Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The *Island Sky* departs Tokyo, sails south across Suruga Bay, and arrives at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 08:00. Departure is scheduled for 18:00 the same day, with the next destination being Shingu. Notably, this call marks the Island Sky’s maiden port call at Shimizu — a special day as this historic harbor town welcomes the ship for the very first time.
While the scheduled time in port is ten hours, once you account for disembarkation and re-boarding procedures, you can realistically expect around 8 to 9 hours of time ashore. Even so, that’s more than enough to take in the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka: the iconic view of Mount Fuji framed by the pine groves of Miho no Matsubara (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site); the dazzlingly ornate national treasure shrine of Kunozan Tosho-gu, deeply connected to Tokugawa Ieyasu; the freshest tuna and Suruga Bay seafood Shimizu has to offer; shopping at the waterfront Espal Dream Plaza; and the whimsical world of Chibi Maruko-chan, the beloved anime born right here in Shizuoka.
This page is your day-by-day guide to making the most of your May 27 port call. Fresh from Tokyo, here’s everything you need to know — 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 Editor
Based in Shizuoka Prefecture, I work in hospitality for international visitors to the Shimizu and Shizuoka area. Through this blog, I share on-the-ground local information to help cruise passengers make the most of their limited time in port. Drawing on connections with taxi drivers, tourist information center staff, and local restaurants, I aim to give you the real Shimizu as it is on any given day — the kind of insider knowledge you won’t find in any guidebook.
Table of Contents
- Port Call Overview
- Weather & What to Wear on May 27, 2026
- Getting Around from Hinode Pier
- Recommended Itinerary: “A Great Day Even in the Rain — Indoor Highlights Course”
- Local Events on May 27, 2026
- Must-Try Food & Drink in Shimizu and Shizuoka
- Practical Tips for a Smooth Day Ashore
- Getting Back to the Ship
- About the Island Sky
1. Port Call Overview
Here’s a quick-reference summary of the key details for your May 27 port call.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Call Date | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 |
| Arrival | 08:00 |
| Departure | 18:00 |
| Scheduled Time in Port | Approx. 10 hours |
| Realistic Time Ashore | Approx. 8–9 hours |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier |
| Previous Port | Tokyo |
| Next Port | Shingu |
May 27 falls in the heart of early summer, when Shizuoka’s hills are cloaked in vivid fresh greenery. This is also the region’s celebrated *shincha* (new tea) season — Shizuoka produces more green tea than anywhere else in Japan, and the first harvest of the year is in full swing. On a clear day, Mount Fuji may still be dusted with snow, rising sharply above the bright green landscape. Late May can coincide with the beginning of the rainy season, so some rain is possible, but a well-planned mix of indoor and outdoor sightseeing means you’ll have a full and rewarding day regardless of the weather.
The timing also works in your favor: the Golden Week holiday rush (late April to early May) is well and truly over by now, which means the major sights — Kunozan Tosho-gu, Espal Dream Plaza and others — should be pleasantly uncrowded. On this milestone day of the *Island Sky*’s first-ever call at Shimizu, we hope you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for everything this port town has to offer.
2. Weather & What to Wear on May 27, 2026
Late May in Shimizu typically brings highs of around 23–26°C (73–79°F) and overnight lows of 18–20°C (64–68°F). Daytime temperatures are warm enough for short sleeves, though mornings and evenings can feel a touch cool. As the rainy season approaches, overcast skies and light rain become more common at this time of year. Based on historical climate data, the expected high is around 24.0°C with a low of 19.1°C and a 69% chance of rain — so come prepared for a wet day.
For clothing, layering is the smart approach: a light long-sleeve top or cardigan that you can easily take on and off works well. A compact folding umbrella or a light rain jacket is essential. Since you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking, comfortable, supportive footwear — ideally waterproof — is highly recommended. Fortunately, this area has plenty of excellent indoor attractions, so a rainy forecast is no reason to worry.
Please note that this article is published a few days ahead of the port call, at a time when precise day-of forecasts are not yet available. Accurate forecasts typically become available about three days before the date in question, so be sure to check the latest weather before you head out. On the morning of May 27, a quick search for “Shimizu, Shizuoka weather” will bring up an English-language forecast in seconds.
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 transport options from Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier, starting with the most efficient.
Taxi (Highly Recommended)
For groups, a taxi is by far the most efficient and comfortable way to get around. With four or five people sharing a cab, the per-person cost becomes very reasonable. A four-hour charter typically runs ¥15,000–20,000. Simply tell the driver your destination — “Nihondaira, please” or “to the ropeway for Kunozan Tosho-gu” — and they’ll take you there by the fastest route. Most drivers speak Japanese only, but communicating via Google Translate works well in practice. The tourist information center inside the port terminal can also help arrange a taxi for you after disembarkation — it’s a good first stop.
Water Bus (Shimizu Port Water Bus)
A scenic ferry service connects Hinode, Ejiri, and Miho no Matsubara, offering a uniquely Shimizu experience: gliding across the harbor with views of Mount Fuji over the water. The one-way fare between Hinode and Miho is ¥1,000, and the crossing takes about 35 minutes. The boarding point is just a 2–5 minute walk from Espal Dream Plaza — very convenient from the pier. Sailings from Hinode typically run from 09:55 to 15:55, but the service may be suspended in rough weather or strong winds. Always check current operating status at the pier or the tourist information center before planning your journey. Given that rain is expected on May 27, we especially recommend confirming on the morning of departure.
Local Bus
From Shimizu Station, buses run to the main sightseeing areas. Services toward Miho no Matsubara take about 25 minutes from the station and cost ¥470. For Nihondaira, buses run via Shizuoka Station or Higashi-Shizuoka Station (approximately 50–60 minutes). The fare from Shizuoka Station to Nihondaira is around ¥750, taking about 55 minutes. Note that some routes have infrequent service, so checking timetables in advance is recommended.
On Foot
Several key attractions are within easy walking distance of the pier. Espal Dream Plaza is just a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier. The Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” is about a 3–5 minute walk from JR Shimizu Station’s east exit, or roughly 15 minutes on foot from the pier. A leisurely stroll along the waterfront is a great way to start or end your day.
JR Shimizu Station
About a 15-minute walk from the pier, Shimizu Station gives you easy access to Shizuoka Station via the Tokaido Line — just 10 minutes and ¥160. Around Shizuoka Station you’ll find Aoba Yokocho and Gofukucho, lively streets lined with restaurants and local culture. If your schedule allows, a quick trip into central Shizuoka City is well worth it.
4. Recommended Itinerary: “A Great Day Even in the Rain — Indoor Highlights Course”
*”We have 10 hours — but what do you do when it’s raining?”* This itinerary answers exactly that question. While May 27 is forecast to be wet, the Shimizu and Shizuoka area is well-equipped with superb indoor attractions that more than make up for any lost sunshine. Designed for a stay of 6+ hours in rainy conditions, this plan fits neatly within the 08:00 arrival and 18:00 departure schedule.
In fact, a rainy day is a perfect excuse to slow down and immerse yourself in history and culture. Think: the nationally treasured shrine of the man who shaped the Tokugawa shogunate, the freshest seafood Shimizu’s fishing port has to offer, and a leisurely browse through a waterfront complex full of local food and souvenirs — all under a roof.
Suggested Schedule
| Time | Location | What to Do | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier | Disembark and clear entry procedures. Visit the tourist information center for maps and taxi assistance. | Approx. 30 min |
| 08:30 | Departing for Nihondaira | Take a taxi or bus toward Nihondaira. | Approx. 30 min |
| 09:00 | Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace | Wait at the ropeway terminal (operates in rain). Enjoy the views from Yume Terrace. | Approx. 30 min |
| 09:30 | Kunozan Tosho-gu | Ride the Nihondaira Ropeway (5 min each way) down to the shrine. Explore the national treasure main hall and museum. | Approx. 120 min |
| 11:30 | Return to Nihondaira | Take the ropeway back up, then taxi toward Shimizu Port. | Approx. 30 min |
| 12:00 | Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” — Maguro-kan | Lunch featuring fresh tuna bowls and Suruga Bay seafood. | Approx. 60 min |
| 13:00 | Departing for Toro Ruins | Taxi to the Toro Ruins. | Approx. 20 min |
| 13:20 | Toro Ruins & Toro Museum | Explore the reconstructed Yayoi-period village and museum — a window into Japan 2,000 years ago. | Approx. 75 min |
| 14:35 | Departing for Espal Dream Plaza | Taxi back toward the waterfront. | Approx. 15 min |
| 14:50 | Espal Dream Plaza | Visit the Chibi Maruko-chan Land, enjoy a snack at Shimizu Sushi Yokocho, and pick up souvenirs. | Approx. 90 min |
| 16:20 | Around Shimizu Port | Stroll the waterfront and start making your way back to the ship. | Approx. 40 min |
| 17:00 | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier | Board the ship (aim to be back at least 1 hour before departure). | — |
Estimated budget: approx. ¥7,000–9,000+ per person (including taxi, ropeway, admission fees, and lunch)
Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace
Perched atop a 307-meter hill, this 360-degree observation facility offers one of Shizuoka’s most spectacular panoramas — on a clear day, you’ll see Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the Southern Alps all at once. The Yume Terrace building, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, features an interior viewing area that lets you enjoy the scenery even on a rainy day. It also serves as the starting point for the ropeway down to Kunozan Tosho-gu, making it a natural first stop on this route.
Kunozan Tosho-gu
This is Japan’s oldest Tosho-gu shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu — the warlord who unified Japan and founded the Tokugawa shogunate. The main hall, a designated National Treasure, is an extraordinary display of craftsmanship, adorned with vivid lacquerwork and intricate carvings. On a rainy day, the rich colors of the shrine seem to glow even more brilliantly against the wet stone pathways. Access via the Nihondaira Ropeway is itself a highlight — a five-minute aerial ride with sweeping views. The onsite museum houses armor, swords, and personal effects associated with Ieyasu, making it a particularly rewarding visit for history enthusiasts. Admission to the main hall is ¥700; a combined ticket including the museum is ¥1,200.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” — Maguro-kan
No visit to Shimizu is complete without tuna, and this is the place to have it. The market complex comprises two buildings — Maguro-kan (Tuna Hall) and Ichiba-kan (Market Hall) — each housing several restaurants and stalls offering their own takes on tuna cuisine. A classic tuna bowl starts from around ¥1,000, and fresh sashimi platters and sakura shrimp dishes are also on offer. Everything is under one roof, so rain is no obstacle at all.
Toro Ruins & Toro Museum
Designated a Special National Historic Site, the Toro Ruins are the remains of a Yayoi-period settlement that dates back approximately 2,000 years. The open-air park — featuring reconstructed pit dwellings, raised-floor storehouses, and ancient rice paddies — is free to enter. The museum on the second floor (¥300 for adults) presents the excavated artifacts and brings the story of Japan’s ancient past to life. English explanatory panels are available throughout. For cruise travelers who have explored ancient sites the world over, the Yayoi culture of Japan will offer a fascinating and distinctly Eastern perspective.
Espal Dream Plaza
This large waterfront complex, connected directly to Shimizu Port, is one of the best rainy-day destinations in the area. The star attraction is Chibi Maruko-chan Land (admission from ¥800) — an immersive world based on the beloved anime series that was born right here in Shimizu. It’s a uniquely local experience that adults and children alike will enjoy. The Shimizu Sushi Yokocho dining area is perfect for a pre-boarding snack, and the complex also offers a wide selection of souvenir shops where you can pick up local specialties all in one convenient stop.
Operating Status on Wednesday, May 27, 2026
- ✅ Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open on Wednesdays (closed only on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and over the New Year period)
- ✅ Kunozan Tosho-gu: Open year-round
- ✅ Nihondaira Ropeway: Operates year-round (may be suspended in strong winds or severe weather)
- ⚠️ Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” (Maguro-kan & Ichiba-kan): Closed on Wednesdays. May 27 (Wednesday) is a regular closing day. We strongly recommend checking in advance, as holiday scheduling can occasionally result in adjusted hours or temporary openings.
- ✅ Toro Ruins & Toro Museum: Open on Wednesdays (closed Mondays, the day after public holidays, and over the New Year period)
- ✅ Espal Dream Plaza: Open on Wednesdays
⚠️ Important Note — Kashi no Ichi Fish Market
The Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” is closed on Wednesdays, which means it will be closed on May 27. For lunch, we recommend heading to Shimizu Sushi Yokocho inside Espal Dream Plaza instead. To work around this, consider adjusting the schedule so that lunch is taken at Espal Dream Plaza around 12:00, with the Toro Ruins visit moved to the afternoon. The day flows just as smoothly with this adjustment.
5. Local Events on May 27, 2026
Late May brings a peaceful lull to Shimizu and Shizuoka after the Golden Week crowds have gone home, but the local calendar is still full of life. Here are a few events adding color to your port call day.
1. MamaHapi EXPO @ Espal Dream Plaza
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | MamaHapi EXPO @ Espal Dream Plaza |
| Date | Around May 27, 2026 (please check the official website for details) |
| Venue | Espal Dream Plaza (adjacent to Shimizu Port) |
A family-friendly event taking place at the complex closest to the cruise terminal. Featuring parenting resources and hands-on activities for children, it’s a lively gathering that gives visiting families a warm glimpse into everyday community life in Shimizu.
2. Yumecho-za Cinema Salon — May Screening: *A Man Who Cultivates Love*
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Yumecho-za Cinema Salon — May Screening: *A Man Who Cultivates Love* |
| Date | May 2026 (please check the official website for details) |
| Venue | Shizuoka City (please check the official website for details) |
A community-led film screening organized by Yumecho-za, a grassroots cinema salon dedicated to keeping Shizuoka’s film culture alive. An intimate and welcoming event that offers a genuine look at the cultural side of local life.
3. Reiwa 8 Archaeological Skills Workshop
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Reiwa 8 Archaeological Skills Workshop |
| Date | Fiscal year 2026 (please check the official website for details) |
| Venue | Shizuoka City (related to the Toro Ruins and surrounding facilities) |
A hands-on program where participants can experience the practical skills of daily life during the Yayoi period. If you happen to be visiting the Toro Ruins as part of your itinerary, joining this workshop would make for an even richer encounter with Japan’s ancient past.
4. Mochizuki Kikuzo: Hamejibun and Illustration Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Mochizuki Kikuzo: Hamejibun and Illustration Exhibition |
| Date | Around May 2026 (please check the official website for details) |
| Venue | Gallery in Shizuoka City (please check the official website for details) |
An exhibition by a Shizuoka-based artist combining *hamejibun* — a uniquely Japanese form of visual wordplay in which characters are embedded within illustrations — with original artwork. For international visitors, this is a fascinating window into the depth and creativity of Japanese written culture.
5. Tango no Sekku Decoration Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Tango no Sekku Decoration Exhibition |
| Date | May 2026 (please check the official website for details) |
| Venue | Shizuoka City (please check the official website for details) |
An exhibition of traditional decorations associated with *Tango no Sekku* — Japan’s Children’s Day festival, celebrated on May 5th. Displays of warrior dolls, decorative helmets (*kabuto*), and carp streamers (*koinobori*) offer international guests a tangible connection to Japan’s rich seasonal traditions and festival culture.
6. Must-Try Food & Drink in Shimizu and Shizuoka
Shimizu and Shizuoka are among Japan’s top culinary destinations. Here are the local specialties you won’t want to miss during your time ashore.
Local Food & Drink at a Glance
| Dish | Where to Try | Price Guide | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna bowl / sashimi platter | Maguro-kan, Kashi no Ichi *(closed Wed.)* | ¥1,000–2,500 | Premium tuna direct from Shimizu Port. English menus available. |
| Shimizu tuna sushi / sakura shrimp gunkan | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Espal Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500–4,000 | 5-min walk from the pier. Open on Wednesdays. |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage / fresh raw sakura shrimp | Yui Port area (approx. 25 min by car) | ¥800–1,500 | Spring harvest season (through June). Raw sakura shrimp found nowhere else on earth. |
| Seafood rice bowl / chopped tuna / sakura shrimp shumai | Ichiba-kan, Kashi no Ichi *(closed Wed.)* | ¥500–2,000 | Takeaway options available. Renovated in 2025. |
| Shizuoka oden (black fish cake, beef tendon, served with dashi powder) | Aoba Yokocho, central Shizuoka City | ¥500–1,500 | A beloved local soul food. About 20 min by train. |
| Freshly grated hon-wasabi / wasabi soft serve ice cream | Various locations near Shimizu Port | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer. Great as a souvenir too. |
| Shincha (new tea) / matcha sweets | Throughout Shimizu and Shizuoka City | ¥500–2,000 | May is peak first-harvest season. Experience Japanese tea at its source. |
One ingredient deserves a special mention — and May is exactly the right time to taste it: sakura shrimp (*sakura ebi*). These tiny, jewel-pink crustaceans are found only in Suruga Bay, making them one of the most exclusive seafood delicacies in the world. Their name comes from their color, which resembles cherry blossoms. The fishing season runs twice a year — spring (March to June) and autumn (October to December) — and May 27 falls right in the heart of the spring harvest.
Near Yui Port, about 25 minutes by taxi from Shimizu, local restaurants serve raw sakura shrimp (*nama sakura ebi*) — sweet, delicate, and utterly unlike anything you can find outside Suruga Bay — as well as *kakiage*, a crispy tempura fritter that highlights their natural flavor. The detour is absolutely worth it. Closer to the port, several stalls at Espal Dream Plaza’s Shimizu Sushi Yokocho also offer sakura shrimp *gunkan* rolls, so you can get a taste without going far. This is a flavor that exists nowhere else on earth — and May is the perfect moment to discover it.
7. Practical Tips for a Smooth Day Ashore
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available inside the Shimizu Port passenger terminal and throughout Espal Dream Plaza. Around Shimizu Station and at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart), free nationwide Wi-Fi services are also available. For a full day of sightseeing, the most reliable option is a prepaid SIM card purchased at the airport upon arrival.
Paying for Things
Cash is still king in Japan, particularly at smaller restaurants and some taxis. That said, major stores at Espal Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard). American Express and Diners Club are not universally accepted, so keep that in mind. The 7-Bank ATMs inside 7-Eleven convenience stores accept overseas-issued cards for cash withdrawals. As a general rule, carrying ¥5,000–10,000 per person in cash will cover most situations comfortably.
IC Cards (Transit Cards)
Local buses and JR trains accept IC transit cards such as Suica and ICOCA. These can be purchased and topped up at Shimizu Station and at convenience stores. You can also pay with cash on board, but buses may not provide change, so having small coins ready — or using an IC card — is advisable.
Language Support
Espal Dream Plaza and both halls of Kashi no Ichi (Ichiba-kan and Maguro-kan) have English menus and English-speaking staff. The Miho no Matsubara tourist information center “Mihoshirubo” provides multilingual brochures, and Kunozan Tosho-gu also has English-language signage and materials. Most taxi drivers speak Japanese only, but Google Translate — including its camera translation feature — makes communication much smoother and is widely used by visitors.
Tourist Information Centers
- Inside Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — Right at the pier as you step off the ship. English-speaking staff are on hand to help with taxi arrangements, maps, and general inquiries. Make this your first stop after disembarkation.
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information — Located inside JR Shimizu Station, about a 15-minute walk from the pier. Useful for bus timetables and broader area information.
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City Tourism (English) | 054-221-1173 |
| Taxi (Shitetsu Taxi) | 054-285-1212 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
The *Island Sky* departs at 18:00. We recommend planning your day so that you are back at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier by 17:30 at the latest. Re-boarding can sometimes take longer than expected, so aiming to reach the port area by 17:00 gives you a comfortable buffer.
If you find yourself unsure how to get back to the pier from somewhere in the city, search for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or 「清水港 日の出埠頭」 on Google Maps for step-by-step directions.
When taking a taxi back to the ship, tell the driver “Hinode Pier — 日の出埠頭”. Having both the English and Japanese versions saved on your phone means you’ll be understood even if there’s a language barrier.
9. About the Island Sky
The *Island Sky* is a small expedition cruise ship of 4,280 gross tons, operated by Noble Caledonia. Launched in 1992, the vessel’s greatest asset is its agility: compact enough to call at small ports and remote islands that large cruise ships simply cannot reach, it has built its reputation on intimate, discovery-led voyages to some of the world’s most intriguing destinations. Today’s maiden call at Shimizu is a perfect expression of that spirit of exploration.
With a capacity of just around 100 passengers, the atmosphere on board is closer to that of a boutique luxury hotel than a conventional cruise ship. Highly attentive, personalized service and expert lectures by onboard naturalists and cultural specialists — each deeply knowledgeable about the ports and regions visited — are among the ship’s most distinctive qualities. The panoramic lounge, designed to maximize views from the deck, may well offer a memorable perspective of Suruga Bay and the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji. And for those who have experienced it, a Zodiac landing excursion is one of those *Island Sky* memories that stays with you long after the voyage ends.
Leaving the energy of Tokyo behind, you’ve arrived in Shimizu — a port town framed by a UNESCO-listed pine forest, a snow-capped mountain, and some of the freshest seafood in Japan. And ahead of you, in Shingu, the ancient sacred peaks of Kumano await. May this maiden call at Shimizu become a shining chapter in the story of the *Island Sky*’s voyage.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
