Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Seven Seas Explorer departs Tokyo, sails west along Suruga Bay, and arrives at Hinode Pier in Shimizu Port at 07:00. The ship sails the same day at 16:00, bound for the next port of call, Kobe.
🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む
The scheduled time in port is 9 hours. Once you allow for disembarkation and re-boarding, about 7 hours outside the port is a realistic estimate. That is still plenty of time to enjoy the best of Shimizu and Shizuoka in a single day: Kunozan Toshogu Shrine with its National Treasure shrine buildings, the Toro Archaeological Site where you can learn about Yayoi-period life, the Kawagishi no Ichi market where Shimizu Port’s tuna is brought together, and S-Pulse Dream Plaza, directly connected to the port.
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 the memories of Tokyo still with you, what should you see, eat, and do next in Shimizu? Here is a local’s-eye view.
About the Author
Shimizu Port Cruise Guide — Site Operator
Based in Shizuoka City. I plan and run the “Shimizu Cruise Festival“, an event at Shimizu Port where visitors from Japan and abroad mingle with the local community, and I work on other projects that connect cruise travelers with local people.
Through my interactions with cruise travelers and local residents, I’ve come to realize that enjoying a limited port call is not just about deciding where to go. What really matters is concrete, up-to-date information: How long does it take to get there? Can I visit without a reservation? Will it be open that day?
On this site, I introduce access routes from Shimizu Port, sightseeing spots, events, restaurants, and model itineraries in an easy-to-follow way, from the perspective of someone active on the ground.
My goal is to bring you the kind of real, local information about Shimizu and Shizuoka that guidebooks alone can’t offer, and to help make your day in port an even more enjoyable and memorable one. My hope is that this site feels like the morning paper you read on the day your ship arrives at Shimizu.
- 1. Port Day Basics
- 2. Weather and What to Wear on October 21, 2026
- 3. Getting from Shimizu Port to the City and Sights
- 4. Recommended Model Route: "Rainy-Day Shizuoka: National Treasures, Yayoi Village, and Seafood"
- 5. Events in Shimizu on October 21, 2026
- 6. Local Food of Shimizu and Shizuoka
- 7. Practical Information for a Worry-Free Day
- 8. Getting Back to the Ship
- 9. About Seven Seas Explorer
1. Port Day Basics
Here is the October 21, 2026 port schedule at a glance.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port date | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 |
| Arrival time | 07:00 |
| Departure time | 16:00 |
| Scheduled time in port | About 9 hours |
| Practical sightseeing time | About 7 hours |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier |
| Previous port | Tokyo |
| Next port | Kobe |
October falls near the end of typhoon season. Rain is forecast this time, so the plan focuses on places with a roof overhead.
This is also when the autumn sakura shrimp season (October to December) begins. A rainy day is a good excuse to enjoy this seasonal treat indoors.
2. Weather and What to Wear on October 21, 2026
The forecast for port day is steady drizzle. The high is around 26.4℃ (80°F) and the low around 23.4℃ (74°F), with a high 91% chance of rain.
If you aren’t used to Celsius, use these as a guide: 20℃ = 68°F, 25℃ = 77°F, 30℃ = 86°F.
Temperatures are mild, but getting wet in the rain can make you feel chilly. A light layer and an umbrella or rain jacket will keep you comfortable. Wear shoes with good grip.
With such a high chance of rain, an indoor-focused day makes sense. Be careful of wet footing at Kunozan Toshogu and at Nihondaira.
7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue
Please note that this forecast was current at the time of publication (a few days before port day). The weather widget above always shows the latest weekly forecast, so check it again on the morning you arrive.
3. Getting from Shimizu Port to the City and Sights
For each mode of transport, we’ve summarized how fares work, how to pay, and how often it runs. If you want to make the most of your limited time in port, a taxi is our recommendation. On a rainy day, taxis and trains are the most comfortable options.
🚕 Taxi (Most flexible — recommended)
The biggest strength of a taxi is that you can visit places that are hard to reach by public transport, such as Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu, in one trip. If you split the fare in a group, the cost per person is more affordable than you might expect.
- 【Where to board】Taxis wait at Hinode Pier to match cruise ship arrivals. If you don’t see one, 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 more for every 285 m. Time is also added while waiting at traffic lights or in traffic. It’s not rude to ask for a rough estimate before you ride, such as “About how much to ○○?”
- 【Private hire option】Hourly private hire is ¥7,700 per hour for a standard car. The sightseeing taxi plan (Shizutetsu Taxi) starts at ¥30,800 for 4 hours, which works out to about ¥7,700 per person for four people. Show the driver your list of spots and work out the route together
- 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are the safest bet. Transit IC cards and QR payments vary by vehicle, so check before you ride if you want to use them. Tipping is not necessary
- 【Language】Most drivers speak only Japanese, but showing them the spot names in this article (with Japanese text) on your phone will get the message across
🚌 Free Shuttle Buses (Connecting the port and Shimizu Station — a little-known ally)
Shimizu Port has two kinds of free bus. They board at different places, so it helps to know the difference.
① S-Pulse Dream Plaza free shuttle bus (year-round, open to everyone)
Connects Dream Plaza, Shizutetsu Shin-Shimizu Station, and JR Shimizu Station (Minato exit) in about 8 minutes. The stop is at Dream Plaza next to the pier, not at Hinode Pier itself.
- 【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 each hour), every 15 minutes on weekends and holidays (:00, :15, :30, :45). October 21 is a Wednesday, so it’s every 30 minutes
- 【First and last bus】From Dream Plaza, first bus 10:00, last bus 22:20. From JR Shimizu Station Minato exit, first bus 9:45
- 【Note】It does not run before 10:00 a.m. On early-arrival days, take a taxi or walk for your first move of the morning. Your ship arrives at 07:00 this time, so a taxi is the realistic option for the morning
- 【Best use】Heading toward JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It saves you a walk of more than 20 minutes
② Free shuttle bus for cruise passengers, port days only (arranged by the cruise line)
On port days, a free bus may run from right in front of Hinode Pier toward Shin-Shimizu Station and JR Shimizu Station. The biggest difference from ① is that you can board right after leaving the ship.
- When Celebrity Millennium called on August 16, 2026, Ihara Kanko Bus ran a service connecting Hinode Pier, Shin-Shimizu Station, and JR Shimizu Station (confirmed on-site by our editorial team)
- Whether it runs, and its times and destinations, differ with each port call. Check the onboard announcements, or ask staff at the pier after you disembark
- How to tell them apart: ① is a red bus (with “S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA” on the body), while ② is a chartered vehicle that runs on port days only
⛴ Water Bus (Travel by sea with views of Mt. Fuji)
A small boat linking Hinode Pier (in front of Dream Plaza) with the Miho area and Ejiri (toward Kawagishi no Ichi market). The ride itself is a Shimizu Port sightseeing experience.
- 【How fares work】Flat fare per section: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥500 for elementary school children. Hinode to Miho takes about 15 minutes, and Hinode to Ejiri about 10 minutes
- 【Frequency】7 sailings a day. Reservations are not available; boarding is first-come, first-served
- 【How to buy tickets】Buy your ticket at the boarding point
- 【Cancellations】Because it operates within the port, cancellations are rare, but service may be suspended in bad weather such as typhoons. Check the day’s operation at the boarding point or by phone (054-353-2222). Depending on the rain and wind, we recommend checking in advance just in case
🚏 Local Bus (The standard route to Miho — Shizutetsu Justline)
To reach Miho no Matsubara by public transport, take the “Miho Yamanote Line.” It’s ¥440 and about 25 minutes from Shimizu Station to Miho no Matsubara Iriguchi.
- 【Frequency】Roughly 3 to 4 buses an hour during the day
- 【How to ride】Board through the rear door and pay at the fare box at the front when you get off (pay-on-exit system). With a nationwide-compatible transit IC card such as Suica or ICOCA, just tap when you board and when you get off
- 【Paying with cash】The change machine on board accepts only coins and ¥1,000 bills. If you only have large bills, break them at a convenience store before boarding
- 【Note】To get from the port to the Shimizu Station bus terminal, you’ll need to take the free shuttle bus or walk
🚃 Train (To central Shizuoka)
An option if you want to go further to the area around Shizuoka Station, for places like the Shizuoka oden stalls of Aoba Yokocho and Sunpu Castle Park.
- 【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu Station to Shizuoka Station costs ¥240 and takes about 12 minutes. Trains run 3 to 4 times an hour during the day
- 【Shizuoka Railway (Shizutetsu)】Shin-Shimizu Station to Shin-Shizuoka Station costs ¥350 and takes about 23 minutes. Trains run about every 8 minutes, so you can ride without worrying about the timetable
- 【Payment】Transit IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA work on both. Contactless credit card tap-to-ride is not supported, so buy a ticket with an IC card or cash
- 【From the port to the station】The free shuttle bus is the convenient way to reach Shimizu Station and Shin-Shimizu Station
🚶 On Foot (Fine if you’re staying near the port)
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Right next to the pier (1 to 3 minutes on foot)
- Shimizu Fish Market “Kawagishi no Ichi”: About 1.3 km, 15 to 20 minutes on foot. If you take the water bus from Hinode to Ejiri (about 10 minutes), the market is right in front of you when you get off
- JR Shimizu Station: About 1.5 km, 20 to 25 minutes on foot. We recommend the free shuttle bus
- Shizutetsu Shin-Shimizu Station: About 1 km, around 15 minutes on foot
For more detailed transport and practical information from the port, see our Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.
4. Recommended Model Route: “Rainy-Day Shizuoka: National Treasures, Yayoi Village, and Seafood”
If you can’t decide between a cruise line tour, a local tour, or arranging things yourself, start with our Shimizu Shore Excursions Compared, which lays out costs and who each option suits.
“It’s supposed to rain, but what should I see with 9 hours in port?”
This course is the answer. You’ll cover the southern spots first, namely the National Treasure shrine buildings at Kunozan Toshogu and the Yayoi village at the Toro Archaeological Site, then return to the port area to finish with a seafood lunch and shopping.
It’s a one-way loop that doesn’t shuttle back and forth between the port and distant spots, so there’s no wasted travel. It ends at Dream Plaza, which makes getting back to the ship easy. This time, taxis are the main way to get around.
| Time | Spot | What to do | Approx. duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30 | Hinode Pier → Nihondaira | After disembarking, take a taxi to Nihondaira | About 30 min |
| 08:00 | Nihondaira Ropeway → Kunozan Toshogu | Ride the ropeway to Kunozan. Visit the National Treasure shrine buildings and the museum | About 120 min |
| 10:30 | Toro Archaeological Site | Return to Nihondaira by ropeway, then take a taxi to Toro. Learn about life in the Yayoi period | About 75 min |
| 12:15 | Kawagishi no Ichi | Take a taxi toward Shimizu Port. Late tuna bowl lunch | About 60 min |
| 13:30 | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Chibi Maruko-chan Land, souvenir shopping | About 90 min |
| 15:00 | Hinode Pier | 5-minute walk back to the ship | 60 min before departure |
Estimated budget: about ¥7,000 or more per person (including taxis, admission fees, and meals)
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
The oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Its richly colored shrine buildings are designated National Treasures.
It’s about 5 minutes by ropeway from Nihondaira. The ropeway runs in the rain, but it stops in strong winds or thunder.
Admission is ¥700 for the shrine buildings, ¥600 for the museum, and ¥1,200 for a combination ticket. The combination ticket is the better deal if you plan to see both.
For how to get to Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu on your own, and what it costs, see our Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Guide.
Toro Archaeological Site and Toro Museum
A nationally designated Special Historic Site that conveys life in the Yayoi period about 2,000 years ago. Reconstructed pit dwellings and rice paddies spread out before you.
The museum displays excavated artifacts and can be enjoyed at leisure indoors. The site and first-floor exhibits are free, and the second-floor exhibits cost ¥300.
The outdoor part of the site will be wet, so bring an umbrella. English support is limited, so a translation app is handy.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kawagishi no Ichi”
A market where Shimizu Port’s tuna is gathered, opened to the general public. It has two buildings, “Maguro-kan” and “Ichiba-kan.”
Tuna bowls and seafood bowls are popular, and it’s also a good place to shop for souvenirs. It’s indoors, so rain isn’t a problem.
Since you’re arriving on a Wednesday, note that this is the market’s regular closing day. We cover the operating status below.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza
A complex about a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier. It has Chibi Maruko-chan Land and Shimizu Sushi Yokocho.
Chibi Maruko-chan Land is open 10:00 to 20:00 (last entry 19:30). Admission is ¥1,200 for adults and ¥700 for ages 3 to elementary school. The Dream Sky Ferris wheel costs ¥700, but the views may not be great on a rainy day.
Operating Status on Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: Open (9:00–17:00, no regular closing day)
- Nihondaira Yume Terrace: Open (Wednesday is not a closing day; it closes on the second Tuesday)
- Toro Archaeological Site and Toro Museum: Open (closed Mondays and the day after a holiday; the site park is open 24 hours)
- Kawagishi no Ichi: Closed on Wednesdays, so most shops in Ichiba-kan and Maguro-kan are closed. Some may open temporarily, but you should confirm in advance
- S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Open (shops 10:00–20:00, restaurants 11:00–21:00)
- Verkehr Museum: Open (closed Mondays)
Because Kawagishi no Ichi is closed, the realistic choice is to switch lunch to Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside S-Pulse Dream Plaza). In that case, replace the 12:15 item in the schedule with “Seafood lunch at Dream Plaza.”
For other options beyond those introduced here, from walkable spots to half-day courses and rainy-day plans, see 20 Things to Do in Shimizu.
5. Events in Shimizu on October 21, 2026
We have not been able to confirm any specific events taking place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
For what’s happening on the day, ask at the tourist information desk in the Shimizu Port passenger terminal. Searching for “清水 イベント” may also turn up the latest event information.
6. Local Food of Shimizu and Shizuoka
The Shimizu and Shizuoka area is one of Japan’s top food destinations. Here are the local specialties we’d love for you to try on your port day.
| Dish | Where | Approx. price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna bowl, sashimi assortment | Maguro-kan (inside Kawagishi no Ichi) | ¥1,000–2,500 | Many shops are closed on Wednesdays, so check first |
| Shimizu tuna sushi, sakura shrimp gunkan | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500–4,000 | 5-minute walk from the port. Comfortable on a rainy day |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage (tempura fritter) | Yui Fishing Port area | ¥800–1,500 | Autumn season runs October to December. Cash only; closes when sold out |
| Shizuoka oden | Aoba Yokocho area (central Shizuoka) | ¥500–1,500 | Known for black hanpen and dashi powder. Most shops open in the evening |
| Seafood bowl, seared tuna, sakura shrimp shumai | Ichiba-kan (Kawagishi no Ichi) | ¥500–2,000 | Closed Wednesdays. Plenty of takeout options |
| Wasabi products | Shimizu and Shizuoka city, various locations | ¥300–3,000 | Freshly grated real wasabi and wasabi soft serve are popular |
The one we especially want to tell you about is sakura shrimp, a seasonal taste of October.
Sakura shrimp are small shrimp closely associated with Suruga Bay, with fishing seasons in spring (March to June) and autumn (October to December). The autumn season starts in October, so if you visit Shimizu at this time of year, it’s an ingredient you should try.
Crispy kakiage fritters really bring out their toasty aroma and sweetness. You can also try sakura shrimp gunkan sushi at Shimizu Sushi Yokocho, so you can enjoy it right by the port even on a rainy day. If you want to go as far as the Yui Fishing Port area, we suggest taking a taxi.
For more on the seasons and ways to eat tuna, sakura shrimp, and shirasu, plus recommended restaurants, see our Shimizu Seafood Guide.
7. Practical Information for a Worry-Free Day
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Shimizu Port terminal and S-Pulse Dream Plaza. Seven-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart also offer free nationwide Wi-Fi. If you want to stay connected for longer, it helps to buy a prepaid SIM at the airport.
Payment Methods
In Japan, cash is the norm, especially at small restaurants and in taxis. Credit cards are accepted at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and the larger shops at Kawagishi no Ichi.
Visa and Mastercard are the easiest to use, and many places do not accept Amex or Diners. There is a Seven Bank ATM inside a convenience store near the port. We suggest carrying about ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 in cash per person per day.
Transit IC Cards
Transit 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. You can also pay in cash, but change may not always be available, so carry small coins.
Language Support
The tourist information desks at the Shimizu Port terminal and Shimizu Station offer English support. S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kawagishi no Ichi have English menus and English-speaking staff. “Miho Shirube” at Miho no Matsubara has multilingual brochures.
Taxis are generally Japanese only. Make use of Google Translate.
Tourist Information Centers
- Inside the Shimizu Port passenger terminal: Right where you get off the ship
- Shimizu Station tourist information center: About 1.5 km from the port. Take the free shuttle bus or walk 20 to 25 minutes
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City General Tourist Information Center (Shizuoka Station north exit, English available) | 054-253-1170 |
| Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi General Dispatch Center) | 054-281-5111 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
Seven Seas Explorer departs at 16:00. Please be back at Hinode Pier by 15:30, 30 minutes before departure.
On Google Maps, search “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭” to see the location.
For taxis, tell the driver “清水港 日の出埠頭 (Hinode Pier).” The model route ends at Dream Plaza, so you can walk back in 5 minutes. On a rainy day, it’s safer to head back a little early.
9. About Seven Seas Explorer
Seven Seas Explorer is a foreign-flagged cruise ship of 55,254 tons. Please check the cruise line’s official information for the year she entered service and the operating company.
Details about onboard facilities and entertainment are also available through announcements during your voyage. Along with your sightseeing in Shimizu, enjoy your time aboard as well.
From Tokyo to Shimizu, and then on to Kobe. It’s a journey that lets you meet a different side of Japan in each port. It looks like a rainy day in Shimizu, but take your time enjoying the National Treasure shrine buildings, the Yayoi site, and the local port cuisine.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
