May 27, 2026 Shimizu Port Shore Day Guide for Diamond Princess Passengers

2026年5月25日2026年7月28日

寄港日ガイド / Port Day Guide

🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む

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 Operator

Based in Shizuoka City. I plan and run the “Shimizu Cruise Festival“, an event at Shimizu Port where visitors from Japan and abroad mingle with the local community, and I work on other projects that connect cruise travelers with local people.

Through my interactions with cruise travelers and local residents, I’ve come to realize that enjoying a limited port call is not just about deciding where to go. What really matters is concrete, up-to-date information: How long does it take to get there? Can I visit without a reservation? Will it be open that day?

On this site, I introduce access routes from Shimizu Port, sightseeing spots, events, restaurants, and model itineraries in an easy-to-follow way, from the perspective of someone active on the ground.

My goal is to bring you the kind of real, local information about Shimizu and Shizuoka that guidebooks alone can’t offer, and to help make your day in port an even more enjoyable and memorable one.

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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 from Shimizu Port into Town

For each way of getting around, here is how the fares work, how to pay, and how often it runs. With only 6 hours in port this time, the clock matters: if you want your time ashore under your own control, build your plan around taxis and the free shuttle bus to keep transit losses to a minimum.

🚕 Taxi (the most flexible option, and our top pick)

Nothing beats a taxi for reaching Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and Nihondaira, places public transport covers poorly, with zero waiting. With a 1:00 p.m. arrival, daylight hours are effectively your sightseeing window, and the taxi also powers the model route later in this article, the “Rainy-Day Winner: Kunozan Toshogu and Indoor Spots Course.” Shared among a group, the per-person cost stays reasonable.

【Where to board】Taxis queue at Hinode Wharf for cruise arrivals. If you do not spot one, the tourist information desk in the port terminal can call one (Shizutetsu Taxi dispatch center: 054-281-5111)
【How fares work】Metered. The base fare is ¥700 for the first 1.17 km, then ¥100 for each additional 285 m. The meter also ticks up during red lights and traffic jams. Asking for a rough figure (“About how much to XX?”) before you get in is not rude at all
【Charter option】A time-based charter is ¥7,700 per hour for a standard car. The sightseeing taxi plan (Shizutetsu Taxi) starts at ¥30,800 for 4 hours, about ¥7,700 per head for a party of four. Hand over your list of spots and let the driver help shape the route
【Payment】Cash and credit cards are your safest options. Transit IC and QR payment acceptance varies by car, so ask before boarding. No tipping
【Language】Most drivers speak Japanese only, but showing the spot names from this article (Japanese included) on your phone is all you need

🚌 Free Shuttle Bus (connects the port and Shimizu Station; a little-known ally)

A free loop bus from S-Pulse Dream Plaza covering Dream Plaza, Shizutetsu Shin-Shimizu Station, and the Minato exit of JR Shimizu Station in about 10 minutes — a direct saving on a short stay.

【Fare】Free. No purchase required to ride
【Frequency】Every 15-20 minutes
【When to use it】Going toward JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It shortcuts a walk of 20-plus minutes, boarding at Dream Plaza right next to the wharf

⛴ Water Bus (cross the harbor with Mt. Fuji in view)

The Hinode pier of the Shimizu Port water bus (Photo: ブルーノ・プラス / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0)

A small boat linking Hinode Pier (in front of Dream Plaza) with the Miho area and Ejiri (near the Kashi-no-Ichi fish market). You get Shimizu Port scenery while you travel.

【How fares work】One flat fare per section: adults ¥1,000, elementary school children ¥500. Hinode to Miho is about 15 minutes; Hinode to Ejiri about 10 minutes
【Frequency】7 sailings a day. No reservations; first come, first served
【How to buy tickets】Sold at the pier
【About cancellations】As a within-harbor route, cancellations are rare, but service can stop in severe weather such as typhoons. Verify same-day sailings at the pier or by phone (054-353-2222)

🚏 Local Bus (the standard way to Miho: Shizutetsu Justline)

If you go to Miho no Matsubara by public transport, ride the “Miho Yamanote Line”: Shimizu Ekimae to Miho Matsubara Iriguchi, ¥440, about 25 minutes.

【Frequency】Roughly 3-4 buses hourly during the day
【How to ride】Enter by the rear door, pay at the front fare box when leaving. Nationwide transit IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA work with a tap on boarding and another on exit
【Paying in cash】The onboard change machine accepts only coins and ¥1,000 bills. With larger bills, get change at a convenience store before riding
【Note】From the port to the Shimizu Ekimae bus terminal, use the free shuttle bus or go on foot

🚃 Train (to central Shizuoka)

The option for stretching your visit to the Shizuoka Station area, with Aoba Yokocho’s Shizuoka oden and Sunpu Castle Park.

【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu to Shizuoka: ¥240, about 12 minutes. Daytime service is 3-4 trains per hour
【Shizuoka Railway (Shizutetsu Line)】Shin-Shimizu to Shin-Shizuoka: ¥350, about 23 minutes. Trains run about every 8 minutes, so timetables are optional
【Payment】Both accept Suica, ICOCA, and other transit IC cards. Tap payment with credit cards is not supported; use an IC card or buy a ticket with cash
【From the port to the stations】The free shuttle bus is the convenient way to Shimizu and Shin-Shimizu stations

🚶 On Foot (fine for the area right around the port)

S-Pulse Dream Plaza: right next to the wharf (a 1-3 minute walk)
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”: about 1.3 km, 15-20 minutes on foot. Or hop the water bus from Hinode to Ejiri (about 10 minutes) and arrive right at the market’s doorstep
JR Shimizu Station: about 1.5 km, a 20-25 minute walk. We suggest the free shuttle bus instead
Shizutetsu Shin-Shimizu Station: about 1 km, around 15 minutes on foot

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.