September 14, 2026 Shimizu Port Shore Day Guide for Diamond Princess Passengers

Monday, September 14, 2026. After departing Kochi and sailing east across the Pacific, 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 re-boarding, a realistic figure for time actually spent outside the port is about four and a half hours. Even so, that’s plenty of time to enjoy the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka in half a day — Kunozan Toshogu Shrine with its National Treasure main hall, Nihondaira Yume Terrace overlooking Suruga Bay, the Kashi-no-Ichi fish market where Shimizu’s tuna lands, and S-Pulse Dream Plaza right next 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 Kochi still fresh in your memory, what should you see, eat, and do next in Shimizu? Here’s a thorough look 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. 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

First, here’s your September 14, 2026 schedule at a glance.

Item	Details
Port call date	Monday, September 14, 2026
Arrival	13:00
Departure	19:00
Scheduled time in port	About 6 hours
Realistic sightseeing time	About 4.5 hours
Berth	Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port
Previous port	Kochi
Next port	Yokohama

An afternoon arrival is a somewhat unusual pattern for Shimizu.

Since you can’t get an early start, you’ll be far happier if you narrow your plans down rather than trying to fit in everything.

Mid-September in Shizuoka is just past the peak of the heat, but the humidity lingers. It’s also typhoon season, so the weather can change quickly.

On the plus side, this date falls in the gap between major holiday periods (the three-day Respect for the Aged Day weekend is the following week, September 19–21). With it being a Monday as well, crowds at the sightseeing spots shouldn’t be a concern.

2. Weather and What to Wear on September 14, 2026

The forecast for your port day is light rain showers. The high is 28.4℃ (83°F), the low 22.3℃ (72°F), with a 71% chance of rain — so rain gear is a must.

If Celsius isn’t familiar to you, use these as a guide: 20℃=68°F, 25℃=77°F, 30℃=86°F.

The temperature itself isn’t midsummer-level, but rainy days in Shizuoka are extremely muggy. You’ll sweat, so quick-drying clothing like a T-shirt is your best bet.

With a rain chance above 70%, be sure to bring a folding umbrella or a rain jacket when you disembark. A rain jacket that keeps both hands free is easier to manage when getting on and off the ropeway or taking photos.

Wear shoes with good grip. Kunozan Toshogu has long stretches of stone steps and paving that get slippery in the rain.

On a day like this, it’s safest to build your plan around indoor destinations. The main hall and museum at Kunozan Toshogu, Kashi-no-Ichi market, and S-Pulse Dream Plaza all work fine in the rain.

7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue

Please note that this forecast reflects conditions as 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 of your visit.

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

Shimizu is an easy port to explore independently. Here’s a breakdown of each transport option, including how fares work, payment methods, and service frequency.

On a day like this — roughly four and a half hours ashore with rain in the forecast — a taxi is the best choice if you want to use your limited time freely. On a wet day, simply being able to travel under a roof is worth a lot.

🚕 Taxi (the most flexible option — recommended)

The biggest advantage is being able to string together places that are hard to reach by public transport, such as Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu. Split among a group, the per-person cost is more reasonable than you might expect. Our model route 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 every additional 285 m. Time-based charges also apply while waiting at lights or in traffic. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for a rough estimate before you get in: “About how much to ___?”
• 【Chartering a taxi】Hourly charter is ¥7,700 per hour for a standard car. Sightseeing taxi plans (Shizutetsu Taxi) start at ¥30,800 for four hours — about ¥7,700 per person with four passengers. Show your driver a list of the places you’d like to visit and work out the route together
• 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are your safest bets. Support for IC transit cards and QR payments varies by vehicle, so check before boarding if you plan to use them. No tipping needed
• 【Language】Most drivers speak Japanese only, but showing the place names from this article (with Japanese script) on your phone works perfectly well

🚌 Free shuttle buses (linking the port and Shimizu Station — an underrated ally)

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

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

It connects Dream Plaza — Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu) — JR Shimizu Station Minato Exit in about 8 minutes. The stop is not at Hinode Pier but at the Dream Plaza bus stop next door to the pier.

• 【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 buses】From Dream Plaza, first at 10:00 and last at 22:20. From JR Shimizu Station Minato Exit, first at 9:45
• 【Note】It does not run before 10:00 a.m. On days with an early arrival, take a taxi or walk for your first move of the day
• 【Best used for】Heading toward JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It shortcuts a walk that otherwise takes 20+ minutes

September 14 is a Monday, so the weekday timetable applies: every 30 minutes. Waiting feels longer in the rain, so check the departure time before heading to the stop.

② Cruise-day-only free shuttle for passengers (arranged by the cruise line)

On port call days, a free bus sometimes runs from right in front of Hinode Pier toward 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.

• When the Celebrity Millennium called 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, and its times and destinations, vary from one port call to the next. Check the onboard announcements or ask the staff on the pier after disembarking
• How to tell them apart: ① is a red bus marked “S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA”; ② is a chartered vehicle used only on port call days

⛴ Water bus (travel with Mt. Fuji views from the water)

A small boat linking 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】7 sailings a day. No reservations — first come, first served
• 【Tickets】Buy at the boarding point
• 【Cancellations】Since the route stays inside the harbor, cancellations are rare, but service may be suspended in typhoons or rough weather. Check the day’s operations at the pier or by phone (054-353-2222)

With a 13:00 arrival and rain in the forecast, your window is narrow: the last departure from Hinode is 16:35, and rough weather could cancel service. If you’re hoping to ride, check that day’s status at the boarding point as soon as you disembark.

🚏 Local buses (the standard way 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 costs ¥440 and takes 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 any nationally compatible IC transit card, just tap on when boarding and tap off when you exit
• 【Paying cash】The onboard change machine accepts coins and ¥1,000 notes only. If all you have are 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

🚃 Trains (to central Shizuoka City)

Your option for heading to the Shizuoka Station area for Aoba Yokocho’s oden alley or Sunpu Castle Park. The advantage on a rainy day is predictable travel times.

• 【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 roughly every 8 minutes, so you can just show up
• 【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
• 【Port to station】The free shuttle bus is the easiest way to reach Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station

🚶 On foot (fine if you’re staying near the port)

• S-Pulse Dream Plaza: right next to 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) — the market is right in front of you when 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, around 15 minutes

For much more detail on transport and practical tips from the port, see our Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.

4. Recommended Model Route: “National Treasure and Seafood on a Rainy Afternoon”

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

“What can I actually see in four and a half hours in the afternoon?”

Here’s our answer, taking both the weather and the day of the week into account.

Since rain is forecast, this route is built around places with a roof. You cover the southern area — Nihondaira Yume Terrace and Kunozan Toshogu — in one go, then return to the port area to finish with a meal and shopping. No back-and-forth between the port and outlying areas, so no wasted travel time.

One note: the Toro Ruins and Toro Museum, normally a go-to on rainy days, are out — the museum is closed on Mondays, and September 14 is a Monday. We’ve given that time to Kunozan and the port area instead.

Time	Spot	What you’ll do	Time needed
13:30	Hinode Pier	Disembark and take a waiting taxi	25 min travel
13:55	Nihondaira Yume Terrace	Sweeping views of Suruga Bay and Shimizu from an indoor observatory	25 min
14:25	Nihondaira Ropeway	Across the valley to Kunozan (about 5 minutes)	10 min travel
14:35	Kunozan Toshogu Shrine	Take your time with the National Treasure hall and museum	75 min
15:50	Ropeway and taxi	Back via Nihondaira toward Shimizu Station	35 min travel
16:25	Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”	A late seafood lunch, or shopping for seafood products	50 min
17:15	Taxi (about 5 minutes)	To Dream Plaza	10 min travel
17:25	S-Pulse Dream Plaza	Souvenirs, Chibi Maruko-chan Land, evening harbor views	45 min
18:15	Hinode Pier	A 5-minute walk back to the ship	—

Estimated budget: from about ¥7,000 per person (taxi, admissions, and a meal, assuming four people share one taxi)

Nihondaira Yume Terrace

A timber-lattice observatory standing atop a 307 m summit. It offers 360-degree views from the observation room and the outdoor viewing corridor. Admission is free.

On a clear day you can see Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and even the Southern Alps. On a rainy day you get a more subdued, atmospheric view of Shimizu’s harbor and container terminals spread out beneath the clouds. Because you can take it all in from indoors, it’s worth stopping by even in poor weather.

For details on reaching Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu on your own, including costs, see our Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

The first Toshogu shrine ever built, enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu. The main hall is designated a National Treasure, and its brilliantly colored decoration is a sight to take your time over.

The main hall can be viewed under cover, and the adjoining museum displays artifacts connected to the Tokugawa shoguns. Admission is ¥700 for the shrine, ¥600 for the museum, or ¥1,200 for a combined ticket — the combined ticket is well worth it.

The ropeway from Nihondaira takes about 5 minutes. There is also a route up a long stone stairway from the seaward side, but on a rainy day it’s best avoided.

Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”

Shimizu’s fish market opened to the public, consisting of two buildings: the “Maguro-kan” (tuna hall) and the “Ichiba-kan” (market hall). Shimizu Port is famous for its tuna landings, and this is the heart of it.

One honest caveat: most of the restaurants in the Maguro-kan close around 15:00, so after 16:00 your options center on shopping and takeout at the Ichiba-kan (open until 17:30).

If you want a proper sit-down meal, one alternative is to head to Kashi-no-Ichi first, right after disembarking, and go to Nihondaira afterward. It’s about 5 minutes by taxi from Hinode Pier.

S-Pulse Dream Plaza

A shopping complex right next to the pier — ideal for wrapping up before returning to the ship. Shops are open until 20:00, restaurants until 21:00.

“Chibi Maruko-chan Land” (10:00–20:00, last entry 19:30, ¥1,200 for adults) is an indoor attraction recreating the world of the anime set in Shimizu — popular with visitors who want a taste of Japanese pop culture.

At Shimizu Sushi Yokocho you can make up for any sushi you missed at Kashi-no-Ichi. The 52 m Dream Sky Ferris wheel (¥700, about 13 minutes per rotation) is especially lovely as the harbor lights begin to come on.

Opening Status on Monday, September 14, 2026

• Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open (9:00–17:00). Closed on second Tuesdays, so no problem on this day
• Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: Open (9:00–17:00, open daily)
• Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”: Open (Ichiba-kan 9:30–17:30, closed Wednesdays). Maguro-kan hours vary by shop
• S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Open (shops 10:00–20:00, restaurants 11:00–21:00)
• Chibi Maruko-chan Land: Open (10:00–20:00, open year-round)
• Toro Ruins and Toro Museum: The museum is closed on Mondays. The archaeological park itself is open
• Verkehr Museum (Shimizu Port Museum): Closed Mondays
• Shimizu Jirocho’s Birthplace: Open (weekdays 10:00–16:00, closed Tuesdays)

Since this is a weekday in the week before a long holiday weekend, crowds shouldn’t be an issue. That said, taxi demand rises in the rain, so when moving from Kashi-no-Ichi to Dream Plaza, ask a shop staff member to call one for you, or set off a little earlier.

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

5. Events in Shimizu on September 14, 2026

Mid-September in Shimizu is when the summer festivals have wrapped up and autumn events begin to get going.

Gallery exhibitions, harbor cruises, orchard picking experiences and more are happening around the area.

Do stop by anything that catches your eye.

🍇 ① Grape Picking & Direct Sale ＜Ishikiriyama Farm＞ (September 12–13, 19–20)

Grape picking and direct sales at an orchard in the hills of Yui, Shimizu Ward. It’s inland, about 25 minutes by car from Shimizu Port, and a shuttle bus takes you from the meeting-point parking lot to the venue. September 14 is not one of the event days, but it’s worth considering if you’ll be staying in the Shimizu area over the surrounding weekends. Advance reservations required, first come, first served.

【Date & Time】Grape picking: Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2026, 8:00–16:30 ／ Direct sale: Saturday, September 19, 9:00–14:00 and Sunday, September 20, 9:00–12:00

【Venue】Meet at the Ishikiriyama Farm parking lot ※ Shuttle bus to the venue (238 Yui Iriyama, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

【Fee】Free entry ※ Grapes you pick are purchased at ¥1,600 per kg

【Eligibility】Advance reservation required, first come, first served. Bookings open Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 13:00 by phone or website

🔗 Official website: https://www.instagram.com/ishikiriyama_noen

🧶 ② A Life with Handcrafts, Vol. II (September 12–28, open on your port day)

A handcraft-themed exhibition at a gallery in Udohoncho, Shimizu Ward. It’s open on September 14 from 10:00 to 17:00. Being indoors, it won’t be derailed by rain. A taxi is the realistic way to get there from the port, and it suits anyone wanting a quiet hour away from the usual tourist sites.

【Date & Time】Saturday, September 12 – Monday, September 28, 2026, 10:00–17:00

【Venue】Mokupere × GALLERY kino (5-18 Udohoncho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

【Fee】Please check the official website for details

🔗 Official website: https://www.instagram.com/mokupere/

🍺 ③ Shimizu Port Beer Cruise (September 11, 18, 26, and other dates)

A cruise with all-you-can-drink service departing from the Hinode boarding point at Shimizu Port. The dock is right next to where the Diamond Princess berths, and it’s a window into how locals enjoy an evening out on the water. Unfortunately September 14 is not one of the sailing dates, but it says a lot about how the people of Shimizu relate to their harbor.

【Date & Time】Friday, September 11; Friday, September 18; Saturday, September 26; Saturday, October 3; Friday, October 9; Friday, October 16; Saturday, October 24, 2026 ／ Friday sailings: check-in from 18:30; Saturday sailings: check-in from 17:00

【Venue】Shimizu Port Hinode boarding point (1-7-410-3 Minatocho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

【Fee】All-you-can-drink with alcohol ¥4,500 ／ Soft drinks only: adults ¥3,500, elementary school children ¥1,750

【Eligibility】Bookings accepted August 10 – October 24, 2026

🔗 Official website: https://ticket.shimizu-cruise.co.jp/top?lng=ja-JP

🖼 ④ Shizuoka City Shimizu Cultural Hall Marinart: “Prebato Sainou-Ari Exhibition” (September 5–27, open on your port day)

An exhibition in the first-floor gallery at Marinart, right beside JR Shimizu Station. It has no closing days during its run and is open on September 14 from 10:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30). It’s within reach by free shuttle bus or taxi from the port — handy to keep in mind as a fallback for a rainy afternoon.

【Date & Time】Saturday, September 5 – Sunday, September 27, 2026 ※ Open every day during the run. 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)

【Venue】1F Gallery, Shizuoka City Shimizu Cultural Hall Marinart (214 Shimazakicho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

【Fee】Adults and university students ¥1,500 (¥1,300), junior high and high school students ¥1,200 (¥1,000), elementary school students ¥700 (¥600), preschool children free ※ Free for those presenting a disability certificate ※ Figures in parentheses are advance ticket prices

🔗 Official website: Details page (at-S)

🎎 ⑤ Daytime Geigi Dance Performances — Autumn (September 3 – November 30)

A chance to watch geigi (geisha) dance at traditional Shizuoka restaurants during daytime hours. Performances take place at several ryotei in Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, with dates varying by venue. The 12:00–14:00 time slot unfortunately doesn’t work with a 13:00 arrival, but if you’re interested in Japan’s traditional performing arts, keep it in mind for a future port call that fits.

【Date & Time】Thursday, September 3 – Monday, November 30, 2026 ※ Dates vary by venue. 12:00–14:00 (check-in from 11:30)

【Venue】Nasubi Sohonten, Taigetsuro, Nasu-no-Hana Muan, Kappo Ohana, Sakura Ebi Ryori Kaikatei, Fugetsuro (map shows Fugetsuro: 11-1 Konyacho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

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

【Eligibility】Bookings open Monday, August 17, 2026 at 9:00 via the application form or by fax (telephone bookings not accepted) ※ First come, first served at each venue; closes when capacity is reached

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

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

6. Local Food in Shimizu and Shizuoka

Shimizu and Shizuoka rank among Japan’s finest 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	Kashi-no-Ichi, Maguro-kan	¥1,000–2,500	Shimizu Port tuna takes center stage. Most restaurants close around 15:00
Shimizu-style nigiri sushi	Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza)	¥1,500–4,000	5 minutes’ walk from the pier, open until 21:00 — doable right before boarding
Seafood bowls and takeout deli items	Kashi-no-Ichi, Ichiba-kan	¥500–2,000	Open until 17:30. Also tuna tataki and sakura shrimp shumai
Shirasu (whitebait) rice bowl	Kashi-no-Ichi and around Shimizu	Around ¥1,000–2,000 (rough guide)	A Suruga Bay classic. Raw shirasu depends on whether boats went out
Sakura shrimp kakiage	Yui area and city restaurants	¥800–1,500	The autumn catch starts in October. In September it’s mostly dried or frozen
Shizuoka oden	Aoba Yokocho (central Shizuoka)	¥500–1,500	Known for kuro-hanpen and dashi powder. Most shops open from 17:00
Wasabi products	Shimizu and Shizuoka City	¥300–3,000	Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer. Wasabi-zuke is a popular souvenir

The one we especially want to highlight is shirasu (whitebait), a Suruga Bay classic.

Suruga Bay shirasu caught on a fishing day reaches the shops that very same day. Translucent raw shirasu simply isn’t available if the boats don’t go out — it’s entirely down to the day’s catch.

Boiled kama-age shirasu offers a soft, fluffy texture and a gentle saltiness. Served as a two-color bowl alongside tuna, it lets you taste the best of Shimizu’s sea in a single dish.

You’ll find it at Kashi-no-Ichi’s Ichiba-kan and Maguro-kan, and at restaurants in Dream Plaza. Just ask “Nama shirasu, arimasu ka?” (“Do you have raw shirasu?”) and you’ll be understood. Do give it a try.

For a deeper dive into tuna, sakura shrimp, and shirasu — 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 terminal)
• S-Pulse Dream Plaza: free Wi-Fi available
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart): nationwide free Wi-Fi available
• If you want reliable connectivity for a longer stay, we recommend buying a prepaid SIM at the airport

Payment

Many shops in Japan still operate primarily on cash, and cash is the safe bet at small restaurants and in taxis.

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

If you run low on cash, the Seven Bank ATMs inside convenience stores are convenient. There’s one near the port.

As a rough guide, carrying ¥3,000–10,000 in cash per person per day should cover you.

IC Transit Cards

• Suica, ICOCA, and other nationally compatible IC transit cards work on buses and trains
• You can buy one at convenience stores near the port or at Shimizu Station
• Cash is also accepted, but change isn’t always given, so it’s wise to have coins on hand

Language Support

• Tourist information centers (Shimizu Port Terminal, Shimizu Station): English support available
• S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi-no-Ichi: English menus and staff available
• Miho no Matsubara “Mihoshirube”: multilingual brochures available
• Taxis: Japanese only as a rule. Google Translate is your friend

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 support)	054-253-1170
Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi central dispatch)	054-281-5111

8. Getting Back to the Ship

The Diamond Princess departs at 19:00. Work backward from that and aim to be back at Hinode Pier by 18:30.

Roads get congested in the rain and taxis are harder to flag down. If you’re returning from the city center, allow an extra 15 minutes or so for a stress-free return.

When searching on Google Maps, use “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭.” Remembering that it’s next to S-Pulse Dream Plaza makes it easier to explain if you get lost.

When taking a taxi, tell the driver “Shimizu-ko Hinode Futo (Hinode Pier).” On port call days the ship is visible from a distance, so most drivers will know exactly where you mean.

9. About the Diamond Princess

The Diamond Princess is an approximately 116,000-ton ship operated by Princess Cruises. She measures 290 m in length, carries 2,706 passengers and around 1,100 crew, and entered service in 2004.

One of her defining features is that she was built in Japan, at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Nagasaki shipyard. At the time of her debut she was the largest cruise ship ever constructed in Japan. As a Japanese-built foreign-flag cruise ship, she has been deployed in earnest on Japan-departing cruises since 2014.

Onboard, there’s a Japanese-style public bath at sea called “Izumi.” You can soak in the tub while watching the ocean outside the windows — it’s popular even with guests unfamiliar with Japanese bathing culture.

Another highlight is the sushi restaurant “Kai Sushi,” added during a refit that consciously reflected Japanese food culture. It could be fun to compare the tuna you eat in Shimizu with the sushi served onboard.

She’s a regular caller at Shimizu Port, visiting several times a year, and has become a thoroughly familiar sight to locals.

From the landscapes of Tosa in Kochi to Shimizu’s harbor and mountains, and on to Yokohama next — on this eastward Pacific route, Shimizu is the day when Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the history of Tokugawa Ieyasu all come together.

Rain may be in the forecast, but choose places with a roof and you’ll meet a quieter, more reflective side of Shimizu.

We look forward to welcoming you back to this port someday. 良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.

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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 15, 2026
• Port Call Guide: August 25, 2026
• Port Call Guide: September 4, 2026