Good morning and welcome to Shimizu, one of Japan’s most scenic port cities! Today, Celebrity Millennium docks at Shimizu Port from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, giving you a generous 9 hours ashore to explore this beautiful corner of Shizuoka Prefecture. With clear skies forecast, today is an absolutely perfect day to soak in the iconic views of Mt. Fuji — so let’s make the most of it!


☁️ Today’s Weather

| | Details |

|—|—|

| Conditions | Likely clear (details TBC — check onboard or local forecast) |

| Season | Late April — warm spring days, pleasant and comfortable |

| What to wear | Light layers recommended; a light jacket for the morning, short sleeves by afternoon |

🌸 Spring Bonus: Late April is a wonderful time to visit. Cherry blossoms may linger in some spots, and the sakura shrimp spring fishing season is in full swing — don’t miss it at lunch!

> ⚠️ Weather note: Detailed forecast data was unavailable at time of publication. We recommend checking the ship’s daily program or a local weather app (e.g., Weather.com or Japan Meteorological Agency) before heading out.


🎪 Today’s Events in Shimizu & Shizuoka

There’s plenty happening around the city today! Here are some local events worth checking out:

1. 壜壥 鳥山高史展 ―ガラスの中の陰影― (Takashi Toriyama Glass Art Exhibition)

A fascinating exhibition exploring light, shadow, and texture through glass art. A great indoor option for art lovers.

2. 端午の節句飾り展 (Children’s Day Decoration Exhibition)

Traditional Japanese decorations for Children’s Day (May 5th) are on display — a wonderful window into Japanese seasonal culture.

3. 清水文化会館マリナート 鈴木のりたけ大原画展 (Noritake Suzuki Original Painting Exhibition at Marinart)

A large-scale exhibition of original artworks by beloved picture book author Noritake Suzuki, held at Shimizu’s cultural hall — conveniently close to the port!

4. 秋山一海のオータムマウン展 (Kazumi Akiyama Autumn Mountain Exhibition)

A local art exhibition showcasing evocative landscape paintings. Perfect for a relaxed cultural detour.

5. 屋根・外壁塗り替えセミナー (Home Renovation Seminar – Free)

A free community seminar — mainly for local residents, but listed here for completeness!

> 📌 Please check each event’s website for exact venue, hours, and admission details before visiting.


🚌 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:

| Transport | Best For | Cost | Duration | Notes |

|—|—|—|—|—|

| 🚶 Walking | Dream Plaza, Kashinoichi Market, Jirocho Birthplace | Free | 5–15 min | Perfect for port-area spots |

| 🚌 Bus (Shizutetsu Justline) | Miho no Matsubara, Nihondaira | ¥180–¥700 | 25–55 min | IC cards (Suica) accepted; transfer at Shimizu Station |

| ⛵ Water Bus | Miho no Matsubara | ¥400 (one way) | 30 min | Scenic! Check schedule — weather-dependent |

| 🚕 Taxi | Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu, anywhere | ¥600–¥5,000+ | 5–40 min | Most flexible option; cash preferred |

| 🚕 Charter Taxi (4 hrs) | Full-day sightseeing | ~¥15,000–¥20,000 | All day | Best value for groups of 2–4 |

> 💡 Top Tip: For a full day like today, chartering a taxi for 4 hours is highly recommended. Split between 2–4 people, it’s comparable to bus fares and saves a huge amount of time. Ask at the terminal — staff can help you arrange one.


“The Best of Shimizu — Mt. Fuji, History & Seafood”

*Tailored for 6+ hours ashore on a clear spring day*

This is your golden ticket to see everything Shimizu has to offer: panoramic mountain views, a National Treasure shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage pine grove, fresh tuna, and souvenir shopping — all before your 4:00 PM departure.


🕖 7:30 AM — Depart the Ship

Disembark and head to the taxi rank at the pier. Arrange a charter taxi or take an individual taxi to Nihondaira (approx. 30 minutes, ¥4,000).


🕗 8:00–9:00 AM — Nihondaira & Yume Terrace 🏔️

[日本平夢テラス / Nihondaira Yume Terrace]()

Arrive early at this stunning plateau (307 m elevation) for the best morning light on Mt. Fuji. The 360-degree observation deck — Nihondaira Yume Terrace (¥360/person, opens 10:00 AM) — offers sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the Southern Alps simultaneously.

> 🕙 *Note: Yume Terrace opens at 10:00 AM. Arrive just before opening for the clearest views and fewest crowds. The surrounding grounds are accessible earlier.*

  • Cost: ¥360 (observation floor) | Free (surrounding plateau area)
  • Closed: Tuesdays (tomorrow — you’re safe today! ✅)

🕙 9:30–11:00 AM — Kunozan Toshogu Shrine 🏯

[久能山東照宮 / Kunozan Toshogu Shrine]()

From Nihondaira, board the ropeway (5-minute ride) down to Kunozan Toshogu — one of Japan’s most magnificent shrines and a National Treasure. This is the original resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the warlord who unified Japan and founded the Edo Shogunate.

The vivid gold and lacquer shrine buildings are breathtaking. Don’t miss the Museum, which houses Ieyasu’s personal belongings including a Western-made clock gifted by the King of Spain.

  • Admission: ¥500 (shrine only) | ¥800 (combined with museum) — museum combo recommended!
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:45 PM) ✅ Open today
  • Ropeway: Included in approx. ¥2,800 bus + ropeway package from Shimizu Station

🕚 11:30 AM–12:30 PM — Kashinoichi Fish Market Lunch 🐟

[清水魚市場 河岸の市 / Shimizu Kashinoichi Fish Market]()

Take a taxi from Nihondaira back toward the port (approx. 20 min, ¥3,000) and stop at the famous Kashinoichi Market for lunch. This is the place for fresh Shimizu tuna — try a *maguro-don* (tuna rice bowl) at the Maguro-kan, or grab a *sakura shrimp kakiage* (tempura fritter) — a spring seasonal specialty that is absolutely not to be missed!

> 🦐 Spring Special: Fresh *sakura ebi* (cherry blossom shrimp) are in peak season right now (spring catch: March–June). This tiny, flavourful shrimp is a Shizuoka treasure — try it raw or as a crispy kakiage fritter!

  • Hours: From 9:30 AM (restaurants from ~11:00 AM) ✅ Open today (closed Wednesdays ⚠️)

> ⚠️ Important: Kashinoichi is closed on Wednesdays — and today, April 22, is a Wednesday. Please head to S-Pulse Dream Plaza’s Shimizu Sushi Alley (徒歩5分 from port) as your lunch alternative. Equally delicious, fully English-friendly, and open today!


🕐 1:00–2:30 PM — Miho no Matsubara Pine Grove 🌲

[三保松原 / Miho no Matsubara]()

Head to this UNESCO World Heritage Site — a 7km stretch of coastline lined with 30,000 ancient pine trees, with Mt. Fuji rising dramatically across the bay. Walk the sacred “Divine Path” (神の道) through the pines to the shoreline and visit Miho Shrine, home of the legendary *Hagoromo* (“Feathered Robe”) pine tree.

On a clear April afternoon, this is genuinely one of the most beautiful views in Japan. The combination of white-capped Mt. Fuji, vivid blue of Suruga Bay, and fragrant pine forest is unforgettable.

Getting there from Kashinoichi:

  • 🚌 Water Bus from Hinode Pier (30 min, ¥400) — scenic and recommended on a clear day!
  • 🚌 Bus from Shimizu Station (25 min, ¥470) — reliable alternative
  • 🚕 Taxi (20 min, ~¥2,500)
  • Admission: Free ✅
  • Hours: Open all day (みほしるべ visitor centre: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed Mondays ✅)
  • Recommended stay: 60–90 minutes

> 💡 Photo tip: Walk all the way to the beach for the classic “pines framing Mt. Fuji” shot. Morning and early afternoon light is best.


🕞 2:30–3:30 PM — S-Pulse Dream Plaza 🛍️

[エスパルスドリームプラザ / S-Pulse Dream Plaza]()

Make your way back to the port and stop at this waterfront shopping complex — just 5 minutes’ walk from the ship. This is your one-stop shop for:

  • 🎎 Souvenirs — local teas, wasabi products, Shizuoka sweets
  • 🍣 Chibi Maruko-chan Land — the beloved anime character is from Shimizu! Great for families (¥800 entry)
  • 🛒 Last-minute gifts — beautifully packaged local goods
  • Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (restaurants until 9:00 PM) ✅ Open today

🕒 3:30 PM — Head Back to the Ship ⛵

Return to Celebrity Millennium at Hinode Pier. The ship departs at 4:00 PM — please be back onboard no later than 3:30 PM. It’s a 5-minute walk from Dream Plaza to the pier.


📋 Route Summary

| Time | Spot | Duration | Approx. Cost |

|—|—|—|—|

| 7:30 AM | Depart ship | — | — |

| 8:00–9:00 AM | Nihondaira Yume Terrace | 60 min | ¥360 |

| 9:30–11:00 AM | Kunozan Toshogu Shrine | 90 min | ¥800 |

| 11:30 AM–12:30 PM | Lunch (Dream Plaza Sushi Alley*) | 60 min | ¥1,500–4,000 |

| 1:00–2:30 PM | Miho no Matsubara | 90 min | ¥400 (water bus) |

| 2:30–3:30 PM | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | 60 min | ¥0–2,000 |

| 3:30 PM | Return to ship | — | — |

*Substituted for Kashinoichi (closed Wednesdays)

Total estimated budget per person: ¥6,000–12,000 (excluding charter taxi)


🍽️ Shimizu & Shizuoka Local Food Guide

| Dish | Description | Where to Try | Price |

|—|—|—|—|

| 🐟 Maguro-don (Tuna Rice Bowl) | Shimizu is Japan’s No.1 tuna port. Fresh, thick-cut tuna over rice — unmissable. | Kashinoichi (⚠️ closed Wed) / Dream Plaza Sushi Alley ✅ | ¥1,000–2,500 |

| 🦐 Sakura ebi Kakiage | Crispy tempura fritters of tiny pink sakura shrimp — a spring Shizuoka specialty. In peak season right now! | Kashinoichi (⚠️ closed Wed) / Yui area | ¥800–1,500 |

| 🍣 Shimizu Sushi | Fresh nigiri with local tuna, sakura shrimp gunkan, and seasonal fish from Suruga Bay. | Dream Plaza Sushi Alley ✅ | ¥1,500–4,000 |

| 🍢 Shizuoka Oden | Dark-broth oden with black *hanpen* fish cake, topped with dried bonito powder and green laver. A Shizuoka soul food. | Aoba Alley, Shizuoka city (20 min by train) | ¥500–1,500 |

| 🌿 Wasabi products | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi producer. Try freshly grated wasabi, wasabi pickles, or even wasabi soft-serve ice cream! | Dream Plaza & souvenir shops | ¥300–3,000 |

| 🍵 Shizuoka Green Tea | Japan’s finest deep-steamed green tea (*fukamushi-cha*). Perfect as a gift or to sip fresh. | Throughout port area | ¥500–3,000 |


ℹ️ Practical Information

📶 Wi-Fi

  • Shimizu Port Terminal: Free Wi-Fi available (inside terminal building)
  • S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Free Wi-Fi available
  • Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart): Free Wi-Fi nationwide
  • 💡 Tip: Pick up a prepaid SIM card at the airport if you haven’t already — it makes navigation much easier

💴 Payment

  • Cash is king in Japan, especially at smaller restaurants, taxis, and market stalls
  • Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) accepted at Dream Plaza, most sushi restaurants, and larger shops
  • ATMs: 7-Bank ATMs (in 7-Eleven stores, English-friendly) are your most reliable option near the port
  • 💡 Recommended: Carry at least ¥3,000–¥10,000 in cash per person for the day

🚌 IC Cards (Transit Cards)

  • Buses and trains accept Suica, ICOCA, and other transit IC cards
  • Available at Shimizu Station and convenience stores
  • Cash is also accepted on buses (have exact change ready — no change given)

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