Saturday, August 15, 2026. After departing Osaka and rounding the Kii Peninsula, the Diamond Princess arrives at Hinode Pier in Shimizu Port at 13:00. She sails again the same day at 19:00, bound for Yokohama.
🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む
On paper you have six hours in port, but once you factor in disembarkation and the return-to-ship deadline, roughly 4 hours 30 minutes ashore is the realistic figure. Even so, that’s plenty of time for an afternoon in Shimizu and Shizuoka: Nihondaira Yume Terrace, looking down on Suruga Bay from 307 meters up; Kunozan Toshogu Shrine with its National Treasure halls; Kashi-no-Ichi fish market, where Shimizu’s famous tuna comes ashore; and S-Pulse Dream Plaza, right next door to the pier.
Think of this page as your morning paper for your day in port — something to read on the morning your ship arrives at Shimizu. With Osaka still fresh in your mind, here’s what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your hours in Shimizu, told from a local point of view.
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. My hope is that this site feels like the morning paper you read on the day your ship arrives at Shimizu.
- 1. Your Day in Port at a Glance
- 2. Weather and What to Wear on August 15, 2026
- 3. Getting from Shimizu Port into the City and to Attractions
- 4. Recommended Itinerary: "Summer Afternoon Views and National Treasures"
- 5. Shimizu Events on August 15, 2026
- 6. Local Food and Specialties of Shimizu and Shizuoka
- 7. Practical Information for a Worry-Free Day
- 8. Getting Back to the Ship
- 9. About the Diamond Princess
- More Diamond Princess Calls at Shimizu Port
1. Your Day in Port at a Glance
Here’s the schedule for Saturday, August 15, 2026, summarized for quick reference.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date in port | Saturday, August 15, 2026 |
| Arrival | 13:00 |
| Departure | 19:00 |
| Scheduled time in port | About 6 hours |
| Realistic sightseeing time | About 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Berth | Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port |
| Previous port | Osaka |
| Next port | Yokohama |
This date falls on a Saturday during Obon, Japan’s mid-August holiday season. Many Japanese travel or return to their hometowns around August 13–16, making it one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Tourist facilities and restaurants generally keep normal hours, but expect heavier road traffic and longer waits at popular restaurants than usual.
The 1:00 p.m. arrival is another key factor in planning your day. If you have lunch on board before disembarking, you can devote your entire time ashore to sightseeing. Sunset in Shizuoka in August is around 18:30, which means you can even build in time to watch Suruga Bay in the soft evening light — one of the pleasures of this particular port call.
2. Weather and What to Wear on August 15, 2026
The forecast calls for drizzle, with a high of around 29.2℃ (85°F) and a low of around 22.3℃ (72°F), and a 24% chance of rain. It will feel humid in a typically summery way, but this is on the milder end for midsummer. If you’re not used to Celsius, use these benchmarks: 25℃ = 77°F, 30℃ = 86°F, 35℃ = 95°F.
Wear short sleeves with a light layer to throw on — indoor facilities and the ropeway gondola can be strongly air-conditioned. The 24% chance of rain isn’t high, but with drizzle in the forecast, a folding umbrella or rain jacket in your bag will keep you moving comfortably. Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu involve a fair amount of outdoor walking, so bring comfortable shoes and something to drink. Humid days make you sweat quickly, so stay hydrated.
Note that if mist rolls in, Mt. Fuji may not be visible. Head up the hill treating a Fuji sighting as a bonus, and you’ll still enjoy the views of Suruga Bay and Miho no Matsubara for their own sake.
7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue
Please note that this forecast reflects conditions at the time of publication (a few days before your port call). The weather widget above always shows the latest weekly forecast, so do check it again on the morning you arrive.
3. Getting from Shimizu Port into the City and to Attractions
You have more options from Shimizu Port than you might expect. Below is a breakdown of fares, payment methods, and frequency for each. If you want maximum freedom during your limited hours ashore, a taxi is the way to go.
🚕 Taxi (the most flexible option — recommended)
The biggest advantage is being able to string together places like Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu that are awkward to reach by public transport. Split among a group, the per-person cost is surprisingly reasonable. Our model itinerary below uses taxis.
- 【Where to board】Taxis line up at Hinode Pier to meet cruise ship arrivals. If you don’t see any, the tourist information desk in the port terminal can call one for you (Shizutetsu Taxi dispatch center: 054-281-5111)
- 【How fares work】Metered. The base fare is ¥700 (up to 1.17 km), then ¥100 for each additional 285 m. The meter also runs on time while waiting at lights or in traffic. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask roughly what a trip will cost before you get in
- 【Chartering option】Hourly charters run ¥7,700 per hour for a standard car. Sightseeing taxi plans (Shizutetsu Taxi) start at ¥30,800 for 4 hours — about ¥7,700 per person with four passengers. Show your driver a list of the spots you’d like to see and plan the route together
- 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are the safest bets. IC transit cards and QR payment vary by vehicle, so check before boarding if you plan to use them. No tipping required
- 【Language】Most drivers speak Japanese only, but showing the spot names from this article (with Japanese script) on your phone works just fine
With drizzle in the forecast, the door-to-door comfort of a taxi is worth a lot on this particular day.
🚌 Free Shuttle Bus (linking the port and Shimizu Station — an underrated ally)
Shimizu Port has two different free buses, and they leave from different places.
1. The S-Pulse Dream Plaza free shuttle (year-round, open to everyone)
It links Dream Plaza, Shizutetsu Shin-Shimizu Station and the Minato exit of JR Shimizu Station in about 8 minutes. It leaves from the Dream Plaza bus stop next to the pier, not from Hinode Wharf itself.
- Fare: free. You don’t need to be a shopper to ride
- Frequency: every 30 minutes on weekdays (departing Dream Plaza on the hour and half hour), every 15 minutes on weekends and holidays
- First and last: first bus from Dream Plaza at 10:00, last at 22:20; first from JR Shimizu Station at 9:45
- It does not run before 10:00. On an early arrival, take a taxi or walk for your first move of the day
2. A port-day shuttle for cruise passengers (arranged by the cruise line)
On call days a free bus often leaves from directly in front of Hinode Wharf for Shin-Shimizu and JR Shimizu stations. Unlike the Dream Plaza shuttle, you board it steps from the gangway. During the Celebrity Millennium call on August 16, 2026, it was operated by Ihara Kanko (verified on site by our editors). Whether it runs, and its times and destinations, vary by call — check your ship’s daily program or ask the staff on the pier.
⛴ Water Bus (cross the bay with Mt. Fuji in view)
A small ferry connecting Hinode Pier (in front of Dream Plaza) with the Miho area and Ejiri (near Kashi-no-Ichi market). The ride itself is a Shimizu Port sightseeing experience.
- 【How fares work】A flat ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for elementary school children per leg. Hinode to Miho takes about 15 minutes; Hinode to Ejiri about 10 minutes
- 【Frequency】Seven sailings per day. No reservations — boarding is first come, first served
- 【Tickets】Purchase at the boarding point
- 【Cancellations】Cancellations are rare on this inner-harbor route, but service may be suspended in typhoons or rough weather. Check the boarding point or call 054-353-2222 on the day
The last departure from Hinode is at 16:35. With a 13:00 arrival, the practical way to use it is right after you disembark.
🚏 Local Bus (the standard route to Miho — Shizutetsu Just Line)
To reach Miho no Matsubara by public transport, take the Miho Yamanote Line. Shimizu Station to Miho no Matsubara Iriguchi is ¥440 and about 25 minutes.
- 【Frequency】Roughly 3–4 buses per hour during the day
- 【How to ride】Board through the rear door and pay at the farebox by the driver when you get off. With Suica, ICOCA, or other nationally interoperable IC cards, just tap on when boarding and tap off when alighting
- 【Paying cash】The onboard change machine accepts coins and ¥1,000 notes only. If you only have larger bills, break them at a convenience store before boarding
- 【Note】You’ll need the free shuttle bus or a walk to get from the port to the Shimizu Station bus terminal
🚃 Train (to central Shizuoka)
Your option if you want to venture to the Shizuoka Station area for Aoba Yokocho’s Shizuoka oden or Sunpu Castle Park.
- 【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu to Shizuoka is ¥240 and about 12 minutes, with 3–4 trains per hour during the day
- 【Shizuoka Railway (Shizutetsu)】Shin-Shimizu to Shin-Shizuoka is ¥350 and about 23 minutes. Trains run about every 8 minutes, so no need to check a timetable
- 【Payment】Both accept Suica, ICOCA, and other IC transit cards. Contactless credit card tap-to-ride is not supported, so use an IC card or buy a paper ticket with cash
- 【From the port to the stations】The free shuttle bus is the easiest way to reach Shimizu Station and Shin-Shimizu Station
🚶 On Foot (fine for the immediate port area)
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza: right beside the pier (1–3 minutes)
- Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”: about 1.3 km, 15–20 minutes on foot. Or take the water bus from Hinode to Ejiri (about 10 minutes) and step off right in front of it
- JR Shimizu Station: about 1.5 km, 20–25 minutes on foot. The free shuttle bus is recommended
- Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu): about 1 km, roughly 15 minutes
For more detail on transport and practical information from the port, see our Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.
4. Recommended Itinerary: “Summer Afternoon Views and National Treasures”
If you’re weighing a ship’s excursion against a local tour or independent arrangements, start with our Shimizu Shore Excursions Compared, which lays out costs and who each option suits.
“What should I see in 4 hours 30 minutes?” The local answer is Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu. With a 1:00 p.m. arrival, the smart move is to eat lunch on board before disembarking. Once ashore, take in the hilltop observatory and the National Treasure shrine in one sweep, then head back to the port to finish with seafood and shopping.
The route runs in one direction — up into the hills south of the port, then straight back — with no zigzagging, so you lose no time in transit. There isn’t enough time to add Miho no Matsubara, so we’ve deliberately left it out. Save it for your next call at Shimizu.
| Time | Spot | What you’ll do | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:30 | Hinode Pier | Disembark, take a taxi | 30 min transit |
| 14:00 | Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace | Sweeping views of Suruga Bay and Shimizu from the observation corridor | 40 min |
| 14:45 | Nihondaira Ropeway | Across the valley to Kunozan (about 5 min) | 5 min transit |
| 14:50 | Kunozan Toshogu Shrine | Visit the National Treasure halls and museum | 60 min |
| 15:55 | Ropeway + taxi | Back to Nihondaira, then on to Kashi-no-Ichi (about 20 min) | 30 min transit |
| 16:30 | Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi” | Seafood shopping at Ichiba-kan, a quick bite | 45 min |
| 17:20 | Taxi or walk | To Dream Plaza (taxi about 5 min / walk 15–20 min) | 10 min transit |
| 17:35 | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Souvenirs, Ferris wheel, Chibi Maruko-chan Land | 40 min |
| 18:20 | Hinode Pier | Walk back to the ship | 5 min transit |
Estimated budget: from about ¥8,000 per person (taxi, admissions, and food included)
Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace
An observation facility wrapped in wooden latticework, standing atop a 307-meter hill. Walk the loop of the observation corridor and you’ll take in Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, Miho no Matsubara, the Southern Alps, and Shimizu Port directly below. Admission is free, and it stays open until 21:00 on Saturdays, so you can catch the soft light of late afternoon. Even if mist hides Mt. Fuji, seeing the shape of the bay laid out at a glance connects nicely with the view you had of Shimizu Port from the ship.
For details on reaching Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu independently, including costs, see our Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
The oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan, enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu. The halls are designated National Treasures, with their vivid polychrome carvings and lacquerwork intact. It’s about 5 minutes from Nihondaira by ropeway, and the airborne crossing into the grounds is memorable in itself. Admission is ¥700 for the shrine, ¥600 for the museum, or ¥1,200 for a combined ticket. The museum displays items associated with Ieyasu. The shrine closes at 17:00, so leave yourself some margin.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”
A market where the tuna landed at Shimizu Port comes together, opened up to the general public. It consists of two buildings: “Maguro-kan,” lined with restaurants, and “Ichiba-kan,” home to fishmongers and local product shops. Ichiba-kan is open 9:30–17:30, so even an evening arrival leaves time for shopping and snacking. There’s plenty you can take back to the ship — tuna tataki, sakura shrimp shumai, dried fish and more. Many restaurants in Maguro-kan close around 15:00, so adjust your timing if you want a full sit-down meal.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza
A complex of about 60 shops right beside the pier. Grab sushi at Shimizu Sushi Yokocho, or step into the anime world at Chibi Maruko-chan Land (¥1,200 for adults, ¥700 for ages 3 through elementary school). The 52-meter Dream Sky Ferris wheel costs ¥700 for a ride of about 13 minutes. Even with just 30 minutes before returning to the ship, you’ll find everything from souvenirs to a meal. And if it starts raining, everything is under one roof.
Opening Status on Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open (9:00–21:00 on Saturdays). It closes on the second Tuesday of the month, so there’s no issue on this date
- Nihondaira Ropeway: Operating. Service may be suspended in strong winds or thunderstorms
- Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: Open (9:00–17:00, no closing days). Mind the admission cutoff
- Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”: Ichiba-kan open (9:30–17:30). It closes on Wednesdays, so it’s open on this date. Restaurant hours in Maguro-kan vary by shop, with many closing around 15:00
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Open (shops 10:00–20:00 / restaurants 11:00–21:00)
- Shimizu Port Water Bus: Operating (seven departures from Hinode between 9:55 and 16:35)
Because this is a Saturday during Obon, the Nihondaira Parkway and the ropeway station will be busier than usual. Assume there may be a wait for the ropeway and pad your time at Kunozan a little so you can take it all in without rushing.
For options beyond those covered here — from walkable spots to half-day routes and rainy-day plans — see our 20 Things to Do in Shimizu.
5. Shimizu Events on August 15, 2026
August 15 falls right in the middle of Obon. Summer festivals and bon dances take place across Shizuoka, and you’ll see people in yukata as evening comes on. With a 13:00 arrival, there are events within a few minutes’ walk of the pier.
🍧 1. The 13th Shizuoka Shaved Ice Festival (August 11–16)
One to three minutes on foot from the gangway, on the sea-side deck of S-Pulse Dream Plaza’s main “SEA-side” building, 1st floor. It runs 10:00–17:00, so a 13:00 arrival leaves you plenty of time. Japanese shaved ice (kakigori) in the harbor breeze is the easiest treat of the day. Details on the Dream Plaza official page (Japanese).
🐉 2. Dragon Zoo — Shimizoo Special Edition (July 31 – August 30)
Same complex, 3rd floor of the “SEA-side” building. Open 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30); ¥1,000 for junior high school age and above, ¥600 for ages 3 through elementary school, free for age 2 and under. Indoors, so heat and rain are not a concern, and it pairs naturally with the shaved ice festival downstairs. Official page
🚃 3. Plarail Playground (August 13–16)
At Shizuoka City Children’s Creative Town “Ma-a-ru” (Ejiria building, 3rd–4th floor, Tsuji 1-2-1, Shimizu Ward), 10:00–16:30. Free to take part; admission is free for children and ¥310 per day for adults 18 and over. It sits near Kashi-no-Ichi fish market, so it combines well with lunch there. Good for families. Official site (Japanese)
One note on timing: the Nagaokawa Fireworks Display starts at 19:10 in Aoi Ward, but Diamond Princess sails at 19:00, so this call misses it. The gyoza festival at NEOPASA Shimizu (11:00–18:00) is inside a highway service area and cannot be reached from ordinary roads.
Smaller neighborhood festivals and shopping street events are often announced at the last minute, so it’s worth asking at the tourist information desk inside the Shimizu Port passenger terminal: “Is anything happening nearby today?”
⚠️ Events may be changed or canceled due to weather or other circumstances. Please check official sources before heading out.
6. Local Food and Specialties of Shimizu and Shizuoka
Shimizu and Shizuoka rank among Japan’s finest food destinations. Here are the specialties worth seeking out during your day in port.
| Dish | Where | Price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna rice bowls & sashimi platters | Maguro-kan at Kashi-no-Ichi (10 min walk) | ¥1,000–2,500 | Shimizu Port is a major tuna landing hub. English menus available |
| Shimizu sushi | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza, 5 min walk) | ¥1,500–4,000 | The closest sushi to the pier, with several shops side by side |
| Raw shirasu & shirasu bowls | Kashi-no-Ichi, Dream Plaza | Varies by shop | Suruga Bay shirasu is at its peak in summer |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage | Yui area (25 min by car), various spots in the city | ¥800–1,500 | Crisp texture and sea aroma. Many shops are cash only |
| Shizuoka oden | Aoba Yokocho (5 min walk from Shizuoka Station) | ¥500–1,500 | Known for its dark broth, kuro-hanpen, and dashi powder topping |
| Wasabi treats | Various spots around the port | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer. Wasabi soft-serve is popular too |
| Shizuoka tea | Kashi-no-Ichi, Dream Plaza | Varies by product | Deep-steamed sencha is a classic souvenir. Some shops offer tastings |
One item deserves special mention in August: raw shirasu, the seasonal delicacy of the moment. Shirasu are the juveniles of anchovies and similar fish, caught in Suruga Bay from spring through autumn. They spoil quickly, so they can only be eaten raw right beside the port where they’re landed. Add a touch of ginger and soy sauce to the translucent fish and you’ll taste a faint sweetness along with the aroma of the sea. You’ll find them at Maguro-kan and Ichiba-kan in Kashi-no-Ichi and at the restaurants in Dream Plaza, but supplies depend on the day’s catch and can run out — so order without hesitation if you see them. Bowls topped with both boiled shirasu and tuna are another summer standard.
For a deeper dive into tuna, sakura shrimp, and shirasu — their seasons, how to eat them, and where to go — see our Shimizu Seafood Guide.
7. Practical Information for a Worry-Free Day
Wi-Fi
- Shimizu Port Terminal: free Wi-Fi available (inside the port terminal)
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza: free Wi-Fi available
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart): nationwide free Wi-Fi available
- If you expect to be online for long stretches, buying a prepaid SIM at the airport will keep you connected on the move
Payment Methods
Cash is still the default at many businesses in Japan, and smaller restaurants and taxis may not accept anything else. Larger shops at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi-no-Ichi take credit cards, with Visa and Mastercard the most widely accepted. Assume Amex and Diners may be declined in some places. There is a Seven Bank ATM near the port (inside a convenience store) that handles withdrawals with foreign-issued cards. As a rough guide, carrying ¥3,000–10,000 in cash per person per day will keep things smooth.
IC Transit Cards
Buses and trains accept Suica, ICOCA, and other nationally interoperable IC transit cards. You can buy one at convenience stores near the port or at Shimizu Station. Cash is also accepted, but change may not be given, so keep coins handy.
Language Support
The tourist information desks (Shimizu Port Terminal and Shimizu Station) have English-speaking staff. Many shops at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi-no-Ichi have English menus, and the “Mihoshirube” facility at Miho no Matsubara offers multilingual brochures. Most taxi drivers speak Japanese only, so Google Translate or screenshots are your most reliable tools.
Tourist Information Centers
- Inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — right where you disembark
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information Center — about 1.5 km from the port (free shuttle bus, or 20–25 minutes on foot)
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City Tourist Information Center (Shizuoka Station north exit, English available) | 054-253-1170 |
| Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi central dispatch) | 054-281-5111 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
The Diamond Princess departs at 19:00. Follow your cruise line’s stated all-aboard time, but plan your day so you’re back at Hinode Pier by 18:30 to be safe. Depending on traffic, the trip from the city center to the pier can take more than 10 minutes even by taxi.
If you get lost, search Google Maps for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭” and it will route you from your current location. Use S-Pulse Dream Plaza as a landmark — the pier is about a 5-minute walk from there.
If you take a taxi, tell the driver “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier (清水港 日の出埠頭).” With a large cruise ship in port that day, adding the word “cruise ship” will get the message across quickly.
9. About the Diamond Princess
The Diamond Princess is an approximately 116,000-ton ship operated by Princess Cruises. Launched in 2004, she is 290 meters long and carries 2,706 passengers. She was built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Nagasaki Shipyard and was, at the time of her debut, the largest cruise ship ever constructed in Japan — a slightly unusual pedigree for a vessel operated by a foreign cruise line. She is a regular caller at Shimizu Port, visiting several times a year.
A major 2014 refit added facilities aimed at Japan-based cruising. The best known is Izumi, a Japanese-style public bath at sea, where you can soak in a tub with ocean views — Japanese onsen culture transplanted onto a ship. The other is the sushi restaurant Kai Sushi, where chefs prepare sushi in front of you at the counter. After a plate of raw shirasu or tuna in Shimizu, coming back aboard for more sushi is a pleasure unique to this ship.
Having crossed Suruga Bay from Osaka, the voyage turns toward Yokohama once Shimizu is behind you — a single night’s sailing to the next port. Take another look at Suruga Bay from the deck, this time from the water rather than the hilltop. Even if Mt. Fuji stays hidden behind the mist today, Shimizu’s seafood and its National Treasure shrine will make it a day you remember.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
More Diamond Princess Calls at Shimizu Port
Guides for this ship’s other port calls:
- Port Call Guide: May 17, 2026
- Port Call Guide: May 27, 2026
- Port Call Guide: June 22, 2026
- Port Call Guide: July 20, 2026
- Port Call Guide: August 25, 2026
- Port Call Guide: September 4, 2026
- Port Call Guide: September 14, 2026
