Welcome aboard your Shimizu adventure! Celebrity Millennium arrives at Shimizu Port at 7:00 AM and departs at 7:00 PM, giving you a generous 12 full hours to explore one of Japan’s most scenic port cities. With Mt. Fuji as your backdrop and the cherry blossom season winding down into fresh spring green, today is a perfect day to discover the very best of Shimizu and the surrounding Shizuoka region. Let’s make the most of it!
☁️ Today’s Weather
| | Details |
|—|—|
| Conditions | ☀️ Sunny |
| High | 22°C / 71°F |
| Outlook | Excellent for outdoor sightseeing |
What to wear: A light layer or cardigan is ideal — mornings can still carry a gentle spring chill, but temperatures will warm up nicely by midday. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses — with clear skies, UV levels can be stronger than you’d expect in April. A compact water bottle will keep you going between stops.
> ☀️ Great news: Today’s sunny forecast means Mt. Fuji views should be outstanding — especially in the morning. Don’t sleep in!
🎪 Today’s Events in Shimizu & Shizuoka
Here are some local events happening today, April 20. Note that some are niche community events, but a couple are well worth adding to your itinerary if you have extra time!
1. Suzuki Noritake Large Original Painting Exhibition — Marinart Cultural Hall, Shimizu
A wonderful exhibition of original artwork by beloved Japanese picture-book illustrator Suzuki Noritake, held right in Shimizu. A perfect detour if you love art and have young ones in tow.
2. Boys’ Festival (Tango no Sekku) Decoration Exhibition — Local venue, Shizuoka area
A beautiful seasonal display of traditional Japanese Boys’ Day decorations, including elaborate samurai armor and koi streamers (koinobori). A lovely glimpse into Japanese cultural tradition ahead of the May 5th festival.
3. Hirome Toriyama Takashi Exhibition — Shadow in Glass — Art gallery, Shizuoka
An intriguing fine art glass exhibition exploring light and shadow. Worth a visit for art enthusiasts with time to spare.
4. Shizuoka Hearing Aid Consultation (Yui Kōkaido venue)
A community health event — included here for completeness.
5. Shizuoka Hearing Aid Consultation (Kanbara Sakuiku venue)
A community health event — included here for completeness.
> 💡 Top Pick for Today: The Suzuki Noritake Exhibition at Marinart is conveniently located in Shimizu and pairs well with a port-area morning. Check the venue’s opening hours before heading over.
🚌 Getting Around from the Port
Celebrity Millennium docks at Shimizu Port Hinode Pier (清水港 日の出埠頭). Here’s how to get around:
🚶 Walking (Free)
Several attractions are within easy walking distance of the pier:
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza — 5 min walk
- Shimizu Fish Market “Kashinoichi” — 10 min walk
- Jirocho’s Birthplace — 15 min walk
🚢 Water Bus — ¥400 one way
The scenic water bus connects Shimizu Port directly to Miho no Matsubara Pine Grove in about 30 minutes. The ride itself is a highlight — you’ll cruise across the bay with Mt. Fuji on the horizon. Check the timetable in advance, as schedules vary and the service may be cancelled in poor weather (not a concern today!).
🚌 Local Bus — ¥180–¥700
Shizutetsu Justline buses serve major attractions including Nihondaira and Miho no Matsubara. IC cards (Suica, ICOCA, etc.) are accepted. Most routes require a transfer at Shimizu Station (about 15 min walk from the pier, or a short taxi ride).
🚕 Taxi — Most Flexible Option
For a group, taxis are often the most practical and cost-effective choice:
| Destination | Approx. Cost | Approx. Time |
|—|—|—|
| S-Pulse Dream Plaza | ¥600 | 5 min |
| Kashinoichi Fish Market | ¥800 | 5 min |
| Miho no Matsubara | ¥2,500 | 20 min |
| Nihondaira | ¥4,000 | 30 min |
| Toro Ruins | ¥3,000 | 25 min |
> 💡 Pro Tip: Chartering a taxi for 4 hours costs approximately ¥15,000–¥20,000 — split among 3–4 people, this is excellent value and lets you cover the major sights without waiting for buses. Ask for *Shizutetsu Taxi* at the pier.
🗺️ Today’s Recommended Route: Shizuoka Full Day
Route: “Static Full Course — The Best of Shimizu” ☀️ × 12 Hours
With sunny skies and a full day ashore, you’re perfectly set up for the ultimate Shimizu experience. This route combines panoramic mountain views, a UNESCO World Heritage coastal walk, a National Treasure shrine, and some of Japan’s freshest seafood. Here’s your plan:
⏰ 7:00 AM — Disembark & Head to Nihondaira
Start early to make the most of the morning light — this is when Mt. Fuji is at its clearest!
🚕 Take a taxi to Nihondaira (approx. ¥4,000 / 30 min)
📍 Stop 1: Nihondaira & Yume Terrace *(approx. 60 min)*
- Nihondaira is a plateau at 307 meters elevation offering 360-degree panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the Southern Alps simultaneously.
- The Yume Terrace observation deck (¥360/adult) is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Japan — on a clear morning like today, the views are simply breathtaking.
- 🕙 *Note: Yume Terrace opens at 10:00 AM. If you arrive early, enjoy the surrounding plateau views while you wait — they’re stunning on their own.*
⏰ ~9:30 AM — Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
🚡 Take the Nihondaira Ropeway down to the shrine (5 min / included in combo ticket)
📍 Stop 2: Kunozan Toshogu Shrine *(approx. 90 min)*
- One of Japan’s most spectacular shrines, Kunozan Toshogu is a National Treasure dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu — the shogun who unified Japan in the early 17th century.
- The elaborately decorated main hall, dripping in gold, vermillion, and lacquer, rivals even the famous Nikko Toshogu in its craftsmanship.
- The on-site museum houses authentic Tokugawa armor, swords, and artifacts.
- Admission: ¥500 (shrine only) / ¥800 (combined with museum) — the combo is well worth it!
- ✅ *Open today — no regular closing day*
⏰ ~11:30 AM — Lunch at Kashinoichi Fish Market
🚕 Take a taxi from Nihondaira area to Kashinoichi (approx. 20 min)
📍 Stop 3: Kashinoichi Fish Market — Maguro-kan *(approx. 60 min)*
- Shimizu is one of Japan’s top tuna (maguro) ports, and Kashinoichi is the place to taste it at its freshest.
- The Maguro-kan building houses multiple seafood restaurants serving tuna sashimi, tuna bowls (*maguro-don*), and seasonal delicacies.
- In April, look out for sakura ebi (cherry shrimp) kakiage — a seasonal tempura dish unique to this part of Japan. 🍤
- Price range: ¥1,000–¥2,500 | English menus available | Cards accepted
- ⚠️ *Kashinoichi is closed on Wednesdays — but today is Monday, so you’re all set!*
⏰ ~1:00 PM — Miho no Matsubara Pine Grove
🚢 Head to the port and take the Water Bus to Miho no Matsubara (¥400 / 30 min)
*Alternatively, take a taxi (¥2,500 / 20 min) if water bus timing doesn’t align.*
📍 Stop 4: Miho no Matsubara *(approx. 90 min)*
- This is Japan’s most iconic coastal scene — a 7km stretch of 30,000 pine trees along a white-sand beach, with snow-capped Mt. Fuji reflected across the water. It’s a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and simply unmissable on a clear day like today.
- Walk the “Divine Path” (Kamikomichi) through the ancient pines to the shore.
- Visit Miho Shrine and the legendary “Hagoromo no Matsu” (Feather Robe Pine) — the setting of Japan’s most beloved celestial maiden legend.
- Stop by “Mihoshiruber” visitor center for multilingual exhibits about the site’s heritage (open 9:00–17:00).
- ✅ *The grove and beach are always open. Free admission.*
- 💡 *Tip: Morning light is best for Mt. Fuji views, but early afternoon in April still offers excellent visibility — especially today!*
⏰ ~3:00 PM — Back to Port & S-Pulse Dream Plaza
🚢 Take the Water Bus back to Shimizu Port (¥400 / 30 min)
*Or taxi from Miho no Matsubara (¥2,500 / 20 min)*
📍 Stop 5: S-Pulse Dream Plaza *(approx. 60 min)*
- Just a 5-minute walk from the ship, this waterfront shopping complex is the perfect way to wind down your day.
- Visit Chibi Maruko-chan Land — a theme attraction dedicated to the beloved anime character who was born and raised right here in Shimizu! (Entry from ¥800)
- Browse the Shimizu Sushi Alley for a light late-afternoon snack.
- Stock up on Japanese souvenirs — wasabi products, green tea, local sweets, and Chibi Maruko-chan merchandise are all available here.
- ✅ *Open today — closes at 8:00 PM (restaurants until 9:00 PM)*
⏰ ~5:30 PM — Stroll back to the ship
Take a leisurely walk back along the waterfront to Hinode Pier — it’s just 5 minutes from Dream Plaza. You’ll have plenty of time to freshen up before departure.
📋 Route Summary
| Time | Stop | Highlights |
|—|—|—|
| 7:30 AM | Nihondaira / Yume Terrace | 360° views of Mt. Fuji & Suruga Bay |
| 9:30 AM | Kunozan Toshogu Shrine | National Treasure shrine, Tokugawa history |
| 11:30 AM | Kashinoichi Fish Market | Fresh tuna bowl, sakura ebi |
| 1:00 PM | Miho no Matsubara | UNESCO pine grove, Mt. Fuji vista |
| 3:00 PM | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Shopping, Chibi Maruko-chan, sushi |
| 5:30 PM | Return to ship | Enjoy the sunset from the pier! |
Estimated budget per person: ¥10,000–¥12,000 (including transport, admission, and meals)
> 💡 Efficiency tip: Consider chartering a taxi for the morning portion (Nihondaira → Toshogu → Kashinoichi), then use the water bus for the scenic Miho leg. A 4-hour charter runs approximately ¥15,000–¥20,000 — split among 4 passengers, that’s just ¥4,000–¥5,000 each.
🍽️ Shimizu & Shizuoka’s Famous Foods
Don’t leave without trying these local specialties:
| Food | Description | Where to Try | Price Range |
|—|—|—|—|
| 🐟 Maguro-don (Tuna Bowl) | Shimizu is one of Japan’s top tuna ports — fresh, fatty tuna over rice is the signature dish | Kashinoichi Fish Market | ¥1,000–¥2,500 |
| 🍣 Shimizu Sushi | Nigiri and maki made with ultra-fresh local seafood, including locally caught tuna | Shimizu Sushi Alley (Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500–¥4,000 |
| 🦐 Sakura Ebi Kakiage | Delicate pink cherry shrimp, lightly battered and deep-fried — April is prime season! | Kashinoichi / Yui area restaurants | ¥800–¥1,500 |
| 🍢 Shizuoka Oden | Dark-broth oden with black fish cake (*kuro-hanpen*), topped with green nori powder | Aoba Alley, Shizuoka City (20 min by train) | ¥500–¥1,500 |
| 🌿 Wasabi Products | Shizuoka produces most of Japan’s wasabi — try freshly grated wasabi, wasabi pickles, or even wasabi soft-serve ice cream! | Souvenir shops throughout Shimizu | ¥300–¥3,000 |
| 🍵 Shizuoka Green Tea | Japan’s #1 tea-producing prefecture — pick up fresh *shincha* (new tea, April harvest) as the ultimate souvenir | Tea shops & convenience stores | ¥500–¥3,000 |
> 🌸 April Seasonal Note: Sakura ebi (cherry shrimp) spring fishing season runs from March through June — you’re visiting at peak season. Don’t miss it!
ℹ️ Practical Information
📶 Wi-Fi
- Shimizu Port Terminal: Free Wi-Fi available (dockside terminal building)
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Free Wi-Fi available throughout the complex
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart): Free Wi-Fi at all locations — there are several within walking distance of the port
- If you need reliable data all day, consider a pocket Wi-Fi or prepaid SIM (best purchased at the airport before arriving)
💴 Payment
- Cash is king in Japan, especially at small restaurants, food stalls, and taxis
- Major stores at Dream Plaza and Kashinoichi accept Visa and Mastercard — Amex/Diners may not be accepted everywhere
- ATMs: SevenBank ATMs (in 7-Eleven convenience stores) accept international cards and offer English-language menus
- 💡 *
