Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Celebrity Millennium departs Kagoshima and sails north across the East China Sea, arriving at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 07:00. Departure is the same day at 18:00, bound for Tokyo.
While the scheduled port time is 11 hours, once you account for disembarkation and re-boarding, you’ll realistically have around 9 to 9.5 hours to explore ashore. That’s still plenty of time to experience the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka in a single day — from the dazzling National Treasure shrine of Kunozan Tosho-gu, to the sweeping historical park of Toro Ruins where Yayoi-era life comes alive, to the freshest tuna you’ll ever taste at Kashi no Ichi fish market, and the whimsical world of beloved anime *Chibi Maruko-chan* at S-Pulse Dream Plaza.
This page is your complete shore day guide for June 17, 2026. Fresh from Kagoshima, here’s everything you need to know about what to see, what to eat, and how to make the most of your time in Shimizu — from a local perspective.
About the Author
Shimizu Port Cruise Guide — Site Administrator
Based in Shizuoka Prefecture, I work in hospitality and tourism services 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 staff, and local restaurant owners, I aim to bring you the kind of real, up-to-date insights you won’t find in any guidebook.
Table of Contents
- Shore Day Basics
- Weather and What to Wear on June 17, 2026
- Getting Around from Shimizu Port
- Recommended Itinerary: “Rain-Proof Indoor Highlights Tour”
- Local Events on June 17, 2026
- Must-Try Food and Drink in Shimizu & Shizuoka
- Practical Information for a Smooth Day Ashore
- Getting Back to the Ship
- About Celebrity Millennium
1. Shore Day Basics
Here’s a quick overview of the key details for your June 17, 2026 port call.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Day | Wednesday, June 17, 2026 |
| Arrival | 07:00 |
| Departure | 18:00 |
| Scheduled Time in Port | Approx. 11 hours |
| Realistic Time Ashore | Approx. 9–9.5 hours |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier |
| Previous Port | Kagoshima |
| Next Port | Tokyo |
June 17 falls in the heart of early summer — and Japan’s rainy season. In Shizuoka Prefecture, the rainy season typically begins in early June, and mid-to-late June tends to bring overcast skies and frequent showers. That said, Shizuoka is known as one of Japan’s sunniest regions, and clear spells between rain showers are far from unusual. Bring rain gear, but keep your fingers crossed for a break in the clouds.
June also marks the tail end of Japan’s new tea (*shincha*) season, when the aroma of freshly harvested Shizuoka green tea drifts through the air. Souvenir corners at tourist spots are well stocked with deep-steamed sencha and an array of tea-flavored sweets. And if rain does come, it only deepens the lush greens of the pine groves and gardens — a distinctly Shizuoka kind of beauty.
2. Weather and What to Wear on June 17, 2026
June in Shimizu is warm and humid, with daytime highs typically reaching 23–27°C (73–81°F). Mornings can feel noticeably cooler — around 20°C (68°F) — so if you’re stepping off the ship at 07:00, you may want an extra layer to start the day. As this is the rainy season, overcast skies and light rain are common, and sudden heavy downpours are possible.
For clothing, a light long-sleeve shirt or cardigan that you can layer is ideal. A compact umbrella or rain poncho is essential. Choose breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to stay comfortable in the humidity. Wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes, as you’ll likely be doing a fair amount of walking. Don’t forget sunscreen either — when the sun does come out, UV levels can be strong.
Please note that this article was written a few days before the port call, so a precise forecast for June 17 is not yet available. Accurate weather predictions for the day typically become available around three days in advance. We recommend checking the latest forecast before you go ashore. A quick search for “Shimizu, Shizuoka weather” will bring up English-language forecasts easily.
3. Getting Around from Shimizu Port
In a port-intensive day like this, how you get around makes all the difference. Here are your main options from Hinode Pier, listed from most to least recommended for cruise passengers.
Taxi (Highly Recommended)
Taxis are by far the most practical option for cruise visitors. When shared among a group, the cost per person becomes very reasonable — and the flexibility is unmatched. For stays of six hours or more, a chartered sightseeing taxi is particularly worthwhile. Expect to pay roughly ¥15,000–20,000 for a 4-hour charter (one taxi, up to 4 passengers). This gets you to Nihondaira, Kunozan Tosho-gu, Toro Ruins, and more without any hassle. English-speaking drivers are not guaranteed at every company, but the tourist information desk inside the port terminal can often help arrange an English-friendly taxi. Head there as soon as you disembark.
Water Bus (Shimizu Port Water Bus)
A sightseeing boat service connecting Hinode Pier (near S-Pulse Dream Plaza) with Miho. One-way fare is ¥1,000 for adults; the journey takes about 35 minutes. The boarding point is a 2–5-minute walk from S-Pulse Dream Plaza at the “Hinode” stop. Sailing across the harbor with views of Mt. Fuji is a quintessentially Shimizu experience — but note that services may be canceled in bad weather or rough seas. The general schedule runs approximately 09:55–15:55 from Hinode (Miho Hagoromo Line), but always confirm current operations at the tourist information desk or official website before heading out. In June’s rainy season, cancellations are a real possibility.
Local Bus
For Miho-no-Matsubara, take a Shizutetsu Bus from Shimizu Station (about a 15-minute walk from Hinode Pier) — around 25 minutes and ¥470 one-way. For Nihondaira, you would take a JR train from Shimizu to Shizuoka Station (about 10 minutes), then a bus for roughly 50 minutes. Given the connections and waiting times involved, a taxi or chartered taxi offers much better value for a full day of sightseeing.
On Foot
S-Pulse Dream Plaza is about a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier. Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” is a 3–5-minute walk from JR Shimizu Station’s east exit, though getting there directly from Hinode Pier takes around 15–20 minutes on foot. Strolling along the harbor waterfront is a pleasure in itself — enjoy the views as you walk.
JR Shimizu Station
About a 15-minute walk from Hinode Pier. From Shimizu Station, JR Tokaido Line trains reach Shizuoka Station in about 10 minutes (¥210). Shizuoka Station gives you access to Toro Ruins (about 10 minutes by taxi) and Aoba Yokocho, the famous Shizuoka oden alley. Worth considering if your schedule allows.
4. Recommended Itinerary: “Rain-Proof Indoor Highlights Tour”
*”We have 11 hours in port — but what do we do if it rains?”* This itinerary is the answer. June 17 falls in rainy season, and there’s a good chance of showers. Rather than building your day around outdoor sightseeing, this route centers on covered and indoor attractions — giving you a full, satisfying experience of Shimizu and Shizuoka’s history and food culture, rain or shine.
Starting from a 07:00 arrival at Shimizu Port, the day takes you from the breathtaking National Treasure shrine of Kunozan Tosho-gu, to a tuna bowl lunch in the port, to a walk through a reconstructed Yayoi-era village at Toro Ruins, and finally to souvenir shopping and sushi at S-Pulse Dream Plaza — a complete “Shizuoka full course,” even on a rainy day.
Suggested Schedule
| Time | Location | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Shimizu Port Hinode Pier | Disembark and clear immigration | — |
| 07:45 | Departure | Board chartered sightseeing taxi; head toward Nihondaira | — |
| 08:15 | Nihondaira | Arrive at Nihondaira Ropeway station | — |
| 08:20 | Kunozan Tosho-gu | Take the ropeway (approx. 5 min) and explore the National Treasure shrine and museum | Approx. 120 min |
| 10:20 | Transfer | Ropeway + taxi back toward Shimizu Port (approx. 35 min) | — |
| 10:55 | Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” | Tuna bowl lunch at Maguro-kan; browse souvenirs at Ichiba-kan | Approx. 60 min |
| 12:00 | Transfer | Taxi to Toro Ruins (approx. 20 min) | — |
| 12:20 | Toro Ruins & Toro Museum | Walk the reconstructed Yayoi village; view artifacts at the museum | Approx. 75 min |
| 13:35 | Transfer | Taxi to S-Pulse Dream Plaza (approx. 20 min) | — |
| 13:55 | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Chibi Maruko-chan Land; sushi at Shimizu Sushi Yokocho; souvenir shopping | Approx. 90 min |
| 15:25 | Harbor area | Free time: stroll, café break, last-minute shopping | Approx. 60 min |
| 17:00 | Shimizu Port Hinode Pier | Return to ship | — |
Estimated Budget: Approx. ¥7,000–10,000 per person (including taxi, admission fees, and meals)
*Taxi costs are estimated based on 4 passengers sharing one vehicle. Costs will be higher for smaller groups.*
Kunozan Tosho-gu
Kunozan Tosho-gu is Japan’s oldest Tosho-gu shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu — the founding shogun of the Edo period and one of the most powerful figures in Japanese history. The main shrine buildings are designated National Treasures, and their vivid polychrome lacquerwork and intricate gold-leaf carvings are genuinely breathtaking. Getting here is an experience in itself: a 5-minute ropeway ride from the summit of Nihondaira offers aerial views over Suruga Bay. The adjacent museum houses Ieyasu’s personal belongings and historical artifacts; a combined ticket (shrine + museum: ¥1,200) is excellent value. As you look out from the hillside, you’ll also see the terraced strawberry fields that Shimizu is famous for — a uniquely local detail that even many Japanese visitors miss.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”
Kashi no Ichi (“Riverside Market”) is a public market facility where the fresh catch from Shimizu Port is made available to everyday visitors. It consists of two buildings: Maguro-kan (the tuna hall), lined with restaurants serving tuna bowls and sashimi platters at reasonable prices, and Ichiba-kan (the market hall), stocked with sakura shrimp shumai, local dried goods, and souvenirs. Several restaurants have English menus, making it friendly for international visitors. It’s a convenient one-stop destination for both lunch and shopping.
Toro Ruins & Toro Museum
Designated a Special National Historic Site, the Toro Ruins are the remains of a Yayoi-period settlement dating back approximately 2,000 years. You can walk through the reconstructed site — complete with pit dwellings, raised storehouses, and ancient paddy fields — and get a tangible sense of how people lived in Japan in the centuries around the birth of Christ. On a rainy day, the adjacent Toro Museum provides sheltered viewing of excavated pottery, wooden farming tools, and informative displays. English-language pamphlets are available. This is a genuinely unique experience for history lovers — a chance to stand inside the agricultural roots of Japanese civilization.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza
Just a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier, S-Pulse Dream Plaza is a large waterfront shopping and entertainment complex that serves as an ideal base for the end of your shore day. The headline attraction is Chibi Maruko-chan Land (separate admission from ¥800), a themed space celebrating the beloved anime set right here in Shimizu — complete with photo spots and exclusive merchandise. Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (Sushi Alley) offers an easy and enjoyable way to try local tuna nigiri and sakura shrimp gunkan rolls. With around 60 shops carrying local Shizuoka products, it’s also a great place for last-minute souvenir shopping. The entire complex is indoors, making it a perfect rain-day refuge.
Operating Status on Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- ✅ Kunozan Tosho-gu: Open on Wednesdays, regular hours (9:00–17:00), no regular closing day
- ✅ Nihondaira Ropeway: Operates on Wednesdays (may suspend in strong winds or severe weather)
- ⚠️ Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” (Maguro-kan & Ichiba-kan): Closed on Wednesdays. Kashi no Ichi will be closed on June 17. For lunch, please use Shimizu Sushi Yokocho inside S-Pulse Dream Plaza instead, or refer to the dining options listed in Section 6.
- ✅ Toro Ruins (Historic Site Park): Open 24 hours, free to enter at any time
- ⚠️ Toro Museum: Closed on Mondays and the day after public holidays — open as normal on Wednesdays (9:00–16:30)
- ✅ S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Open on Wednesdays (Shops: 10:00–20:00 / Restaurants: 11:00–21:00)
- ✅ Chibi Maruko-chan Land: Open on Wednesdays (confirm exact hours in advance)
⚠️ Important: Kashi no Ichi is closed on Wednesdays. Please do not plan a lunch stop there on June 17. We recommend heading to Shimizu Sushi Yokocho at S-Pulse Dream Plaza, or exploring the dining alternatives listed in Section 6.
ℹ️ June Rainy Season Note: The Nihondaira Ropeway may suspend operations during strong winds or thunderstorms. We recommend checking the ropeway’s operating status at the port terminal’s tourist information desk immediately after disembarking before setting out.
5. Local Events on June 17, 2026
Despite the rainy season, the Shimizu and Shizuoka area has a variety of events running in June — most of them indoors, and many centered on art and culture. These make excellent options for filling any gaps in your schedule and getting a taste of local creative life.
1. Eucalyptus Photo Club Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Eucalyptus Photo Club Exhibition |
| Dates | Running in June 2026 |
| Venue | Shizuoka City venue (check official listings for details) |
An exhibition by a local photography enthusiasts’ group, featuring images of Shizuoka’s landscapes and everyday life. It’s a quietly beautiful window into this region’s character. Many such exhibitions are free to enter, making them an easy and rewarding stop between sightseeing.
2. Ota Glass Laboratory Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Ota Glass Laboratory Exhibition |
| Dates | Running in June 2026 |
| Venue | Shizuoka City gallery (check official listings for details) |
A solo exhibition by a glass artist, showcasing delicate handcrafted works that play with light and transparency. Rainy days are actually ideal for this kind of contemplative art experience — the subdued light makes the glass pieces glow in a particularly atmospheric way. Some works may be available for purchase, offering a unique and elegant souvenir option.
3. Five Seasonal Festivals: “Tanabata Exhibition”
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Five Seasonal Festivals: “Tanabata Exhibition” |
| Dates | Running in June 2026 (in anticipation of Tanabata on July 7) |
| Venue | Shizuoka City facility (check official listings for details) |
An exhibition centered on Japan’s traditional seasonal celebrations (*gosekku*), with a focus on the upcoming Tanabata star festival on July 7. Displays include decorative crafts and traditional festival ornaments. There may also be a hands-on corner where you can write a wish on a *tanzaku* (paper strip) — a charming, participatory touch that connects you directly to one of Japan’s most beloved traditions.
4. Memorial Exhibition: Works by Calligraphy Letter Artist Furusawa Takayo
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Memorial Exhibition: Works by Calligraphy Letter Artist Furusawa Takayo |
| Dates | Running in June 2026 |
| Venue | Shizuoka City venue (check official listings for details) |
A posthumous exhibition celebrating the work of a locally beloved *etegami* (illustrated letter) artist. *Etegami* is a distinctly Japanese art form that combines simple brushwork paintings with handwritten words — think of it as a deeply personal, handmade greeting card elevated to fine art. The works on display are intimate and warm, offering a quiet moment of reflection amid a busy shore day.
5. Reiwa 8 Archaeological Skills Experience Program
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Reiwa 8 Archaeological Skills Experience Program |
| Dates | Running throughout 2026 |
| Venue | Toro Museum, Shizuoka City |
A hands-on archaeology program hosted by Toro Museum, offering activities such as Yayoi-style pottery making and traditional fire-starting techniques. Since Toro Ruins is already part of the recommended itinerary in this guide, it’s worth checking availability on the day — if spots are open, this is an experience you won’t forget. Language support is limited, but the activities are intuitive and fun enough to transcend any language barrier.
6. Must-Try Food and Drink in Shimizu & Shizuoka
Shimizu and Shizuoka are considered among Japan’s finest food destinations. Here’s a guide to the flavors you shouldn’t miss on your shore day.
| Dish | Where to Find It | Price Guide | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna bowl / tuna sashimi platter | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (Dream Plaza) ※ Kashi no Ichi closed Wednesdays | ¥1,500–2,500 | Ultra-fresh Shimizu-landed tuna; English menus available |
| Local tuna nigiri / sakura shrimp gunkan roll | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (S-Pulse Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500–4,000 | 5 min walk from ship; multiple sushi restaurants in one spot |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage (fritters) | Yui fishing port area (25 min by car from Shimizu Port) | ¥800–1,500 | Spring season (Mar–Jun) peak flavor; fresh sakura shrimp available through June |
| Shizuoka oden (black fish cake / beef sinew) | Aoba Yokocho area, Shizuoka City | ¥500–1,500 | Shizuoka’s beloved B-grade gourmet; served with dried green seaweed powder |
| Seafood bowl / tuna tataki / sakura shrimp shumai | Kashi no Ichi, Ichiba-kan (※ closed Wednesdays) | ¥500–2,000 | Renovated in 2025; good takeaway options (note Wednesday closure) |
| Wasabi dishes (wasabi pickles / wasabi soft-serve) | Around Shimizu Port; Dream Plaza | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer; a great souvenir too |
| Deep-steamed sencha / new tea sweets | Throughout Shimizu and Shizuoka City | ¥300–2,000 | Late new-tea season in June; green tea soft-serve ice cream is a local must |
One flavor deserves special mention as a true highlight of visiting in June: sakura shrimp (sakura ebi). These tiny, translucent pink shrimp are found only in Suruga Bay and are harvested just twice a year — in spring (March–June) and autumn (October–December). June 17 falls right at the very end of the spring season, which means you may be lucky enough to try them fresh and raw (*nama sakura ebi*) — a fleeting seasonal delicacy with a sweet, clean ocean flavor that you simply cannot get anywhere else. Lightly battered and deep-fried into kakiage fritters, they take on a wonderfully fragrant, crispy quality that’s equally irresistible. The most authentic experience is at a local restaurant near Yui fishing port (about 25 minutes from Shimizu by car), but you’ll also find sakura shrimp dishes at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and, on open days, at Kashi no Ichi. Don’t miss the chance to taste one of June’s most special seasonal flavors.
7. Practical Information for a Smooth Day Ashore
Wi-Fi
- Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal (Hinode Pier): Free Wi-Fi available. Connect as soon as you step off the ship.
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Free Wi-Fi throughout the facility.
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart): Nationwide free Wi-Fi; several locations near the port.
- SIM card / eSIM: Available at Japanese airports or convenience stores. For a full day of navigation and translation apps, having a data SIM makes everything much smoother.
Payment
Cash is still king in Japan, especially at smaller restaurants, taxis, and local eateries near the fishing port. Large facilities like S-Pulse Dream Plaza and the Kunozan Tosho-gu gift shop accept credit cards — Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted, while American Express and Diners Club are not accepted at many places. For cash withdrawals, 7-Bank ATMs (found inside 7-Eleven stores near the port) accept overseas-issued cards and offer English-language menus. We recommend having ¥5,000–10,000 in cash per person on hand to cover the day comfortably.
IC Travel Cards
For JR trains and local buses, a Suica or ICOCA contactless IC card is very convenient. Cards can be purchased or topped up at Shimizu Station ticket machines or at convenience stores. Cash payment is also accepted, but note that buses often do not provide change — have exact coins ready if you’re paying cash on board.
Language Support
- Tourist Information Desk, Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal: English-speaking staff available; can assist with taxi bookings, maps, and general sightseeing advice. Your first stop after disembarking.
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza: English menus and some English-speaking staff available.
- Miho-no-Matsubara Visitor Center “Mihoshiruhe”: Multilingual pamphlets available.
- Taxis: Drivers typically speak Japanese only. We strongly recommend using the Google Translate app (camera and voice input modes are particularly helpful). Writing your destination in Japanese and showing it to the driver is the most reliable approach.
Tourist Information Centers
- Inside Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — Right at the pier. Go here first.
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information — About a 15-minute walk from the port, inside JR Shimizu Station.
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City Tourism (English) | 054-221-1173 |
| Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi) | 054-285-1212 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
Celebrity Millennium departs at 18:00. Plan to be back at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier by 17:30 at the latest (30 minutes before departure). To be safe, aim to be back in the port area by 17:00.
To find your way back, search for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭” on Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions from wherever you are.
If you’re taking a taxi back to the ship, simply tell the driver: “Hinode Pier, please” — or show them a note reading 「清水港 日の出埠頭」.
Tip for getting a taxi in the late afternoon: Taxis tend to pass through the S-Pulse Dream Plaza area and the harbor waterfront fairly regularly, but to be safe, ask a staff member at your last stop to call a taxi for you. Note that the 17:00 hour overlaps with the start of evening rush hour, so give yourself a comfortable buffer when planning your return.
9. About Celebrity Millennium
Celebrity Millennium is a Millennium-class cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises (USA), with a gross tonnage of 91,011 GT. Launched in 2000 and extensively refurbished in 2019 through Celebrity’s “Edge Class Infinity” upgrade, the ship’s staterooms, restaurants, and public spaces have been brought up to a modern, sophisticated standard. Celebrity Millennium is a premium-category vessel with a loyal following among cruise travelers worldwide.
Onboard dining covers a broad range of tastes. The main restaurant, The Grand Epicurean, serves multi-course dinners each evening, while Sushi on Five — the ship’s dedicated Japanese and sushi restaurant — is a popular choice, especially fitting after a day in Shimizu. Consider finishing your Japan shore experience over a meal that continues the culinary theme. After a full day of sightseeing, the rooftop Infinity Pool and sun deck offer a perfect spot to unwind as the ship sails toward Tokyo. Evenings on board bring Broadway-style productions at the main theater and live band performances — a great way to close out a memorable day ashore.
From the dramatic silhouette of Sakurajima in Kagoshima to the harbor of Shimizu — and onward to Tokyo. This itinerary traces a remarkable cross-section of Japan: the volcanic south, the tea-scented heart of Shizuoka, and the great metropolis ahead. We hope your day in Shimizu becomes one of the highlights of your voyage.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
