Monday, September 7, 2026. Having departed Ibaraki (Oarai) and sailed south across the Pacific, the National Geographic Resolution arrives at Hinode Pier in Shimizu Port at 07:00. She sails again the same day at 13:00, bound for Osaka.

🇯🇵 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 account for disembarkation and the return to the ship, roughly 4 hours 30 minutes is a realistic estimate for actual time ashore. Even so, that’s enough to enjoy the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka in a single morning: the National Treasure shrine buildings of Kunozan Toshogu, Nihondaira looking down over Suruga Bay from 307 meters, the tuna-filled stalls of the Kashi-no-Ichi fish market, and S-Pulse Dream Plaza right beside 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, September 7, 2026. With Ibaraki (Oarai) still fresh in mind, here’s what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your hours in Shimizu, explained in detail 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. Port Call Essentials

Here’s your September 7, 2026 schedule at a glance.

Item Details
Date in port Monday, September 7, 2026
Arrival 07:00
Departure 13:00
Scheduled time in port Approx. 6 hours
Realistic sightseeing time Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes
Berth Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port
Previous port Ibaraki (Oarai)
Next port Osaka

This is the National Geographic Resolution’s first-ever call at Shimizu, and locals are already talking about “the day the new ship comes.”

September in Shimizu is technically the start of autumn on the calendar. In practice, summer humidity lingers and it’s still typhoon season. The autumn sakura shrimp season doesn’t begin until October, so the stars of the sea right now are tuna and shirasu (whitebait).

With a morning arrival and a 1:00 p.m. departure, how you use the first hour largely determines how full your day feels. Deciding your first move before you disembark will make everything easier.

2. Weather and What to Wear on September 7, 2026

The forecast for your day in port calls for light showers. The high is 26.2℃ (79°F) and the low 23.9℃ (75°F), with a rather high 94% chance of rain.

If you’re not used to Celsius, use these as rough guides: 20℃ = 68°F, 25℃ = 77°F, 30℃ = 86°F.

The temperature itself is comfortable, but rain and humidity will make it feel muggy. Bring a folding umbrella or rain jacket, plus shoes with good grip when wet.

With rain probability above 90%, it’s wise not to build your day around outdoor sights. Center your plans on covered shrine buildings, indoor exhibits, and the shopping complex next to the pier, and use taxis or trains to get around comfortably.

Views of Mt. Fuji may be a long shot in this weather. That said, rain-soaked pine groves and clouds drifting over Suruga Bay are very much part of Shimizu’s character too.

7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue

Note that this forecast reflects the outlook at the time of publication (a few days before your call). The weather widget above always shows the latest weekly forecast, so do check again on the morning you arrive.

3. Getting from Shimizu Port into Town and to the Sights

Below is a breakdown of each transport option, including how fares work, payment methods, and service frequency. If you want maximum freedom in a short port call, a taxi is your best bet. On a day with a strong chance of rain like this one, taxis and trains — anything with a roof — are especially comfortable.

🚕 Taxi (the most flexible option — recommended)

The taxi stand at Hinode Pier, with the TaaS taxi-tour information truck
The taxi stand at Hinode Pier, with the TaaS taxi-tour information truck(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

The big advantage is being able to combine hard-to-reach spots like Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu in one trip. Split among a group, the per-person cost is more reasonable than you might expect.

  • 【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. Time-based charges also apply while waiting at lights or in traffic. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask “About how much to ___?” before you get in
  • 【Chartering by the hour】Hourly charter for a standard car is ¥7,700 per hour. Sightseeing taxi plans (Shizutetsu Taxi) start at ¥30,800 for 4 hours — about ¥7,700 per person with four passengers. Show the driver your list of desired stops and work out the route together
  • 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are your safest options. Support for IC transit cards and QR payments varies by vehicle, so check before boarding if you want 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 perfectly well

Our model route below also uses taxis for the morning run to Nihondaira and the transfer to Kashi-no-Ichi.

🚌 Free shuttle buses (linking the port and Shimizu Station — a surprisingly underused ally)

The east–west concourse of JR Shimizu Station, lined with S-Pulse banners
The east–west concourse of JR Shimizu Station, lined with S-Pulse banners(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

There are two kinds of free buses at Shimizu Port. They depart from different places, so it helps to know the difference.

① S-Pulse Dream Plaza free shuttle (year-round, open to everyone)

The red free shuttle bus linking S-Pulse Dream Plaza and JR Shimizu Station
The red free shuttle bus linking S-Pulse Dream Plaza and JR Shimizu Station(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

Connects Dream Plaza, Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu), and JR Shimizu Station’s Minato-guchi exit in about 8 minutes. The stop is not at Hinode Pier but at the Dream Plaza bus stop next door.

  • 【Fare】Free. You don’t need to be a shopper to ride
  • 【Frequency】Every 30 minutes on weekdays (departing Dream Plaza at :00 and :30), every 15 minutes on weekends and holidays (:00, :15, :30, :45)
  • 【First and last runs】From Dream Plaza: first at 10:00, last at 22:20. From JR Shimizu Station Minato-guchi: first at 9:45
  • 【Note】It does not run before 10:00 a.m. On early-arrival days, take a taxi or walk for your first move of the morning
  • 【Best used for】Heading to JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It saves you a walk of 20 minutes or more

September 7 is a Monday, so the weekday 30-minute schedule applies. Since the ship arrives at 07:00, this shuttle won’t be an option for your morning departure — worth keeping in mind.

② Port-call-only free shuttle for cruise passengers (arranged by the cruise line)

The Ihara Kanko coach operating the port-day shuttle service
The Ihara Kanko coach operating the port-day shuttle service(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

On port call days, a free bus sometimes runs from right in front of Hinode Pier to Shin-Shimizu Station and JR Shimizu Station. The key difference from ① is that you can board it the moment you step off the ship.

  • During the Celebrity Millennium’s call on August 16, 2026, Ihara Kanko Bus operated a service linking Hinode Pier, Shin-Shimizu Station, and JR Shimizu Station (confirmed on site by our team)
  • Whether it runs, along with times and destinations, varies from call to call. Check the announcements on board or ask pier staff after you disembark
  • How to tell them apart: ① is a red bus marked “S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA”; ② is a chartered coach running only on port call days

⛴ Water bus (travel across the harbor with Mt. Fuji views)

Small boats run from the Hinode landing (in front of Dream Plaza) to the Miho area and to Ejiri (near Kashi-no-Ichi). The ride itself is a sightseeing experience.

  • 【How fares work】Flat rate per leg: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥500 for elementary school children. Hinode to Miho takes about 15 minutes; Hinode to Ejiri about 10 minutes
  • 【Frequency】7 sailings a day. No reservations — boarding is first-come, first-served
  • 【Tickets】Purchase at the landing
  • 【Cancellations】Cancellations are rare on this sheltered harbor route, but service may be suspended in typhoons or other severe weather. Check the day’s operations at the landing or by phone (054-353-2222)

The forecast calls for a 94% chance of rain. Rain alone won’t stop these boats, but strong winds can affect service. If you plan to ride, check the day’s schedule at the landing right after you disembark.

🚏 Local buses (the classic route to Miho — Shizutetsu Just Line)

To reach Miho no Matsubara by public transport, take the Miho Yamanote Line. From Shimizu Station to Miho-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 fare box by the driver when you get off. With Suica, ICOCA, or any nationally interoperable IC card, just tap on when boarding and tap off when leaving
  • 【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 or a walk to get from the port to the Shimizu Station bus terminal

🚃 Trains (to central Shizuoka City)

Your option if you want to venture toward Shizuoka Station for Aoba Yokocho’s Shizuoka oden or Sunpu Castle Park.

  • 【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu Station to Shizuoka Station: ¥240, about 12 minutes. 3–4 trains per hour during the day
  • 【Shizuoka Railway (Shizutetsu)】Shin-Shimizu Station to Shin-Shizuoka Station: ¥350, about 23 minutes. Trains run about every 8 minutes, so there’s 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 is the easiest way to reach Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station

🚶 On foot (fine for the immediate port area)

  • S-Pulse Dream Plaza: right next to the pier (1–3 minutes on foot)
  • 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) — the market is right where you land
  • JR Shimizu Station: about 1.5 km, 20–25 minutes on foot. The free shuttle is recommended
  • Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu): about 1 km, roughly 15 minutes on foot

For a deeper dive into transport options and practical tips from the port, see our Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.

S-Pulse Dream Plaza, right next to the pier, with the Dream Sky Ferris wheel as its landmark. A shopping mall of Shizuoka specialities, local seafood and souvenirs, just 1–3 minutes on foot
S-Pulse Dream Plaza, right next to the pier, with the Dream Sky Ferris wheel as its landmark. A shopping mall of Shizuoka specialities, local seafood and souvenirs, just 1–3 minutes on foot(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

If you’re weighing a ship’s excursion against a local tour or going independently, start with our Shimizu Shore Excursions Compared, which lays out costs and who each option suits.

“What can I possibly see in four and a half hours?”

Here’s our answer, factoring in the rainy forecast. This route centers on covered spaces: you cover Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu first, then head back to the port area for tuna before returning to the ship.

Because you don’t bounce back and forth between the port and distant sights, there’s little wasted travel time even in the rain. The National Treasure shrine buildings can be viewed from under cover, and the link between Nihondaira and Kunozan is a ropeway, so there’s almost no stretch requiring a long walk with an umbrella.

Time Spot Details Duration
08:00 Hinode Pier Disembark, taxi to Nihondaira (about 30 min) 30 min
08:30 Nihondaira Observation Corridor Watch rain clouds drift over Suruga Bay; pause under the covered sections 25 min
09:00 Nihondaira Yume Terrace Indoor exhibits and observation floor right at opening 25 min
09:30 Nihondaira Ropeway Cross the valley to Kunozan (about 5 min) 10 min
09:40 Kunozan Toshogu Tour the National Treasure shrine and museum 55 min
10:40 Ropeway + taxi Return to Nihondaira, then head toward Shimizu Port (about 25 min) 35 min
11:15 Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi” Tuna rice bowl lunch and souvenir shopping 45 min
12:05 S-Pulse Dream Plaza About 5 min by taxi. Souvenirs and indoor browsing 20 min
12:30 Hinode Pier 5-minute walk back to the ship

Estimated budget: from about ¥7,000 per person (taxi, admissions, and meal included)

The ropeway’s first departure can shift depending on daily operating conditions. When you arrive at Nihondaira, check the descent times at the station first so your schedule stays intact.

Nihondaira and Nihondaira Yume Terrace

A 360-degree observation facility atop a 307-meter hill. On clear days you can take in Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and Miho no Matsubara all at once.

Admission is free. The beautiful timber-lattice building is itself a highlight, and on rainy days the indoor exhibits and observation floor alone make the trip worthwhile. The observation corridor is open all day, so arriving before the 9:00 opening time won’t leave you with nothing to do.

Kunozan Toshogu

The grounds of Kunozan Toshogu shrine seen from the tower gate
The grounds of Kunozan Toshogu shrine seen from the tower gate (Photo: Motokoka / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

The oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Its vividly colored shrine buildings are designated a National Treasure.

Open 9:00–17:00. Admission is ¥700 for the shrine, ¥600 for the museum, or ¥1,200 for a combined ticket. Since you’ve come this far, the combined ticket including the museum is worth it. The ropeway from Nihondaira takes just 5 minutes, so you can arrive without climbing the long stone stairway.

For details on visiting Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu independently, including routes and costs, see our Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.

Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”

Uo-no-Hokushin and Kaisengumi in Ichiba-kan, busy with midday shoppers
Uo-no-Hokushin and Kaisengumi in Ichiba-kan, busy with midday shoppers(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

Shimizu’s fish market, opened up to the general public. It’s split into two buildings: “Maguro-kan,” lined with restaurants, and “Ichiba-kan,” for shopping.

Shimizu Port is a hub of Japan’s tuna trade, and the market’s eateries serve the best of the day’s catch. Ichiba-kan is open 9:30–17:30; Maguro-kan hours vary by shop, but around 11:00 you’ll have plenty of choices. It’s all indoors, so rain is no problem.

S-Pulse Dream Plaza

Suruga Minori Market, the ground-floor food and souvenir hall at Dream Plaza, a few minutes' walk from the cruise berth
Suruga Minori Market, the ground-floor food and souvenir hall at Dream Plaza, a few minutes’ walk from the cruise berth(撮影:清水港クルーズガイド編集部)

A complex right next to Hinode Pier — about a 5-minute walk — perfect for your last stop before returning to the ship.

Inside you’ll find Shimizu Sushi Yokocho, Chibi Maruko-chan Land (¥1,200 adults / ¥700 children), and the 52-meter Dream Sky Ferris wheel (¥700, about 13 minutes per rotation). The souvenir shops are conveniently grouped together, so many visitors pick up Shizuoka tea and wasabi products here.

Opening Status on Monday, September 7, 2026

  • Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open (closed the 2nd Tuesday of the month and Dec 26–31; open on Monday, Sept 7)
  • Kunozan Toshogu: Open (9:00–17:00, no closing days)
  • Nihondaira Ropeway: Operating (runs in rain; may suspend in strong winds or lightning)
  • Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”: Open (closed Wednesdays)
  • S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Open (shops 10:00–20:00 / restaurants 11:00–21:00)
  • Toro Ruins & Toro Museum: The museum is closed Mondays, so we’ve left it off this route (the archaeological park is open)
  • Verkehr Museum (Shimizu Port Museum): Closed Mondays

A rainy Monday morning tends to be a relatively quiet time at the sights. That said, it’s typhoon season, so strong winds could affect outdoor events near the port or boat operations.

For options beyond those covered here — from walkable spots to half-day routes and rainy-day plans — see our comprehensive 20 Things to Do in Shimizu.

5. Events in Shimizu on September 7, 2026

September 7 falls in the seasonal handover period, when summer festivals have wrapped up and autumn events are beginning. Around Shimizu Ward you’ll find exhibitions, trial lessons, and traditional performing arts showcases. Do stop by anything that catches your eye.

🖼 ① 【Ticket Giveaway】Shizuoka City Shimizu Cultural Hall Marinart: “Prebato Talent Exhibition” (Sept 5 – Sept 27, open daily)

An exhibition at the cultural hall in Shimazaki-cho, in the direction of JR Shimizu Station from the port. It’s held in the first-floor gallery — indoors, so you can keep your plans even in the rain.

It’s about 10 minutes by taxi from the port. Doors open at 10:00, so if you’re out early in the morning, check the timing carefully.

【Date & Time】Sat, Sept 5 – Sun, Sept 27, 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) ※Open every day of the run

【Venue】1F Gallery, Shizuoka City Shimizu Cultural Hall Marinart (214 Shimazaki-cho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 424-0823)

【Fee】General/university students ¥1,500 (¥1,300); junior high & high school students ¥1,200 (¥1,000); elementary school students ¥700 (¥600); preschoolers free. ※Free for holders of disability or rehabilitation certificates ※Prices in parentheses are advance tickets

🔗 Official website: https://www.at-s.com/event/article/1941254

💃 ② Daytime Geigi Dance Viewing — Autumn (Sept 3 – Nov 30; dates vary by venue)

A daytime performance where you can experience Shizuoka’s geisha district culture. Held at several ryotei restaurants and other venues in Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, and enjoyed together with a meal.

Advance application is required, and phone bookings are not accepted. Dates differ by venue, so check the official site if you’re interested.

【Date & Time】Thu, Sept 3 – Mon, Nov 30, 12:00–14:00 (reception opens 11:30) ※Dates vary by venue

【Venue】Nasubi Sohonten, Taigetsuro, Nasu no Hana Muan, Kappo Ohana, Sakura Ebi Ryori Kaikatei, Fugetsuro (11-1 Konya-cho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 420-0852 / map shows Fugetsuro)

【Fee】¥5,500–¥12,000 (tax and service charge included) ※Varies by venue

【Eligibility】Applications open Mon, Aug 17, 2026 at 9:00 via online form or fax (phone applications not accepted) ※First-come, first-served at each venue until capacity is reached ※See the official site for details

🔗 Official website: https://www.geigi.jp/post/2026autumn

✍️ ③ Kikuzo Mochizuki: Hameji Calligraphy and Illustration Exhibition (Sept 2–14)

A solo exhibition at the lifelong learning center in Matsui-cho, Shimizu Ward. Because it’s held at a community facility, it offers a glimpse of everyday Shimizu rather than the tourist side of town.

It’s a little way from the port, but as an indoor exhibition it’s unaffected by weather. Hours and admission aren’t publicly listed, so check before heading out.

【Date & Time】Wed, Sept 2 – Mon, Sept 14

【Venue】Shizuoka City Shimizu Lifelong Learning Center (7-22 Matsui-cho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 424-0921)

【Fee】Please check the official website for details

🔗 Official website: https://www.at-s.com/event/article/1918871

🎨 ④ Autumn Maun Exhibition (Aug 30 – Sept 12)

An exhibition in the gallery at Shimizu Bank’s head office, with free admission. It opens at 9:00, which makes it easy to work into an early-start port day.

Being inside a bank building, it also doubles nicely as a place to duck out of the rain.

【Date & Time】Sun, Aug 30 – Sat, Sept 12, 9:00–17:00

【Venue】Shimizu Bank Head Office Gallery (2-1 Fujimi, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 424-0941)

【Fee】Free

🔗 Official website: https://www.at-s.com/event/article/2032326

🏊 ⑤ Autumn School Lesson Trial Month — Try a Class for One Coin! (Aug 27 – Sept 19)

At Shimizu Terrsa’s fitness studio and pool, you can try any class for ¥500. It could be a fun chance to peek inside a facility that locals actually use.

Times vary by class, so inquire in advance if you’re considering joining. Payment is in cash on the day.

【Date & Time】Thu, Aug 27 – Sat, Sept 19 ※Varies by class

【Venue】Shimizu Terrsa 4F Fitness Studio / Pool (223 Shimazaki-cho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 424-0823)

【Fee】¥500 per class ※One session per lesson. Please pay in cash on the day

【Eligibility】Application period: July 15, 2026 – September 19, 2026

🔗 Official website: https://terrsa.net/

⚠️ Events may be changed or canceled due to weather or other circumstances. Please check official sources before heading out.

6. Local Food Specialties of Shimizu and Shizuoka

The Shimizu–Shizuoka area is one of Japan’s great food destinations. Here are the specialties we’d love you to try on your day in port.

Dish Where Price range Notes
Tuna rice bowl / sashimi platter Maguro-kan (inside Kashi-no-Ichi) ¥1,000–2,500 10 min on foot. English menus, cards accepted
Shimizu tuna sushi Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (in Dream Plaza) ¥1,500–4,000 5 min on foot. The closest sushi to the ship
Seafood bowls / tuna tataki Ichiba-kan (Kashi-no-Ichi) ¥500–2,000 Opens 9:30. Great takeout selection
Sakura shrimp kakiage fritters Yui Fishing Port area ¥800–1,500 25 min by car. Cash only; sold until gone
Shizuoka oden Aoba Yokocho area (central Shizuoka) ¥500–1,500 20 min by train. Known for kuro-hanpen and dashi powder
Sakura shrimp shumai Ichiba-kan (Kashi-no-Ichi) From ¥500 Great as a snack or a souvenir
Fresh wasabi / wasabi pickles Various spots around Shimizu Port ¥300–3,000 Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer

One seasonal delicacy we especially want to mention is raw shirasu (whitebait), which you may come across around this time of year depending on the day’s catch. Suruga Bay shirasu can’t be served raw once time has passed since landing, making it a prime example of something you can only taste at the source. Its silky texture and faint sweetness are so different from boiled shirasu that they may as well be different foods. Some shops at Maguro-kan and Shimizu Sushi Yokocho serve it as a two-color bowl alongside tuna. Availability depends on the day’s catch, so look for the sign out front or simply ask, “Nama shirasu arimasu ka?”

For a deeper look at 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 Ashore

Wi-Fi

  • Shimizu Port Terminal: Free Wi-Fi available (inside the terminal)
  • S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Free Wi-Fi available
  • Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart): Nationwide free Wi-Fi available
  • SIM cards: Buying a prepaid SIM at the airport on arrival in Japan is the surest option

Payment Methods

Many businesses in Japan still operate primarily on cash, and at small restaurants and in taxis, cash is your safest option.

Credit cards are accepted at larger shops in S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi-no-Ichi. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted; Amex and Diners are often not.

Near the port, you can withdraw cash from Seven Bank ATMs inside convenience stores. As a guide, carrying ¥3,000–¥10,000 in cash per person per day should cover you.

IC Transit Cards

Buses and trains accept Suica, ICOCA, and other IC transit cards. You can buy them at convenience stores near the port or at Shimizu Station.

Cash is also fine, but change isn’t always given, so keep small coins on hand.

Language Support

The tourist information desks (Shimizu Port Terminal and Shimizu Station) offer English assistance. S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi-no-Ichi have English menus and staff who can help.

“Mihoshirube” at Miho no Matsubara stocks multilingual brochures. Taxi drivers generally speak Japanese only, so Google Translate is worth having ready.

Tourist Information

  • Inside Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal: right where you disembark
  • Shimizu Station Tourist Information: about 1.5 km from the port (free shuttle, 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

Departure is at 13:00. Plan to be back at Hinode Pier by 12:30, 30 minutes before sailing.

Roads get congested on rainy days, and taxi waits tend to stretch out. On a short six-hour call like this one, building in an extra 15 minutes of buffer is wise.

When searching on Google Maps, use “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭”. Remember that it’s right next to Dream Plaza and you’re unlikely to get lost around the port.

When taking a taxi, say “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier (清水港 日の出埠頭)”. Showing this on your phone is the surest approach.

9. About the National Geographic Resolution

A 12,786-ton ship, making her very first call at Shimizu. At this tonnage she is considerably smaller than the large liners that usually visit the port, and ships of this size tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere on board.

On board, guests can expect comfortable lounges and observation spaces designed to make the most of the scenery as the ship sails.

In Shimizu, the sight of a ship making her maiden call at Hinode Pier is itself a rare one.

Having crossed the Pacific from Oarai, she meets Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay here in Shimizu before heading for Osaka this afternoon. Rain is in the forecast, but a rainy Shimizu has its own quiet, port-town charm. By the time you step back aboard, the taste of tuna and the aroma of green tea should have joined your memories of the voyage.

良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.

Today's picks near the pier (updated today)