Monday, October 26, 2026. Norwegian Jade departs Hakodate, sails south along the Pacific coast, and arrives at Hinode Pier in Shimizu Port at 07:00. She departs the same day at 15:00, bound for Osaka, the next port of call.
🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら: 日本語で読む
The scheduled time in port is 8 hours, but once you allow for disembarkation and re-boarding, about 6 hours outside the port is a realistic estimate. Even so, that is enough 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 life in the Yayoi period, the Kawagishi no Ichi market where Shimizu Port’s tuna comes in, and Esparusu 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 Hakodate still fresh, what should you see, eat, and do in Shimizu next? I’ll walk you through it from a local’s 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 Day Basics
- 2. Weather and What to Wear on October 26, 2026
- 3. Getting from Shimizu Port to the City and Sightseeing Spots
- 4. Recommended Model Route: "Rainy Day Shizuoka — National Treasure, Yayoi, and Seafood Course"
- 5. Events in Shimizu on October 26, 2026
- 6. Shimizu and Shizuoka Local Specialties
- 7. Practical Information for a Worry-Free Day
- 8. Getting Back to Your Ship
- 9. About Norwegian Jade
1. Port Day Basics
Here is the port schedule for October 26, 2026 at a glance.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port date | Monday, October 26, 2026 |
| Arrival | 07:00 |
| Departure | 15:00 |
| Scheduled time in port | About 8 hours |
| Realistic sightseeing time | About 6 hours |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier |
| Previous port | Hakodate |
| Next port | Osaka |
Late October is deep autumn, and the tail end of typhoon season. This day is a regular Monday, not a public holiday, so tourist spots should be relatively quiet.
Note that some facilities are closed on Mondays. The Verkehr Museum is closed on Mondays. Operating status for Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and the Toro Museum is summarized in Section 4.
2. Weather and What to Wear on October 26, 2026
The forecast for Shimizu on this day is light showers. The high is around 22.2℃ (72°F), the low around 19.7℃ (67°F), and the chance of rain is 88%.
If you’re not used to Celsius, use these as a guide: 20℃ = 68°F, 25℃ = 77°F, 30℃ = 86°F.
Temperatures are mild, but walking in the rain can leave you feeling chilled. A thin long-sleeved top and a jacket that’s easy to put on and take off will come in handy.
An umbrella or rain gear is a must. Wear comfortable walking shoes that you won’t mind getting wet. I’ve built today’s plan around indoor and covered locations.
7-day Shizuoka forecast by meteoblue
Please note that this forecast was current at the time of publication (a few days before your port day). The weather widget above always shows the latest weekly forecast, so check it again on the morning of your port day.
3. Getting from Shimizu Port to the City and Sightseeing Spots
For each type of transportation, I’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, I recommend a taxi.
On rainy days, taxis and trains with a roof overhead are the most comfortable choices.
🚕 Taxi (Most flexible — recommended)
The biggest advantage is that you can visit places that are hard to reach by public transit, such as Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, all 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 in time with cruise ship arrivals. If you don’t see one, the tourist information desk inside 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 rises by ¥100 for every 285 m after that. Time is also added while waiting at lights or in traffic. It’s perfectly polite to ask for a rough estimate before getting in, 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 a group of four. Show the driver your list of places you want to visit and discuss the route together.
- 【Payment】Cash and credit cards are the safest bet. Acceptance of transit IC cards and QR payments varies by vehicle, so check before riding if you want to use them. Tipping is not necessary.
- 【Language】Most drivers speak only Japanese, but showing 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 helper)
There are two kinds of free buses at Shimizu Port. They board at different places, so it helps to keep them straight.
① Free shuttle bus from Esparusu Dream Plaza (year-round, open to everyone)
It connects Dream Plaza, Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu), and JR Shimizu Station Minato Exit in about 8 minutes. The stop is not at Hinode Pier itself, but at the Dream Plaza bus stop next to the pier.
- 【Fare】Free. You don’t need to be a shopper to ride.
- 【Frequency】Weekdays every 30 minutes (departing Dream Plaza at :00 and :30 past each hour). Weekends and holidays every 15 minutes (at :00, :15, :30, and :45 past each hour).
- 【First and last bus】From Dream Plaza, the first bus is 10:00 and the last is 22:20. From JR Shimizu Station Minato Exit, the first bus is 9:45.
- 【Note】It does not run before 10:00 a.m. On days with an early-morning arrival, choose a taxi or walking for your first move of the day. Since your ship arrives at 07:00 today, a taxi is the realistic choice for morning travel.
- 【Best for】Heading to JR Shimizu Station or Shin-Shimizu Station. It saves you a walk of over 20 minutes.
② Free shuttle bus for cruise passengers, on port days only (arranged by the cruise line)
On port days, a free bus to Shin-Shimizu Station and JR Shimizu Station sometimes departs from right in front of Hinode Pier. The biggest difference from ① is that you can board immediately after leaving the ship.
- When Celebrity Millennium called on August 16, 2026, Ihara Kanko Bus operated 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, vary with each port call. Check the onboard announcements, or ask the staff on the pier after disembarking.
- How to tell them apart: ① is a red bus (with “S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA” written on the body), while ② is a chartered vehicle that runs on port days only.
⛴ Water Bus (Travel while looking at Mt. Fuji from the sea)
These small boats run from Hinode Pier (in front of Dream Plaza) to the Miho area and to Ejiri (toward the Kawagishi no Ichi market). The ride itself is a Shimizu Port sightseeing experience.
- 【How fares work】Flat fare per leg: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥500 for elementary school students. Hinode to Miho takes about 15 minutes, and Hinode to Ejiri about 10 minutes.
- 【Frequency】7 sailings per day. Reservations are not accepted; boarding is first-come, first-served.
- 【How to buy】Tickets are purchased at the boarding point.
- 【Cancellations】Because it’s a route within the harbor, cancellations are rare, but service may be suspended in rough weather such as typhoons. Check on the day at the boarding point or by phone (054-353-2222). Since rain is forecast, it’s a good idea to check before you set out.
🚏 Local Bus (The standard route to Miho — Shizutetsu Justline)
If you’re heading to Miho no Matsubara by public transportation, take the “Miho Yamanote Line.” It costs ¥440 and takes about 25 minutes from Shimizu Station to Miho no Matsubara Iriguchi.
- 【Frequency】Generally 3 to 4 buses per hour during the daytime.
- 【How to ride】Board through the rear door and pay at the fare box at the front when you get off (pay-on-exit). With nationwide transit IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA, just tap when you board and again when you get off.
- 【If paying cash】The change machine on board accepts only coins and ¥1,000 bills. If you only have large bills, it’s best to 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 City)
This is an option if you want to go farther afield to the Shizuoka Station area, such as the Aoba Yokocho area for Shizuoka oden or Sunpu Castle Park.
- 【JR Tokaido Line】Shimizu Station to Shizuoka Station costs ¥240 and takes about 12 minutes. Trains run 3 to 4 times per hour during the daytime.
- 【Shizuoka Railway (Shizutetsu)】Shin-Shimizu Station to Shin-Shizuoka Station costs ¥350 and takes about 23 minutes. Trains run roughly every 8 minutes, so you can ride without worrying about a timetable.
- 【Payment】Both accept transit IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA. Contactless credit card payment at the gates is not supported, so buy a ticket with an IC card or cash.
- 【From the port to the stations】The free shuttle bus is convenient for getting to Shimizu Station and Shin-Shimizu Station.
🚶 On Foot (Plenty good if you’re staying around the port)
- Esparusu Dream Plaza: Right next to the pier (1–3 minutes on foot).
- Shimizu Fish Market “Kawagishi no Ichi”: About 1.3 km, 15–20 minutes on foot. If you take the water bus from Hinode to Ejiri (about 10 minutes), Kawagishi no Ichi is right in front of you when you get off.
- JR Shimizu Station: About 1.5 km, 20–25 minutes on foot. I recommend taking the free shuttle bus.
- Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu): About 1 km, around 15 minutes on foot.
For even more detail on getting around from the port and other practical information, see the Shimizu Cruise Port Complete Guide.
4. Recommended Model Route: “Rainy Day Shizuoka — National Treasure, Yayoi, and Seafood Course”
If you’re deciding between a cruise line tour and a local tour or independent arrangements, take a look at Shimizu Shore Excursions Compared, which lays out costs and suitability side by side.
“Rain is forecast, but what should I see in 6 hours?”
This course answers that question.
With an 88% chance of rain, I’ve built it around covered and indoor locations. You’ll visit Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and the Toro Archaeological Site to the south first, then return to the port area for lunch at Kawagishi no Ichi, and finish with shopping at Dream Plaza before heading back to the ship.
It’s a one-way loop that doesn’t shuttle back and forth between the port and faraway spots, so you lose very little time.
| Time | Spot | Activity | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30 | Hinode Pier | Disembark. Taxi to the Nihondaira Ropeway station | About 30 min (travel) |
| 08:00– | Nihondaira Ropeway | Ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine | About 5 min |
| 08:30–10:20 | Kunozan Toshogu Shrine | Visit the National Treasure shrine buildings and museum | About 110 min |
| 10:30– | Nihondaira Ropeway / Taxi | Return to Nihondaira, then taxi to the Toro Archaeological Site | About 30 min (travel) |
| 11:00–12:10 | Toro Archaeological Site / Toro Museum | Learn about life in the Yayoi period | About 70 min |
| 12:10–12:40 | Travel | Taxi toward Shimizu Port | About 25 min |
| 12:40–13:30 | Shimizu Fish Market “Kawagishi no Ichi” | Lunch of tuna rice bowl | About 50 min |
| 13:30–14:15 | Esparusu Dream Plaza | Chibi Maruko-chan Land and souvenirs | About 45 min |
| 14:15– | Hinode Pier | 5-minute walk back to the ship (be on board by 14:30, 30 minutes before departure) | About 5 min |
Estimated budget: from about ¥7,000 per person (including taxi, admission, and meals)
With departure at 15:00, this is not a course with much slack. Keep an eye on the clock so you don’t spend too long at Kunozan. If you start running behind, I recommend shortening your visit to the Toro Archaeological Site to make up time.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
This is the oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and its shrine buildings are a National Treasure. The richly colored carvings are well worth seeing even in the rain.
It’s about 5 minutes by ropeway from Nihondaira. Shrine buildings cost ¥700, the museum ¥600, and a combination ticket is ¥1,200. The combination ticket that includes the museum is the better value.
It takes about 20 minutes by car from Shimizu Port to the summit of Nihondaira. Cars cannot drive directly up to Kunozan, so you’ll use the ropeway.
For details on how to get to Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine on your own, and the costs, see the Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Shrine Guide.
Toro Archaeological Site / Toro Museum
This is a Special National Historic Site with a reconstructed settlement from the Yayoi period about 2,000 years ago. Pit dwellings and rice paddies spread out before you, letting you experience the roots of rice farming in Japan.
The site and the museum’s first floor are free; the second floor of the museum costs ¥300. On a rainy day, I recommend focusing on the museum exhibits.
English support is limited, so a translation app is handy to have.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kawagishi no Ichi”
A market where you can taste Shimizu Port’s tuna. It has two buildings: Maguro-kan (the tuna hall) and Ichiba-kan, which houses shops. It’s a 3–5 minute walk from the east exit of JR Shimizu Station.
Tuna rice bowls typically run about ¥1,000–2,500. It’s indoors, so rain is no problem.
Esparusu Dream Plaza
A complex about a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier. Chibi Maruko-chan Land costs ¥1,200 for adults and ¥700 for ages 3 through elementary school. It’s open 10:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30).
Shimizu Sushi Yokocho and souvenir shops are clustered here, making it a good place to shop before heading back to the ship.
Operating Status on Monday, October 26, 2026
- Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: Open (9:00–17:00, open year-round)
- Nihondaira Ropeway: Running (operates in rain; not in strong winds or thunder)
- Toro Archaeological Site / Toro Museum: The museum is closed on Mondays, so it is not open for visits. The archaeological park is open, but being outdoors, it isn’t well suited to a rainy day.
- Kawagishi no Ichi: Open (closed Wednesdays, so open on Monday)
- Esparusu Dream Plaza: Open (Chibi Maruko-chan Land is open year-round)
- Verkehr Museum: Closed on Mondays
Because the Toro Museum is closed on Mondays, I recommend leaving the Toro Archaeological Site out of the course above. In that case, stay at Kunozan until about 11:00, stop by Nihondaira Yume Terrace (free; open, since it closes on the second Tuesday), and then take a taxi to Kawagishi no Ichi. Depending on the weather, the view may not be visible.
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 26, 2026
We have not confirmed any specific events at this time.
For event information on the day, ask at the tourist information desk inside the Shimizu Port passenger terminal, or search for “清水 イベント” (Shimizu events) to check.
6. Shimizu and Shizuoka Local Specialties
The Shimizu and Shizuoka area is one of the top food destinations in Japan. Here are the local specialties I’d love for you to try on your port day.
| Dish | Where | Approx. Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna rice bowl / sashimi platter | Maguro-kan (inside Kawagishi no Ichi) | ¥1,000–2,500 | Known for freshness and variety. Closed Wednesdays |
| Shimizu tuna sushi / sakura shrimp gunkan | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500–4,000 | 5-minute walk from the port. English menu available |
| Sakura shrimp kakiage (tempura fritter) | Yui Fishing Port area | ¥800–1,500 | Autumn season runs October–December. Cash only |
| Shizuoka oden | Aoba Yokocho area (central Shizuoka City) | ¥500–1,500 | Features black hanpen and dashi powder. Most shops open from the evening |
| Seafood rice bowl / seared tuna (tataki) | Ichiba-kan (Kawagishi no Ichi) | ¥500–2,000 | Lots of takeout options |
| Freshly grated wasabi / wasabi-zuke | Throughout Shimizu and Shizuoka City | ¥300–3,000 | Popular as souvenirs. Wasabi soft serve is available too |
What I especially want to point out is sakura shrimp, a seasonal treat unique to October.
Sakura shrimp are tiny shrimp caught in Suruga Bay, and the autumn season runs from October through December. Made into kakiage, they offer a crispy bite followed by a spread of sweetness and a toasty aroma.
The Yui Fishing Port area is where they come from, about 25 minutes by car from Shimizu Port. On a port day with limited time, you can also enjoy sakura shrimp dishes at Shimizu Sushi Yokocho in Dream Plaza and at Kawagishi no Ichi.
For a deeper dive into the seasons, ways to eat, and recommended shops for tuna, sakura shrimp, and shirasu (whitebait), see the Shimizu Seafood Guide.
7. Practical Information for a Worry-Free Day
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Shimizu Port terminal and Esparusu Dream Plaza. Seven-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart also offer nationwide free Wi-Fi.
Payment Methods
In Japan, many shops are cash-based, and cash is the safest bet especially at small restaurants and in taxis. Credit cards are accepted at larger shops in Dream Plaza and Kawagishi no Ichi.
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted, while many shops don’t take Amex or Diners. There are Seven Bank ATMs inside convenience stores near the port. It’s a good idea to carry ¥3,000–10,000 in cash per person per day.
Transit IC Cards
Buses and trains accept transit IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA. You can buy them at convenience stores near the port or at Shimizu Station. You can also ride with cash, but exact change may be needed in some cases, so have coins ready.
Language Support
The tourist information desks at the Shimizu Port terminal and Shimizu Station offer English support. Some shops in Dream Plaza and Kawagishi no Ichi have English menus or English-speaking staff.
Taxi drivers generally speak only Japanese, so I recommend using Google Translate.
Tourist Information Desks
- Inside the Shimizu Port passenger terminal (right after you disembark)
- Shimizu Station tourist information desk (about 1.5 km from the port; take the free shuttle bus or walk 20–25 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 Your Ship
Departure is at 15:00. Please be back at Hinode Pier by 14:30, 30 minutes before departure.
On Google Maps, search for “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭” to see the boarding location.
For taxis, tell the driver “清水港 日の出埠頭 (Hinode Pier).” Roads tend to get congested on rainy days, so I recommend giving yourself plenty of time.
9. About Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade is a foreign-flagged cruise ship with a gross tonnage of 93,558 tons, a Norwegian-branded ship. For details such as the year she entered service, please check the cruise line’s official website.
Norwegian ships are known for a relaxed, flexible style of cruising. Onboard, you’ll find a variety of dining and entertainment options.
In Shimizu, take your time enjoying the flavors and scenery of Shizuoka, which are different from what you’ll find on the ship.
From Hakodate to Shimizu, and then on to Osaka. On a journey that carries you from a northern port town, to a port at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and then to the big city of the Kansai region, I hope this day in Shimizu becomes a memorable one. It may be a rainy day, but I’m sure the National Treasure shrine buildings and freshly caught seafood will add color to your trip.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
