food & Drink
The Shimizu–Shizuoka area is one of Japan’s great food destinations. Here’s a rundown of the dishes you really shouldn’t miss during your time ashore.
| Dish | Where to Try | Price Guide | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna rice bowl / sashimi platter | Kashi no Ichi, Maguro-kan | ¥1,000–2,500 | Freshly landed Shimizu tuna. English menus available. |
| Shimizu tuna sushi / sakura shrimp nigiri | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500–4,000 | 5 minutes’ walk from the pier. Multiple sushi restaurants in one spot. |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage (tempura fritters) / fresh raw sakura shrimp | Yui Fishing Port area (25 min by car) | ¥800–1,500 | June is peak spring harvest season. Raw sakura shrimp is a rare seasonal treat. |
| Seafood rice bowl / minced tuna / sakura shrimp shumai dumplings | Kashi no Ichi, Ichiba-kan | ¥500–2,000 | Good takeaway options too. Refurbished in 2025. |
| Shizuoka oden (black fish cake, beef tendon) | Aoba Yokocho, central Shizuoka | ¥500–1,500 | Black hanpen fish cake with aonori powder is the signature local style. |
| Wasabi soft-serve ice cream / wasabi pickles | Various spots near the port | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi-producing region. Great as a souvenir too. |
| Shirasu-don (raw baby sardines over rice) | Restaurants in Shimizu and Miho areas | ¥900–1,800 | Suruga Bay’s fresh shirasu must be eaten locally — it doesn’t travel well. |
One dish deserves special mention as a seasonal highlight: sakura ebi (桜えび), or sakura shrimp. Found only in Suruga Bay, these tiny, vivid pink shrimp are a culinary treasure unique to this region. The harvest season runs twice a year — spring (March–June) and autumn (October–December) — and June sits right at the peak of the spring catch. Raw sakura shrimp, available only during the harvest period, have a delicate sweetness and a silky, almost melting texture. Lightly fried into kakiage tempura, they turn golden and crisp on the outside, tender within, with a sweet aroma of the sea. Don’t leave Shimizu without trying them — this is one of those flavours that genuinely cannot be replicated anywhere else.
7. Practical Information for a Smooth Day Ashore
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Shimizu Port terminal, so you can get connected as soon as you step ashore. S-Pulse Dream Plaza also offers free in-facility Wi-Fi. For on-the-go connectivity, convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) throughout the city offer free Wi-Fi nationwide — handy for checking maps between stops. If you’d like reliable data throughout your time in Japan, we recommend picking up a prepaid SIM card at the airport on arrival.
Payments
Cash is still king at many establishments in Japan, particularly smaller restaurants, taxis, and speciality food stalls at places like Yui Fishing Port. Larger shops at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi generally accept Visa and Mastercard, though American Express and Diners Club are less widely accepted. There are 7Bank ATMs at convenience stores near the port that accept international cards for cash withdrawals in Japanese yen. We suggest having around ¥3,000–10,000 in cash per person to cover a comfortable day out.
IC Transit Cards
Local buses and JR trains accept IC transit cards such as Suica and ICOCA. These can be purchased at Shimizu Station or at nearby convenience stores. Cash is also accepted on buses, but note that some buses do not give change, so having the right coins ready is helpful.
Language Support
English-speaking staff are available at the tourist information desk inside the port terminal and at Shimizu Station’s tourist office. Several restaurants and shops at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi have English menus and English-capable staff. The Mihoshiruibe visitor centre at Miho no Matsubara provides multilingual pamphlets. Most taxi drivers speak Japanese only, but Google Translate works well for basic communication — downloading Japanese for offline use before your trip is a good idea.
Tourist Information
- Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal Tourist Information Desk — Located right at the point of disembarkation. Ideal for taxi arrangements, maps, pamphlets, and up-to-date local information.
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information Office — About 15 minutes on foot from Hinode Pier, inside JR Shimizu Station. Useful for broader regional travel information and connections to Shizuoka City.
Emergency Contacts
| 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
The Hanseatic Inspiration departs at 19:00. Please be back at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier by 18:30 at the latest. Re-boarding can take a little time, so we recommend arriving at the pier by 18:00–18:15 to be safe.
If you’re unsure how to get back, search for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭” on Google Maps for walking or taxi directions from your current location. If you’re in a taxi, showing the driver the map on your phone or saying “Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port” should get you there without any trouble.
The itinerary above has you back at the pier by around 17:20, so there’s a comfortable buffer before departure. Take your time with any last-minute shopping or a final stroll along the waterfront — then make your way back to the ship at your leisure.
9. About the Hanseatic Inspiration
The MS Hanseatic Inspiration is a small luxury expedition cruise ship operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, one of Germany’s most prestigious cruise lines. Launched in 2019, she weighs in at 15,651 gross tons and carries just around 230 guests — a deliberate choice that defines her character. She is built for travellers who want something beyond the ordinary: the intimacy of a small ship combined with the comforts of a high-end hotel, sailing to destinations that larger vessels simply cannot reach.
All cabins are designed as suites or junior suites, with generous windows framing the ever-changing seascape outside. True to her expedition pedigree, the ship is equipped with Zodiacs (inflatable landing craft) for shore excursions in remote locations, as well as equipment for underwater marine exploration. Onboard, guests enjoy fine dining, a fitness centre, sauna, and elegant lounges — making the evenings after a full day ashore just as enjoyable as the days themselves. A voyage aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration through Japan’s ports is, in every sense, a rare and special experience.
You carry with you the quiet beauty and history of Uwajima — and today, Shimizu and Shizuoka are ready to offer something equally memorable: nature, heritage, and the flavours of the sea. Tomorrow, Tokyo awaits.
Welcome to Shimizu Port, on this very first call. We are genuinely delighted to have you here.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
