Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Diamond Princess departs Kochi and sails north across the calm Pacific, arriving at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 13:00. Departure is at 19:00 the same day, bound for Yokohama.
While the ship is officially in port for six hours, once you factor in disembarkation and re-boarding, you’ll realistically have around five hours to explore ashore. Even so, that’s plenty of time to gaze at Mt. Fuji framing through a pine grove at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Miho no Matsubara — to step into the world of Tokugawa history at the nationally designated Kunozan Toshogu Shrine — to treat yourself to an exceptionally fresh tuna bowl at one of Shimizu’s celebrated seafood markets — to stroll through the hometown of beloved anime character Chibi Maruko-chan — or to browse at Dream Plaza, a shopping complex right at the port. Shimizu and Shizuoka have more than enough to fill your day.
This page is your complete guide to making the most of the May 27, 2026 port call. Fresh from Kochi, here’s what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your time in Shimizu — all from a local perspective.
About the Author
Shimizu Port Cruise Guide — Site Administrator
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 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 the real Shimizu as it is on the day you arrive — the kind of insight you won’t find in any guidebook.
Table of Contents
- Port Day Basics
- Weather & What to Wear on May 27, 2026
- Getting Around from Hinode Pier
- Recommended Itinerary: “Rain-Proof & Rewarding — Kunozan Toshogu & Indoor Highlights”
- Local Events on May 27, 2026
- Must-Try Food in Shimizu & Shizuoka
- Practical Tips for a Smooth Day Ashore
- Getting Back to the Ship
- About Diamond Princess
1. Port Day Basics
Here’s a quick overview of the key details for your May 27, 2026 port call.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Day | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 |
| Arrival | 13:00 |
| Departure | 19:00 |
| Time in Port (scheduled) | Approx. 6 hours |
| Practical sightseeing time | Approx. 5 hours |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier (Hinode No. 2) |
| Previous Port | Kochi |
| Next Port | Yokohama |
May 27 is a wonderful time to experience Shizuoka wrapped in the fresh greenery and light breezes of early summer. May is considered one of the most pleasant months of the year here, with the fragrance of new-harvest green tea drifting through the streets. The spring sakura shrimp season is also in full swing, and around the Shimizu and Yui areas you’ll find these delicate little shrimp featured in kakiage tempura and rice bowl dishes wherever you look. The crowds of Golden Week have died down by late May, so you can expect a more relaxed pace at most sightseeing spots.
That said, late May is also the approach to rainy season, and the weather can be unpredictable — sunshine one moment, steady rain the next. This guide focuses on options that hold up well even in wet conditions, but if the skies are clear, the view of Mt. Fuji from Miho no Matsubara or the panorama from Nihondaira are absolutely worth pursuing.
2. Weather & What to Wear on May 27, 2026
In late May, Shimizu typically sees daytime highs around 23–26°C (73–79°F) and overnight lows of 17–20°C (63–68°F), with the warm, humid climate typical of Japan’s Pacific coast. Humidity is on the rise as the rainy season approaches, and rain showers can be heavy at times. On a sunny day, short sleeves are perfectly comfortable, though a light layer is handy for the morning or evening.
For what to pack, a thin long-sleeved shirt or cardigan tucked into your bag is a sensible choice. Comfortable walking shoes or flat sneakers are ideal for the day. If it’s sunny, sunscreen and a hat will come in useful. For rain, a compact folding umbrella is highly recommended — while convenience stores near the port do sell them, it’s best to bring one from the ship rather than scrambling for one before departure.
Please note that this article is published a few days before the port call, so a precise day-of forecast isn’t yet available at the time of writing. Accurate forecasts typically become available about three days out. Be sure to check the latest weather before you disembark — searching “Shimizu, Shizuoka weather” on the morning of your port day will bring up an English forecast in seconds.
3. Getting Around from Hinode Pier
When you’re working with a limited window ashore, how you get around can make or break your day. Here are your main transport options from Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier, listed from most to least efficient.
① Taxi (Highly Recommended)
For groups, a chartered taxi is by far the best option. With arrival at 13:00 and only around five hours ashore, minimizing time spent on transfers is crucial — and nothing beats a taxi for door-to-door convenience with no waiting or transfers. Split among four or five people, the cost per person is often comparable to using public transport.
A rough guide for charter fares: around ¥15,000–20,000 for four hours (varies by vehicle type and company). Taxis are often available right at the pier after disembarkation, but if you want to be sure of a car, the tourist information desk inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal can help arrange one — staff there can assist in English. To communicate your destination to the driver, writing the name in Japanese or showing the location on Google Maps works well.
② Water Bus (Shimizu Port Water Bus)
A sightseeing boat connects Hinode Pier with Miho no Matsubara, offering a scenic 35-minute ride with views of Mt. Fuji and Shimizu Port across the water — a fitting experience for cruise passengers. The fare is ¥1,000 per adult one way, and the boarding point is just a 2–5-minute walk from S-Pulse Dream Plaza.
However, given the 13:00 arrival, your options for catching a water bus will be limited. The Miho Hagoromo Line from Hinode generally runs between approximately 09:55 and 15:55, so catching a mid-afternoon departure is possible, though timing the return trip before departure will be tight. Note also that service may be cancelled in poor weather or rough seas. Always check the current schedule on the Shimizu Port Water Bus official website or at the terminal before boarding.
③ Local Bus
Buses to Miho no Matsubara run from JR Shimizu Station, taking about 25 minutes at ¥470. For Nihondaira, routes typically run via Shizuoka Station. Services operate several times per hour, so checking timetables in advance is advisable. Buses are the most affordable option, but connections and waiting times can add up — not ideal when you’re working with an afternoon-only schedule.
④ On Foot
A handful of good spots are within easy walking distance of the pier. S-Pulse Dream Plaza is about a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier, and Shimizu Fish Market “Kashinoichi” is around 15 minutes on foot. On a rainy day, or if you’d rather keep things simple, building your itinerary around these walkable spots is the most stress-free approach.
⑤ JR Train from Shimizu Station
JR Shimizu Station is about a 15-minute walk from the pier. From there, the Tokaido Line runs to Shizuoka Station in approximately 10 minutes (¥190). Shizuoka city centre has its own highlights — Shizuoka Oden alleyways and Sunpu Castle Park among them — offering a different flavour from Shimizu itself. If you fancy squeezing in some Shizuoka city food as well, the train is a perfectly viable option.
4. Recommended Itinerary: “Rain-Proof & Rewarding — Kunozan Toshogu Shrine & Indoor Highlights”
“Five hours — where do I even start?” Arriving at 13:00 and departing at 19:00, you’ll want a plan that works whether the day is sunny or drizzly. This itinerary is built around covered and semi-covered venues so you can enjoy a full day regardless of the weather.
The centrepiece is Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, a nationally designated treasure whose vibrant shrine buildings are stunning in any weather, with a museum that can keep you engaged for well over an hour. From there, the plan takes you back to the port area for a late lunch of fresh tuna at Kashinoichi fish market (though note the Wednesday closure warning below), followed by a relaxed visit to S-Pulse Dream Plaza for Chibi Maruko-chan Land and souvenir shopping — right on the doorstep of Hinode Pier. It’s a day that captures the true character of Shimizu, come rain or shine.
Suggested Schedule
| Time | Spot | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:00 | Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port | Disembark & clear formalities | — |
| 13:30 | Depart Hinode Pier | Taxi to Nihondaira | 30 min travel |
| 14:00–15:00 | Nihondaira Ropeway → Kunozan Toshogu Shrine | 5-min ropeway ride; explore the national treasure shrine buildings and museum | Approx. 60–90 min |
| 15:30 | Depart Kunozan Toshogu | Taxi to Kashinoichi fish market | 20–30 min travel |
| 15:45–16:45 | Shimizu Fish Market “Kashinoichi” Maguro-kan | Late lunch: fresh tuna bowl; browse Ichiba-kan for souvenirs | Approx. 60 min |
| 16:45 | Depart Kashinoichi | Walk or short transfer to Dream Plaza | 10–15 min |
| 17:00–18:15 | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Chibi Maruko-chan Land · Shimizu Sushi Alley · Shopping | Approx. 75 min |
| 18:15 | Depart Dream Plaza | Walk back to Hinode Pier | 5 min |
| 18:20 | Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port | Return to ship with time to spare | — |
| 19:00 | Departure | Set sail for Yokohama | — |
Estimated budget: approx. ¥5,000–8,000+ per person (including taxi, entry fees, and lunch)
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
This is where Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, was first enshrined after his death in 1616. Predating the more famous Nikko Toshogu, this is Japan’s oldest Toshogu shrine, and its lavishly decorated main hall, stone chamber, and worship hall are all designated National Treasures. The journey here is itself part of the experience — a short five-minute ropeway ride from Nihondaira delivers you straight into a world steeped in history. The adjacent museum houses personal artefacts of Ieyasu and provides a fascinating look at the life of the man who unified Japan. Perfectly enjoyable on a rainy day.
Admission: Shrine ¥700 / Museum ¥600 / Combined ¥1,200
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashinoichi” Maguro-kan
Shimizu Port is one of Japan’s leading tuna landing ports, and Kashinoichi is its lively seafood marketplace. The Maguro-kan (Tuna Hall) is lined with restaurants serving the morning’s catch as tuna bowls, sashimi platters, and more. English menus are available at a number of stalls, making it easy for international visitors. Restaurants here typically remain open through the mid-to-late afternoon, so arriving for a 15:00 or 16:00 “late lunch” is no problem. The adjacent Ichiba-kan is great for takeaway snacks and souvenirs.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza
This large waterfront complex is just a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier — you really can’t get closer to the ship. The star attraction for many visitors is Chibi Maruko-chan Land (separate admission from ¥800), a colourful tribute to the iconic anime set in Shimizu — charming for adults and children alike. Shimizu Sushi Alley brings together several sushi restaurants under one roof, while the shopping floors are well stocked with Shizuoka specialities including green tea, wasabi, and local seafood products. The entire complex is indoors, making it the ideal wet-weather destination.
Operating Status on Wednesday, May 27, 2026
- ✅ Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: Open as normal (no regular closing day). Hours: 09:00–17:00
- ✅ Nihondaira Ropeway: Open as normal (no regular closing day)
- ⚠️ Shimizu Fish Market “Kashinoichi”: Wednesday is the regular closing day. When a public holiday falls on Wednesday the closure is moved to the following day, but since May 27, 2026 is an ordinary Wednesday, Kashinoichi is very likely to be closed. Please verify in advance.
- ✅ S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Open as normal (Shops 10:00–20:00 / Restaurants 11:00–21:00)
⚠️ Important: Kashinoichi is likely closed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
If Kashinoichi is closed, you can enjoy tuna and other fresh seafood at Shimizu Sushi Alley or other restaurants inside S-Pulse Dream Plaza. We recommend adjusting the itinerary to allow more time at Dream Plaza.
📝 Alternative plan if Kashinoichi is closed: After visiting Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, take a taxi directly to S-Pulse Dream Plaza (approx. 20–25 minutes). Enjoy tuna sushi at Shimizu Sushi Alley, then spend the remaining time at Chibi Maruko-chan Land and the shops.
5. Local Events on May 27, 2026
Late May is one of the most vibrant times of year in the Shimizu and Shizuoka area, with new-harvest tea fragrance in the air and local events giving the city a lively seasonal energy. Here are some events worth checking out during your visit.
1. Mama Hapi EXPO @ S-Pulse Dream Plaza
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Mama Hapi EXPO |
| Venue | S-Pulse Dream Plaza (adjacent to Hinode Pier, approx. 5-min walk) |
| Details | https://www.at-s.com/event/article/1966772 |
A family-friendly event held right at S-Pulse Dream Plaza, just steps from the pier. Families with children will find this a lovely addition to an already enjoyable stop at Dream Plaza. Worth checking out when you visit on this itinerary.
2. Yumemazaza Cinema Salon — May Screening: “A Man Who Tends a Garden”
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Yumemazaza Cinema Salon May Screening: “A Man Who Tends a Garden” |
| Venue | Shizuoka city centre (see official website for details) |
| Details | https://www.at-s.com/event/article/1961570 |
A warm, intimate film salon run by local cinema enthusiasts, screening a classic this May. Located in Shizuoka city centre, about 10 minutes from Shimizu by JR train. For film lovers, it’s a genuinely local cultural experience worth fitting in around your sightseeing.
3. Reiwa 8 (2026) Archaeological Skills Workshop
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Reiwa 8 (2026) Archaeological Skills Workshop |
| Venue | Shizuoka city centre (see official website for details) |
| Details | https://www.at-s.com/event/article/1951306 |
A hands-on archaeology experience connected to the Toro Ruins, a celebrated Yayoi-period site known for its ancient pottery and excavated artefacts. Activities include pottery-making and simulated excavation techniques — a rare and immersive way to explore Shizuoka’s deep history. Perfect for anyone with an interest in history or archaeology.
4. Kikuzo Mochizuki: Hamejibun Calligraphy & Illustration Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Kikuzo Mochizuki: Hamejibun Calligraphy & Illustration Exhibition |
| Venue | Shizuoka city centre (see official website for details) |
| Details | https://www.at-s.com/event/article/1918871 |
An exhibition by Shizuoka-based artist Kikuzo Mochizuki, showcasing his unique “hamejibun” style — a distinctive fusion of calligraphy and illustration in which characters are cleverly woven into pictorial compositions. This blend of traditional Japanese writing and visual art offers international visitors a fresh and surprising perspective on Japanese artistic expression.
5. Children’s Day Traditional Decorations Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Children’s Day Traditional Decorations Exhibition |
| Venue | Shizuoka city centre (see official website for details) |
| Details | https://www.at-s.com/event/article/1948444 |
Celebrating Japan’s Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day, May 5th), this exhibition displays traditional seasonal decorations including samurai helmets (kabuto), warrior dolls, and koinobori carp streamers. If still running in late May, it offers a vivid, hands-on encounter with Japanese warrior culture and seasonal customs — a living textbook of Japanese tradition for international visitors.
6. Must-Try Food in Shimizu & Shizuoka
The Shimizu and Shizuoka area is one of Japan’s premier food destinations. Here’s a rundown of the dishes you won’t want to miss during your port call.
| Dish | Where to Find It | Price Guide | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna bowl / sashimi platter | Kashinoichi Maguro-kan (closed Wednesdays — see note) | ¥1,000–2,500 | Ultra-fresh tuna landed at Shimizu Port; English menus available |
| Shimizu tuna nigiri sushi | Shimizu Sushi Alley (inside Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500–4,000 | 5 min from Hinode Pier; English-speaking staff available |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage tempura | Yui Fishing Port area (25 min by taxi) / select Shimizu restaurants | ¥800–1,500 | Peak spring season (May–June); most venues cash only |
| Shizuoka Oden | Aoba Alley, Shizuoka city centre (20 min by train from Shimizu) | ¥500–1,500 | Dark broth, black fish cake, and dried seaweed flakes — a beloved local B-class specialty |
| Seafood bowl / sakura shrimp shumai | Ichiba-kan (inside Kashinoichi, closed Wednesdays) | ¥500–2,000 | Excellent takeaway options; good for souvenirs too |
| Fresh-grated hon-wasabi / wasabi soft serve | Around Shimizu Port / Dream Plaza | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi region; the soft serve is a real conversation starter |
| Shincha (new-harvest green tea) sweets | Shimizu and Shizuoka city, various locations | ¥300–1,000 | May is new tea season; matcha sweets and loose-leaf tea make great souvenirs |
One dish deserves special mention: sakura shrimp (sakura ebi), the seasonal delicacy that makes May in Shimizu truly unique. These tiny, jewel-pink shrimp are found only in Suruga Bay, and are landed just twice a year — in spring (March–June) and autumn (October–December). Late May is peak spring season, when freshness is at its absolute best. The subtle sweetness of raw sakura shrimp, the briny fragrance of the sea, and the crisp, just-fried bite of a kakiage tempura — this is a flavour that exists nowhere else, at no other time of year. Some restaurants in Shimizu city centre serve sakura shrimp dishes, but if you can make it out to the Yui Fishing Port area (about 25 minutes by taxi from Shimizu Port), the experience is on another level. Note that most restaurants in the Yui area are cash only, so make sure you have yen on hand before you go.
7. Practical Tips for a Smooth Day Ashore
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal and throughout S-Pulse Dream Plaza. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart) also offer free Wi-Fi nationwide, which is handy for checking maps and using translation apps. For more reliable connectivity throughout the day, picking up a prepaid SIM card at the airport upon arrival in Japan is a good idea.
Paying for Things
Cash is king at many restaurants and taxis in Japan, particularly at smaller establishments and food stalls. Larger shops at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashinoichi generally accept credit cards — Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted — but American Express and Diners Club may not be accepted everywhere. 7-Bank ATMs, found inside convenience stores near the port, accept overseas-issued cards and allow you to withdraw yen. As a rough guide, having ¥5,000–10,000 in cash per person will cover most situations comfortably.
IC Transit Cards
If you plan to use JR trains or local buses, a Suica or ICOCA transit card makes things much smoother. These can be purchased at convenience stores near the port or at ticket machines at JR Shimizu Station. If you don’t have a card, cash fares are available on trains, but note that some buses do not give change — having the exact fare in coins ready will speed things up considerably.
Language Support
The tourist information desk inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal, as well as the Shimizu Station Tourist Information Centre, both have English-speaking staff. S-Pulse Dream Plaza and many stalls in Kashinoichi have English menus and staff who can assist in English. The Miho no Matsubara visitor centre “Mihoshiruhe” provides multilingual brochures. Taxi drivers generally speak Japanese only, but Google Translate’s real-time conversation feature can bridge that gap effectively in most situations.
Tourist Information Offices
- Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — Available immediately after disembarkation. Assists with taxi arrangements, sightseeing information, and maps.
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information Centre — About 15 minutes on foot from the pier. Can advise on train and bus connections.
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City Tourism Info (English) | 054-221-1173 |
| Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi) | 054-285-1212 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
Departure is at 19:00. Plan to be back at Hinode Pier by 18:30 at the latest. Allow a little extra buffer — aiming to arrive by 18:20–18:30 is recommended, as re-boarding procedures can take some time.
To find the pier on Google Maps, search for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭”. If you’re hailing a taxi in the city, writing “清水港 日の出埠頭（Hinode Pier）” on a piece of paper and showing it to the driver is the surest way to communicate your destination.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza is about a 5-minute walk from the pier, and Kashinoichi is about 15 minutes on foot — both reassuringly close. Just keep an eye on the time while you’re shopping or lingering over dessert.
9. About Diamond Princess
Diamond Princess is a large cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, measuring 115,906 gross tons and 290 metres in length. Since her debut in 2004, she has been one of the most beloved ships in the Asia-Pacific region, and her long history of calls at Japanese ports has made her one of the most familiar ocean liners to Japanese cruise travellers.
Onboard amenities include pools, jacuzzis, a fitness centre, and a full-service spa, alongside multiple restaurants and bars offering a wide variety of dining styles. The “Sanctuary Spa” sometimes features special Japan-inspired treatment menus during Japanese port calls, incorporating local ingredients and techniques. Every evening, the main theatre comes alive with Broadway-style shows and live entertainment — so the fun continues long after Diamond Princess leaves Shimizu behind. With accommodation for around 2,600 guests across 15 decks, and a standard of service that extends to every detail, Diamond Princess is a ship that sets the bar high.
From the vast Pacific shores of Tosa and Kochi, to the harbour town of Shimizu, and onward to the urban skyline of Yokohama — Japan’s coastline unfolds in beautiful variety, and we hope your hours in Shimizu leave you with memories to carry home. Even in five hours, the spirit of Shizuoka — the land of Mt. Fuji — has a way of staying with you long after the ship sails.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
