Thursday, October 15, 2026. After leaving Ibaraki (Hitachinaka) and rounding the Boso and Izu peninsulas, Asuka II arrives at Shimizu Port at 09:00. She departs the same day at 17:00, bound for Toba.
🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む
On paper you have eight hours in port, but once you factor in disembarkation and the return to the ship, roughly six and a half hours of actual shore time is a realistic figure. That’s still enough for a solid half day in Shimizu: Nihondaira, looking out over Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay from 307 meters up; Kunozan Toshogu, with its National Treasure shrine buildings; and Kashi no Ichi, the market where Shimizu Port’s famous tuna comes ashore.
Think of this page as your morning paper for your day in port — something to read on the morning your ship arrives at Shimizu on October 15, 2026. With Hitachinaka behind you, what should you see, what should you eat, and how should you spend your hours here in Shimizu? Here’s a thorough look, from a local point of view.
About the Author
Shimizu Port Cruise Guide — Site Operator
Based in Shizuoka City. I plan and run the “Shimizu Cruise Festival“, an event at Shimizu Port where visitors from Japan and abroad mingle with the local community, and I work on other projects that connect cruise travelers with local people.
Through my interactions with cruise travelers and local residents, I’ve come to realize that enjoying a limited port call is not just about deciding where to go. What really matters is concrete, up-to-date information: How long does it take to get there? Can I visit without a reservation? Will it be open that day?
On this site, I introduce access routes from Shimizu Port, sightseeing spots, events, restaurants, and model itineraries in an easy-to-follow way, from the perspective of someone active on the ground.
My goal is to bring you the kind of real, local information about Shimizu and Shizuoka that guidebooks alone can’t offer, and to help make your day in port an even more enjoyable and memorable one. My hope is that this site feels like the morning paper you read on the day your ship arrives at Shimizu.
- 1. Your Day in Port at a Glance
- 2. Weather and What to Wear on October 15, 2026
- 3. Getting from Shimizu Port into Town and to the Sights
- 4. Recommended Itinerary: "Shizuoka's Essentials in Half a Day (Nihondaira, Toshogu, Kashi no Ichi, and the Port)"
- 5. Events in Shimizu on October 15, 2026
- 6. Local Specialties of Shimizu and Shizuoka
- 7. Practical Information for a Worry-Free Day
- 8. Getting Back to the Ship
- 9. About Asuka II
1. Your Day in Port at a Glance
First, here’s a quick summary of the schedule for October 15, 2026.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port call date | Thursday, October 15, 2026 |
| Arrival | 09:00 |
| Departure | 17:00 |
| Scheduled time in port | About 8 hours |
| Realistic sightseeing time | About 6.5 hours |
| Berth | To be confirmed (berth not yet assigned; ship not open for public viewing) |
| Previous port | Ibaraki (Hitachinaka) |
| Next port | Toba |
The port’s schedule lists this call as “berth to be decided.” Celebrity Millennium (arriving 07:00, departing 18:00) is using Hinode Pier the same day, so check the onboard announcements for which pier Asuka II will use.
Everything in this article that says “on foot from the port” assumes Hinode Pier. If you berth elsewhere (Okitsu or Sodeshi, for example), walking to Dream Plaza or Kashi no Ichi isn’t realistic. In that case, take the cruise line’s shuttle or a taxi from the pier to the Hinode area first, and start your day from there.
Mid-October is arguably the most pleasant time of year to walk around Shimizu. The muggy summer heat is gone, typhoon season is all but over, and the number of days with crisp, clear views of Mt. Fuji keeps growing. October is also the month when the autumn sakura shrimp season opens in Suruga Bay.
Since it’s a Thursday, the sights won’t be as crowded as on a weekend. Kashi no Ichi market closes on Wednesdays, so you’re fine today.
A 09:00 arrival and a 17:00 departure suit a relaxed start, followed by a full half day of sightseeing across lunchtime.
2. Weather and What to Wear on October 15, 2026
The forecast for your port day is sunny with some clouds, with a high of around 23.4℃ (74°F), a low of around 19.2℃ (67°F), and a 22% chance of rain.
If you’re not used to Celsius, use these as a guide: 20℃ = 68°F, 25℃ = 77°F, 30℃ = 86°F.
A single long-sleeved shirt, or short sleeves with a light layer over the top, will be comfortable during the day. At 09:00 it will still be around 20℃, so bring a cardigan or light jacket.
The chance of rain is low at 22%, but there may be cloudy spells. A compact umbrella is all the insurance you need.
The observation walkway at Nihondaira and the stone steps at Kunozan catch the wind, and feel two or three degrees cooler than in town. Having something to throw on makes a real difference to how long you’ll want to linger at the viewpoints.
Mt. Fuji is easiest to see in the morning, before the clouds build. That’s one reason our itinerary puts Nihondaira first.
7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue
Please note that this forecast reflects conditions at the time of publication (a few days before your port call). The weather widget above always shows the latest weekly forecast, so do check it again on the morning of your visit.
3. Getting from Shimizu Port into Town and to the Sights
Shimizu is an easy port for independent sightseeing. Below is a breakdown of fares, payment methods, and service frequency for each option. If you want maximum freedom within a limited port call, a taxi is your best bet.
🚕 Taxi (the most flexible option — recommended)

The big advantage is being able to string together places that are awkward to reach by public transport, such as Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu. Split among a group, the cost per person is more reasonable than you’d think.
- 【Where to board】Taxis line up at Hinode Pier to meet arriving cruise ships. 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 flag-drop fare is ¥700 (up to 1.17 km), then ¥100 for each additional 285 m. Time charges also apply at traffic lights and in congestion. It’s perfectly polite to ask for a rough estimate before you get in: “About how much to ◯◯?”
- 【Chartering by the hour】An 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 your safest options. 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 Japanese only, but showing them a spot name from this article (with the Japanese text) on your phone works just fine
Our model itinerary also uses a taxi for the run up to Nihondaira right after disembarking. With only eight hours in port, a taxi is the practical way to get moving.
🚌 Free Shuttle Buses (linking port and Shimizu Station — an underrated ally)

There are two kinds of free buses at Shimizu Port. They depart from different places, so it helps to keep them straight.
① S-PULSE Dream Plaza free shuttle (year-round, open to everyone)

Connects Dream Plaza, Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu), and the Minato exit of JR Shimizu Station 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 exit): first at 9:45
- 【Note】It does not run before 10:00. 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
October 15 is a Thursday, so the weekday schedule applies: every 30 minutes. Even with a 09:00 arrival, remember it doesn’t start running until 10:00.
② Port-day shuttle for cruise passengers (arranged by the cruise line)

On port days, a free bus to Shin-Shimizu Station and JR Shimizu Station sometimes departs right in front of Hinode Pier. The key difference from ① is that you can board as soon as you step off the ship.
- During 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, and its times and destinations, vary from call to call. Check the onboard announcements or ask port staff after disembarking
- How to tell them apart: ① is a red bus (marked S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA), while ② is a chartered coach running only on port days
⛴ Water Bus (travel with Mt. Fuji views from the water)

A small boat connecting the Hinode landing (in front of Dream Plaza) with Miho 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 section. 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】Purchase at the landing
- 【Cancellations】Since it runs within the harbor, cancellations are rare, but service may be suspended in typhoons or other rough weather. Check the day’s operation at the landing or by phone (054-353-2222)
Our model itinerary uses it to get back from Kashi no Ichi to Hinode Pier. With a mostly sunny forecast on October 15, there’s a good chance you’ll spot Mt. Fuji from the water. With only 7 sailings a day, be sure to check the day’s timetable at the landing.
🚏 Local Buses (the standard route to Miho — Shizutetsu Just Line)
If you’re heading to Miho no Matsubara by public transport, take the Miho Yamanote Line. It’s ¥440 and about 25 minutes from Shimizu Station to the Miho no Matsubara Iriguchi stop.
- 【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 nationally compatible IC cards such as Suica or ICOCA, just tap on when boarding and tap off when alighting
- 【Paying cash】The onboard change machine accepts coins and ¥1,000 notes only. If you only have larger bills, break them at a convenience store before boarding
- 【Note】You’ll need the free shuttle bus or a walk to get from the port to the Shimizu Station bus terminal
🚃 Trains (to central Shizuoka City)
An option if you want to venture out to the Shizuoka Station area for Shizuoka oden at Aoba Yokocho or a stroll through Sunpu Castle Park.
- 【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu to Shizuoka Station: ¥240, about 12 minutes. 3–4 trains per hour during the day
- 【Shizuoka Railway (Shizutetsu)】Shin-Shimizu to Shin-Shizuoka Station: ¥350, about 23 minutes. Trains run roughly every 8 minutes, so no need to consult a timetable
- 【Payment】Both accept IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA. 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 for the area around 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) and 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 bus is recommended
- Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu): about 1 km, around 15 minutes on foot
For more detail on transport options and practical tips, see our Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.

4. Recommended Itinerary: “Shizuoka’s Essentials in Half a Day (Nihondaira, Toshogu, Kashi no Ichi, and the Port)”

If you’re torn between a ship’s excursion, a local tour, and going it alone, start with our Shimizu Shore Excursions Compared, which lays out costs and who each option suits.
“How much can I fit into six and a half hours?” Here’s a local’s answer.
This half-day course knocks out the mountaintop sights (Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu) in the morning, comes down to the port for a tuna lunch just after noon, and spends the afternoon around the harbor.
Miho no Matsubara isn’t on this route. Trying to fit Nihondaira, Kunozan, and Miho into six and a half hours tends to run out of time while you wait for the water bus. If Miho is your priority, swap out Nihondaira and Kunozan and instead cross from Kashi no Ichi to Miho by water bus.
| Time | Spot | Details | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30 | Your berth | Disembark and take a taxi to Nihondaira | 30 min travel |
| 10:00 | Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace | Panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay from the walkway and the observation floor | 50 min |
| 10:55 | Kunozan Toshogu | About 5 min by Nihondaira Ropeway. Visit the National Treasure shrine and museum | 80 min |
| 12:20 | Return to Nihondaira | Back by ropeway, then taxi to Kashi no Ichi | 35 min travel |
| 12:55 | Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” | Tuna bowl lunch and souvenir hunting | 60 min |
| 14:00 | Ejiri landing | Water bus to Hinode (about 10 min; or a 15–20 min walk if the timing doesn’t work) | 20 min travel |
| 14:20 | Verkehr Museum | “Sailing Ships of East and West” exhibition and Shimizu Port history | 60 min |
| 15:30 | S-PULSE Dream Plaza | Souvenirs and a break | 45 min |
| 16:15 | To your berth | 5 min on foot if you’re at Hinode Pier; by taxi if you’re berthed elsewhere | 15 min travel |
| 16:30 | Your berth | Return to ship | — |
Estimated budget: from about ¥8,000 per person (taxi, admissions, and meals included)
With four people sharing a taxi, the round trip to Nihondaira and Kunozan works out to roughly ¥3,000 per person. Taxis may be in short supply right after a 09:00 arrival; if you don’t see one, the tourist information desk in the port terminal can call one for you.
Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace
A 360-degree observation facility atop a 307-meter hill. You can see Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and Miho no Matsubara spread out below.
The observation walkway circling the building is open at any hour, and the interior opens at 9:00, so arriving at 10:00 gives you time for the observation floor as well.
Mid-October is when the air clears, and clouds are less likely to hide the summit in the morning hours.
Kunozan Toshogu

Japan’s oldest Toshogu shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. It’s about a 5-minute ropeway ride from Nihondaira, crossing high above a valley.
The shrine buildings are a National Treasure. The lacquer work, vivid polychrome decoration, and fine carvings remain strikingly bright today. The adjoining museum displays items connected to the Tokugawa family.
Admission is ¥700 for the shrine, ¥600 for the museum, or ¥1,200 for a combined ticket. Eighty minutes is enough to see both with the combined ticket.
For details on reaching Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu on your own, including costs, see our Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”
A market where the catch landed at Shimizu Port is gathered — and opened up so that the general public can buy it too.
It consists of two buildings: the “Maguro-kan” (Tuna Hall), lined with restaurants specializing in tuna, and the “Ichiba-kan,” housing fishmongers and souvenir shops. Shimizu is one of Japan’s leading tuna ports, so this is the place for variety and freshness.
The busiest time is around noon, and things calm down toward 13:00. That’s why this route has you arriving just before one.
Verkehr Museum
About a 10-minute walk from Hinode Pier, this is Shimizu’s maritime museum, telling the story of the port through ship models, old canned-food labels, and other port-town artifacts.
On October 15 the special exhibition “Sailing Ships of East and West” is on (9:30–17:00, last entry 16:30, ¥400 adults). It compares Japanese and Western sailing ships through paintings and models — an easy theme to enjoy when you’re traveling by sea yourself.
S-PULSE Dream Plaza
A shopping and entertainment complex right next to Hinode Pier. It houses around 60 businesses; shops open at 10:00 and restaurants at 11:00.
Since Shimizu is the setting of the anime “Chibi Maruko-chan,” the complex includes Chibi Maruko-chan Land (¥1,200 for adults, ¥700 for ages 3 through elementary school). The 52-meter Dream Sky Ferris wheel costs ¥700 for one roughly 13-minute rotation.
You can pick up all your Shizuoka souvenirs in one place — tea, wasabi, and tuna products. If you’re berthed at Hinode Pier, it’s a 5-minute walk back, making it ideal for using up time before boarding.
Opening status for Thursday, October 15, 2026
- Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open. It closes on the second Tuesday of the month, which in October was the 13th, so you’re fine (the observation walkway is open all day)
- Kunozan Toshogu: Open (9:00–17:00, no closing days)
- Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi”: Open (closed Wednesdays; Ichiba-kan 9:30–17:30)
- Miho no Matsubara: Open all day. The Mihoshirube information center is open 9:00–16:30, year-round
- Verkehr Museum: Open (9:30–17:00, last entry 16:30; closed Mondays and on October 13)
- S-PULSE Dream Plaza: Open (shops 10:00–20:00 / restaurants 11:00–21:00)
- Shimizu Port Water Bus: Scheduled to operate. With only 7 sailings a day, confirm the day’s timetable and service status at the landing
- Free shuttle bus (Dream Plaza): Weekday timetable, every 30 minutes. First departure from Dream Plaza at 10:00
As it’s a Thursday, major crowds aren’t expected. That said, Celebrity Millennium is also in port today, so the taxi rank near Hinode Pier and the Tuna Hall at Kashi no Ichi may be busier than on a typical weekday.
For options beyond those covered here — from walkable spots to half-day routes and rainy-day plans — see our 20 Things to Do in Shimizu.
5. Events in Shimizu on October 15, 2026
October 15 is a weekday Thursday, so there are no big festivals. There are, however, several exhibitions near the port and in central Shizuoka that are easy to drop into.
Verkehr Museum: “Sailing Ships of East and West”
A special exhibition comparing Japanese and Western sailing ships through paintings and models. Runs September 12 to November 15, 2026. Open 9:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30); ¥400 adults, ¥300 junior and senior high students, ¥200 elementary students. The museum is in Minatomachi, about a 10-minute walk from Hinode Pier.
Mihoshirube: “Miho no Matsubara as Painted by Sesshu”
A small exhibition at the Mihoshirube visitor center at Miho no Matsubara, built around the famous ink painting of Mt. Fuji and the pine grove by the 15th-century monk-painter Sesshu. Runs September 12 to November 29, 9:00–16:30, free admission. Worth a look if you choose the Miho option.
Shizuoka City Arts Festival: Handicraft Exhibition at Marinart
A display of handicraft works by a local association, held October 15 to 18 in the ground-floor gallery of the Marinart cultural hall right outside JR Shimizu Station. Open 10:00–16:00 (until 15:00 on the final day). Handy if you’re passing through the station area and have a few minutes to spare.
“Our Renoir” at the Shizuoka City Museum of Art
If you venture into central Shizuoka, the Shizuoka City Museum of Art, three minutes’ walk from JR Shizuoka Station, is showing a major Renoir exhibition. Runs September 22 to November 15; open 10:00–19:00 (last entry 18:30); ¥1,600 adults. Also a good fallback if the weather turns.
Mikan (mandarin orange) picking at Suzuki Farm
From October through late December, Suzuki Farm in the Hara district of Shimizu offers pick-your-own mandarins. Open 9:00–16:00; ¥700 for junior high age and up, ¥600 for ages 3 through elementary school. It’s about 30 minutes from the port by car, so this one suits travelers chartering a taxi for a countryside loop.
⚠️ Events may be changed or canceled due to weather or other circumstances. Please check official sources before heading out.
6. Local Specialties of Shimizu and Shizuoka
The Shimizu and Shizuoka area is one of Japan’s great food destinations. Here are the specialties worth trying on your day in port.
| Dish | Where | Price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna rice bowls and sashimi platters | Maguro-kan (inside Kashi no Ichi) | ¥1,000–2,500 | Shimizu Port is tuna central. English menus and card payment available |
| Shimizu nigiri sushi | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500–4,000 | 5 minutes’ walk from the port; several sushi restaurants side by side |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage fritters | Yui area / Kashi no Ichi | ¥800–1,500 | Autumn season starts in October. Many shops are cash-only |
| Seafood bowls and takeaway | Ichiba-kan (Kashi no Ichi) | ¥500–2,000 | Sakura shrimp shumai and other snacks to eat on the go |
| Shizuoka oden | Aoba Yokocho (central Shizuoka City) | ¥500–1,500 | Look for black hanpen fish cake and dashi powder. Most places open in the evening |
| Shirasu (whitebait) bowls | Shimizu and Miho area | Varies by shop | Raw shirasu depends on the day’s catch |
| Wasabi products | Throughout Shimizu and Shizuoka City | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer. A popular souvenir |
One thing I especially want to mention is sakura shrimp, an October delicacy.
Suruga Bay is the only place in Japan where sakura shrimp fishing is permitted. There are two seasons a year — spring (March–June) and autumn (October–December) — and your port call falls right as the autumn season opens.
These small, pale pink shrimp give off a wonderful toasty aroma when cooked. The classic preparation is kakiage — a fritter eaten with salt or tempura dipping sauce — where the shrimp layer upon one another inside the batter for a light, crisp bite.
You’ll find sakura shrimp dishes at the Ichiba-kan at Kashi no Ichi and at restaurants in Dream Plaza. Depending on the catch, raw sakura shrimp may also be on offer — meltingly sweet and an entirely different food from the cooked version. If you spot it, consider it your lucky day.
For a deeper dive into tuna, sakura shrimp, and shirasu — their seasons, how to eat them, and where to go — see our Shimizu Seafood Guide.
7. Practical Information for a Worry-Free Day
Wi-Fi
- Shimizu Port Terminal: Free Wi-Fi available (inside the terminal)
- S-PULSE Dream Plaza: Free Wi-Fi available
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart): Nationwide free Wi-Fi available
- For longer stays, buying a prepaid SIM at the airport is convenient
Payment Methods
Many businesses in Japan still operate primarily on cash, and at small restaurants and in taxis, cash is the sure bet.
Credit cards are accepted at S-PULSE Dream Plaza and the larger shops at Kashi no Ichi. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted; Amex and Diners may not work everywhere.
Near the port, you can withdraw cash using overseas-issued cards at Seven Bank ATMs inside convenience stores. As a rule of thumb, carrying ¥3,000–10,000 in cash per person per day will keep you covered.
IC Transit Cards
Nationally compatible IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA work on buses and trains.
You can buy one at convenience stores near the port or at Shimizu Station. Cash is also accepted, but bus change machines only handle coins and ¥1,000 notes, so keep small change 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 English-speaking staff. The Mihoshirube center at Miho no Matsubara stocks multilingual information brochures.
Taxis are generally Japanese-only. Showing your destination on Google Translate, or pointing to a spot name in this article, will get the message across.
Tourist Information Centers
- Inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — right where you disembark
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information — about 1.5 km from the port (free shuttle bus, or 20–25 minutes on foot)
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City Tourist Information Center (Shizuoka Station north exit, English available) | 054-253-1170 |
| Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi central dispatch) | 054-281-5111 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
Asuka II departs at 17:00. Be back at your berth by 16:30 at the latest, or earlier if the all-aboard time announced on the ship is earlier.
From S-PULSE Dream Plaza, the final stop on this itinerary, it’s about a five-minute walk if you’re berthed at Hinode Pier. If you’re at a different pier, take a taxi from outside Dream Plaza, or check the cruise line’s shuttle stop and last departure time in the morning before you set off.
If you get lost, search Google Maps for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭.” If you’re berthed elsewhere, make a note of the pier’s name when you disembark so you can find your way back.
In a taxi, saying “Asuka II” (飛鳥Ⅱ) and asking for the pier where she is berthed will get you there. Since Celebrity Millennium is also in port today, adding your ship’s name avoids any confusion.
9. About Asuka II
Asuka II is a Japanese-flagged cruise ship operated by NYK Cruises. She measures 50,444 gross tons and carries 872 passengers.
She entered service in 1990 as Crystal Harmony and has sailed as Asuka II on Japan-based itineraries since 2006. With fewer than 900 passengers on a 50,000-ton ship, her public spaces are notably roomy.
In 2025 the new Asuka III joined her, giving NYK Cruises a two-ship fleet. Asuka II continues to focus on itineraries that call at ports around Japan.
From Hitachinaka in Ibaraki to Shimizu on Suruga Bay, and onward to Toba in Ise-Shima — today’s call sits right at the foot of Mt. Fuji on her way west along the Pacific coast of Honshu.
Mt. Fuji, a National Treasure shrine, and tuna. I hope your six and a half hours in Shimizu give you something to talk about as the ship sails on toward Toba.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.