September 28, 2026 Shimizu Port Shore Day Guide for Mitsui Ocean Sakura Passengers

Monday, September 28, 2026. After departing Yokohama, the Mitsui Ocean Sakura sails southwest across Suruga Bay and arrives at Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port, at 08:00. She departs the same day at 17:00, bound for Tokyo. This is her very first call at Shimizu.

🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む

On paper you have nine hours in port, but once you factor in disembarkation and the return to the ship, a more realistic figure is about seven and a half hours ashore. Even so, that’s plenty of time to enjoy the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka: Kunozan Toshogu Shrine with its National Treasure halls, the 360-degree panorama of Nihondaira Yume Terrace, the tuna-packed 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. With Yokohama still fresh in your memory, what should you see, what should you eat, and how should you spend your hours here? Here’s the full picture, 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.

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1. Your Port Day at a Glance

First, here’s a quick summary of the schedule for September 28, 2026.

Item	Details
Port call date	Monday, September 28, 2026
Arrival	08:00
Departure	17:00
Scheduled time in port	Approx. 9 hours
Realistic sightseeing time	Approx. 7.5 hours
Berth	Hinode Pier, Shimizu Port
Previous port	Yokohama
Next port	Tokyo

Late September in Shimizu is when the summer heat finally begins to ease.

At the same time, it’s a season prone to typhoons and the autumn rain front — and this year’s forecast for September 28 suggests we’ll be feeling exactly that.

This day also marks the Mitsui Ocean Sakura’s first-ever call at Shimizu. When a Japanese cruise ship berths here for the first time, there’s a special atmosphere on the pier as well. A welcome ceremony is sometimes held, so take a look around the pier before or after you disembark — you’ll get a sense of how warmly the town greets its visitors.

Since it’s a Monday, sightseeing spots will be relatively quiet. A good day for anyone who prefers to avoid the crowds.

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2. Weather and What to Wear on September 28, 2026

As of now, heavy rain is forecast for Shimizu on September 28, 2026.

The high will be around 26℃ (79°F) and the low around 22℃ (72°F). With a 94% chance of precipitation, it’s safest to plan for rain throughout the day.

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

The temperature itself is comfortable, but getting wet will make it feel cooler. Quick-drying clothing plus a light long-sleeved layer you can add or remove works well.

For rain gear, a jacket or poncho that leaves both hands free is far easier to move around in than an umbrella. Choose water-resistant footwear too — the stone steps at Kunozan Toshogu and the sand at Miho no Matsubara get very slippery in the rain.

With a 90%-plus chance of rain, it’s best not to pin your hopes on outdoor views or a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. Build your day around indoor spots, and treat any break in the rain as a bonus. You almost certainly won’t need that jacket you left in your cabin.

7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue

Please note that this forecast reflects conditions at the time of publication (a few days before the port call). The weather widget above always shows the latest weekly forecast, so do check again on the morning of your visit.

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3. Getting from Shimizu Port into Town and Beyond

Shimizu Port offers several transport options right from the moment you step off the ship. Here’s a breakdown of fares, payment methods, and frequency for each.

If you want maximum freedom within your limited hours, a taxi is the way to go. Especially on a day of heavy rain like this one, choosing a covered means of transport makes a real difference to your comfort.

🚕 Taxi (the most flexible option — recommended)

The biggest advantage is that you can cover places that are hard to reach by public transport, such as Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu, all in one go. Split among a group, the cost per person is more reasonable than you might expect.

The model route below is built around taxi travel. On a rainy day, waiting times are unpredictable, so chartering a taxi keeps you dry all day long.

• 【Where to board】Taxis wait at Hinode Pier to coincide with 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 also accrues while waiting at lights or in traffic. It’s perfectly polite to ask “roughly how much to ○○?” before getting in
• 【Chartering】Hourly charter costs ¥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 people. Show the driver your list of destinations and plan the route together
• 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are the safest bets. IC transit cards and QR payments vary by vehicle, so check before boarding if you want to use them. No tipping required
• 【Language】Most drivers speak only Japanese, but showing the place names in this article (with Japanese text) on your phone works perfectly well

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

There are two types of free buses at Shimizu Port. They depart from different stops, so knowing the difference will save you confusion.

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

Connects Dream Plaza — Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu) — JR Shimizu Station Minato-guchi in about 8 minutes. The stop is not at Hinode Pier but at Dream Plaza, right 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 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 operate before 10:00 a.m. On early-arrival days, use a taxi or walk for your first trip of the morning
• 【Best for】Heading to JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It saves you a walk of 20 minutes or more

September 28 is a Monday, so the weekday schedule (every 30 minutes) applies. With an 08:00 arrival, note that it won’t be running in time for your morning departure.

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

On port call days, a free bus sometimes departs 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 immediately after disembarking.

• When 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 with each port call. Check the onboard announcements or ask pier staff after disembarking
• How to tell them apart: ① is a red bus marked “S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA”; ② is a chartered coach operating only on port call days

⛴ Water bus (travel with sea views of Mt. Fuji)

A small boat connecting Hinode Pier (in front of Dream Plaza) with the Miho area and Ejiri (near the Kashi-no-Ichi fish market). The ride itself is a sightseeing experience.

• 【How fares work】A flat ¥1,000 per section for adults, ¥500 for elementary school children. Hinode to Miho takes about 15 minutes; Hinode to Ejiri about 10 minutes
• 【Frequency】Seven sailings a day. No reservations — boarding is first come, first served
• 【Tickets】Purchase at the dock
• 【Cancellations】Since the route stays within the harbor, cancellations are rare, but service may be suspended in severe weather such as typhoons. Check on the day at the dock or by phone (054-353-2222)

With heavy rain forecast for this day, be sure to check operating status in the morning if you plan to ride. The chance of cancellation is not negligible.

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

To reach Miho no Matsubara by public transport, take the “Miho Yamanote Line.” From 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 fare box next to the driver when you get off. With nationally compatible IC cards such as Suica or ICOCA, simply 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 beforehand
• 【Note】You’ll need to take the free shuttle or walk from the port to the Shimizu Station bus terminal

🚃 Trains (to central Shizuoka City)

Your option for venturing out to the Shizuoka Station area — Aoba Yokocho for Shizuoka oden, Sunpu Castle Park, and more. Even in rain you can walk from the station via underground passages and covered shopping streets, making this a comfortably sheltered way to get around.

• 【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu Station to Shizuoka Station: ¥240, about 12 minutes. Roughly 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 IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA. Contactless credit card payment is not supported at the gates, 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 area right around the port)

• 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) and the market is right in front of you
• 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 more detail on transport and practical information from the port, see our Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.

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4. Recommended Model Route: “A Rainy Autumn Day — National Treasures and Port Town Food”

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

“What should I see in seven and a half hours?”

Here’s our answer, planned around the rain. With a 94% chance of precipitation, you’ll be far happier building your day around places you can enjoy under a roof rather than gambling your time on outdoor scenery.

The structure is simple: cover the southern Nihondaira–Kunozan area first in one sweep, then return to the port area for food and shopping. No back-and-forth between the port and distant spots means no wasted travel time.

Since the day ends at S-Pulse Dream Plaza, you’re just a 5-minute walk from the ship. Even in the rain, you can return without rushing.

Timetable

Time	Location	What you’ll do	Duration
08:30	Hinode Pier	Disembark, depart by taxi for Nihondaira (approx. 30 min)	30 min
09:00	Nihondaira Yume Terrace	Sweeping views of Suruga Bay and Shizuoka City from the indoor observation floors	45 min
09:50	Nihondaira Ropeway	Cross the valley to Kunozan (approx. 5 min)	15 min
10:05	Kunozan Toshogu Shrine	Take your time with the National Treasure halls and museum	85 min
11:30	Ropeway & taxi	Back toward Shimizu Port via Nihondaira (approx. 30 min)	45 min
12:15	Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”	Tuna bowl lunch, seafood souvenirs at Ichiba-kan	75 min
13:40	Transfer	About 5 minutes by taxi to S-Pulse Dream Plaza	15 min
13:55	S-Pulse Dream Plaza	Chibi Maruko-chan Land, Sushi Yokocho, souvenirs	135 min
16:15	Hinode Pier	5-minute walk back to the ship	—

Estimated budget: from about ¥7,000 per person (taxi, admission fees, and meals included)

If you charter a taxi, it’s ¥7,700 per hour, or from ¥30,800 for a four-hour sightseeing taxi plan. With four people sharing, the per-person cost drops considerably.

Nihondaira Yume Terrace

A warm, wood-built observation facility at the 307 m summit. Admission is free.

It comprises indoor observation floors and an outdoor viewing corridor. On a clear day you get a 360-degree panorama of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and Miho no Matsubara.

Even in rain, you can look out over Suruga Bay and the city through the glass from the indoor floors, so the trip is never wasted. Clouds drifting across the mountaintop create a quiet beauty all their own.

The facility closes on the second Tuesday of the month, so it will be open on this Monday.

For details on getting to Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu independently, along with costs, see our Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, this is the oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan. Founded in 1617, its main shrine buildings are designated National Treasures.

The honden, ishi-no-ma, and haiden are covered in black lacquer and vividly colored carvings. Said to be the model for Nikko Toshogu, they rank among the most ornate examples of Japanese shrine architecture.

The shrine halls themselves are roofed, so a visit is still feasible in the rain — though the approach and stone steps are outdoors, so rain gear and sure footing are essential. The adjoining museum houses armor and weapons of successive Tokugawa shoguns, along with items used by Ieyasu himself.

Admission is ¥700 for the shrine, ¥600 for the museum, or ¥1,200 for a combination ticket — the better value if you plan to see both.

Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”

Shimizu’s fish market, opened to the general public, is divided into two buildings: Maguro-kan (Tuna Hall) and Ichiba-kan (Market Hall).

Shimizu is one of Japan’s leading ports for frozen tuna landings. Maguro-kan is lined with specialty restaurants, and the signature dish is a rice bowl letting you taste lean akami, medium-fatty chutoro, and rich otoro all at once.

Ichiba-kan is open 9:30–17:30 and sells fresh fish, dried seafood, sakura shrimp products, and more. There are takeaway prepared foods too, making it a good place to pick up a snack to bring back on board.

It closes on Wednesdays, so it will be open as usual on this Monday.

S-Pulse Dream Plaza

A shopping and entertainment complex right next to Hinode Pier, with around 60 shops. You can eat and shop entirely indoors.

One highlight is “Chibi Maruko-chan Land.” Shimizu is the setting of the anime *Chibi Maruko-chan*, and the attraction recreates the classroom and shopping street from the series. Admission is ¥1,200 for adults and ¥700 for children aged 3 through elementary school.

Shimizu Sushi Yokocho gathers several sushi restaurants under one roof, where you can try locally caught tuna and sakura shrimp gunkan.

The “Dream Sky” Ferris wheel costs ¥700; it stands 52 m tall and takes about 13 minutes per rotation. Note that it suspends operation in strong winds, so check the status in bad weather.

Opening status on Monday, September 28, 2026

• Nihondaira Yume Terrace: open 9:00–17:00. Closed on the second Tuesday, so open on this day
• Nihondaira Ropeway: operating, though service may be suspended in strong winds or thunderstorms
• Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: 9:00–17:00, open year-round. Open on this day
• Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi-no-Ichi”: Ichiba-kan open 9:30–17:30. Closed Wednesdays, so no issue
• S-Pulse Dream Plaza: shops 10:00–20:00, restaurants 11:00–21:00
• Chibi Maruko-chan Land: 10:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30), open year-round
• Toro Ruins & Toro Museum: the museum is closed on Mondays. The outdoor ruins park is also hard to walk in the rain, so we’ve substituted Nihondaira Yume Terrace in this route
• Verkehr Museum (Shimizu Port Museum): closed Mondays. A popular rainy-day option within walking distance, but unavailable on this day
• Shimizu Port water bus & bay cruise: may be suspended in severe weather. Check on the day at the dock or by phone (054-353-2222)

September 28 is a weekday Monday that doesn’t coincide with any holidays or major events, so you should be able to enjoy every site at a relaxed pace.

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

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5. Events in Shimizu on September 28, 2026

Late September is when the summer festivals end and autumn events begin. Gallery exhibitions, evening cruises from the port, and traditional performing arts shows are happening around town. If something catches your eye, do stop by.

🧵 ① Living with Handcrafts Exhibition II (September 12–28)

An exhibition at a gallery in Udo-honcho, Shimizu Ward, whose final day happens to fall on your port call.

It’s located in a residential neighborhood roughly 15 minutes by taxi from the port as a rough guide, where you can view the works in a local atmosphere quite different from a tourist site. Being indoors, it’s a calm place to spend time on a rainy day.

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

【Venue】Mokupere × GALLERY kino (5-18 Udo-honcho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 424-0879)

【Fee】Please check the official website for details

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

🍺 ② Shimizu Port Beer Cruise (Fridays and Saturdays in September and October)

A cruise with all-you-can-drink service departing from the Hinode Pier boarding point at Shimizu Port.

The dock is right in front of Dream Plaza, just a short walk from Hinode Pier. September 28 is not one of the operating dates, but it’s worth considering if you’re staying in Shimizu before or after.

【Date & Time】Friday, September 11; Friday, September 18; Saturday, September 26; Saturday, October 3; Friday, October 9; Friday, October 16; Saturday, October 24 / 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 424-0943)

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

【Eligibility】Applications accepted from August 10, 2026 to October 24, 2026

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

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

A chance to watch geisha dance performances at traditional restaurants in Shizuoka during daytime hours.

The venues are mainly long-established ryotei in Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, about 20 minutes by train from Shimizu Station. For overseas visitors, it’s a rare opportunity to experience Japanese traditional performing arts up close. Dates vary by venue, so advance confirmation is required.

【Date & Time】Thursday, September 3 – Monday, November 30 *dates vary by venue / 12:00–14:00 (check-in from 11:30)

【Venue】Nasubi Sohonten, Taigetsuro, Nasu-no-Hana Muan, Kappo Ohana, Sakura Shrimp Cuisine Kaikatei, Fugetsuro (11-1 Konyacho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 420-0852 *map shows Fugetsuro)

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

【Eligibility】Applications accepted from 9:00 on Monday, August 17, 2026 via the application form or fax (phone applications not accepted). First come, first served at each venue until capacity is reached

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

🤸 ④ Shimizu Sports Park: Stretch Pole Exercise Class (August 19 – November 25)

A Wednesday course series held at a municipal sports facility in Shimizu Ward. It’s a 14-session class, so single-day participation isn’t possible, but we include it as a glimpse into where local residents go to stay active.

【Date & Time】Wednesday, August 19 – Wednesday, November 25 *held on Wednesdays during this period / 13:30–14:30

【Venue】Shizuoka City Shimizu Sports Park, Judo Hall (2-1-1 Seikai, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 424-0924)

【Fee】¥7,000 (all 14 sessions)

【Eligibility】Applications accepted in order received from 10:00 on Wednesday, July 22, 2026

🔗 Official website: https://shizuoka-sports.or.jp/class/stretch-pole.html?f=ats

🏺 ⑤ FY2026 Archaeology Hands-On Experience (May 14 – November 12)

A hands-on program at the Shizuoka Prefectural Center for Buried Cultural Properties in Kambara, Shimizu Ward. Participation is free.

It’s a bit of a distance from the port, but anyone interested in Shizuoka archaeology — the Toro Ruins and so on — may find it appealing. Session dates fall within the period above (both the opening and closing dates are Thursdays), so check the official website for the current schedule.

【Date & Time】Thursday, May 14 – Thursday, November 12, 13:30–16:00

【Venue】Shizuoka Prefectural Center for Buried Cultural Properties (5300-5 Kambara, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 421-3203)

【Fee】Free

🔗 Official website: https://www.smaibun.jp/

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

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6. Local Food of Shimizu and Shizuoka

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

Dish	Where	Price range	Notes
Tuna rice bowl / sashimi platter	Maguro-kan (Kashi-no-Ichi)	¥1,000–2,500	Everything from lean akami to fatty otoro. English menus available
Local Shimizu tuna sushi	Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (Dream Plaza)	¥1,500–4,000	5 minutes on foot from the pier. Several sushi restaurants to choose from
Seafood bowls & takeaway dishes	Ichiba-kan (Kashi-no-Ichi)	¥500–2,000	Plenty of souvenir-friendly items like sakura shrimp shumai
Sakura shrimp kakiage	Yui area (25 min by car)	¥800–1,500	Sakura shrimp are caught only in Suruga Bay. Many shops are cash-only
Shizuoka oden	Aoba Yokocho (central Shizuoka)	¥500–1,500	Look for black hanpen and dashi powder. Most shops open in the evening
Wasabi treats	Various spots in Shimizu & Shizuoka	¥300–3,000	Wasabi pickles and wasabi soft-serve. Popular souvenirs
Shirasu (whitebait) dishes	Kashi-no-Ichi & Dream Plaza	Varies by shop	Raw or boiled shirasu, classically served over rice

The one we especially want to highlight is shirasu (whitebait).

Shirasu from Suruga Bay is a local staple, and it can often be found on menus in early autumn as well. Raw shirasu can only be served on the day it’s caught — prized for its translucent appearance and the gentle sweetness that dissolves as you chew.

Boiled shirasu is available year-round, but raw shirasu appears only on days when there’s been a catch. Ask “Nama shirasu, arimasu ka?” at Maguro-kan or Ichiba-kan in Kashi-no-Ichi, or at the restaurants in Dream Plaza.

Some shops serve a two-color bowl with tuna on one half and raw shirasu on the other — a taste of the Shimizu sea in a single dish.

One note: the autumn sakura shrimp season doesn’t get going until October, so raw sakura shrimp are unlikely to be available on September 28. Kakiage fritters and dried sakura shrimp, however, are available all year.

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.

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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
• SIM cards: we recommend buying a prepaid SIM at the airport

Payment

Cash is still the default at many businesses in Japan, and small restaurants and taxis may not accept anything else.

Credit cards work 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.

There’s a Seven Bank ATM (inside a convenience store) near the port that accepts overseas-issued cards. As a guide, carrying ¥3,000–10,000 in cash per person per day should cover you.

IC transit cards

Nationally compatible IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA can be used on buses and trains.

You can buy them at convenience stores near the port or at Shimizu Station. Cash is also accepted, but machines may not give change, so keep small coins on hand.

Language support

• Tourist information centers (Shimizu Port Terminal, Shimizu Station): English 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 recommended

Tourist information centers

• Inside Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — right after 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

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8. Getting Back to the Ship

The Mitsui Ocean Sakura departs at 17:00.

Give yourself plenty of margin and plan to be back at Hinode Pier by 16:30 at the latest. Roads get congested in the rain and taxis are harder to find, so aim to be 30 minutes ahead of schedule.

If you get lost, search Google Maps for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭”. Your ship is visible from a wide area of the city, so it also serves as a handy landmark.

If you’re taking a taxi, just tell the driver “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier (清水港 日の出埠頭)” and they’ll understand. Showing them this page on your phone works fine too.

Make S-Pulse Dream Plaza your final stop and the pier is only a 5-minute walk away — minimizing the time you spend under an umbrella.

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9. About the Mitsui Ocean Sakura

The Mitsui Ocean Sakura is a 32,477-ton Japanese cruise ship (邦船).

At this size, she avoids the crowded feeling of much larger vessels — that’s the appeal of a ship of these dimensions. With fewer passengers aboard, restaurants and lounges tend to stay relaxed.

On this voyage from Suruga Bay to Tokyo Bay, you can watch Japan’s coastline drift past from on board.

She offers a range of dining, relaxation, and entertainment facilities, and the distinctly Japanese touches found aboard a Japanese ship are often a delightful novelty for overseas guests.

And September 28, 2026 marks this ship’s very first call at Shimizu — a memorable day for the port as well.

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After the urban harbor of Yokohama, Shimizu offers something different: a town framed by Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay, where working vessels and cruise ships share the water. It looks set to be a rainy day, but the taste of tuna and the splendor of a National Treasure shrine are best enjoyed under a roof anyway.

Then on to Tokyo, with plenty to talk about from what you saw and ate in Shimizu. The way each port reveals a different face is, I think, what makes sailing in Japan so rewarding.

良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.