Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Celebrity Millennium departs Kagoshima and travels north across the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean, arriving at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 07:00. Departure is the same day at 17:00, bound for Tokyo.
While the scheduled port stay is 10 hours, factoring in disembarkation and re-boarding time, you can realistically expect around 8 to 9 hours to explore ashore. That’s still plenty of time to experience everything Shimizu and Shizuoka have to offer — from the iconic view of Mt. Fuji framed by the pines of Miho no Matsubara (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), to the brilliantly decorated national treasure shrines of Kunozan Toshogu, the sweeping 360-degree panorama from Nihondaira Yume Terrace, a luxurious tuna rice bowl made with freshly caught local fish, and the unique atmosphere of the hometown of beloved anime classic *Chibi Maruko-chan*.
This page is your complete one-day guide to making the most of your May 13, 2026 port call. Still carrying the warmth of Kagoshima with you, let’s dive into what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your day in Shimizu — with insider tips straight from a local perspective.
About the Author
Administrator of the Shimizu Port Cruise Guide. A Shizuoka Prefecture resident, the author works in tourism hospitality, welcoming international visitors to the Shimizu and Shizuoka area. Through this blog, up-to-date local information is shared to help cruise passengers make the most of their limited time in port. Drawing on connections with local taxi drivers, tourist information center staff, and restaurant owners, the goal is to share the kind of real, on-the-ground Shimizu experience you won’t find in any guidebook.
Table of Contents
- Port Day Essentials
- Weather & What to Wear on May 13, 2026
- Getting Around from Shimizu Port
- Recommended Itinerary: The “Shizuoka Full Course” (Nihondaira, Toshogu, Miho & Dining)
- Local Events on May 13, 2026
- Must-Try Local Food & Drink
- Practical Information for a Smooth Day Out
- Getting Back to the Ship
- About Celebrity Millennium
1. Port Day Essentials
Here’s a quick overview of everything you need to know about the May 13, 2026 port call at a glance.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Day | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 |
| Arrival | 07:00 |
| Departure | 17:00 |
| Scheduled Port Stay | Approx. 10 hours |
| Realistic Shore Time | Approx. 8–9 hours |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier |
| Previous Port | Kagoshima |
| Next Port | Tokyo |
May 13 falls right in the heart of one of the most pleasant times of year in Shizuoka — often called the “early summer new tea season.” The tea fields are a vivid, luminous green, the air is crisp and clear, and Mt. Fuji tends to be sharply visible against blue skies. The chances of seeing Fuji’s snow-capped peak rising above the pine groves of Miho no Matsubara are high, making this truly one of the best times of year for a cruise port call here.
May is also when tea-related events and farm-fresh sales take place across Shizuoka Prefecture. As Japan’s premier tea-growing region, this is the ideal time to experience locally grown *shincha* (first-harvest green tea) straight from the source. The spring cherry shrimp (*sakura-ebi*) fishing season (March–June) is also in full swing, with Yui’s famous sakura-ebi at peak freshness and flavor. In short, May 13 is a wonderfully well-timed visit from a culinary standpoint as well.
2. Weather & What to Wear on May 13, 2026
May in Shimizu is one of the most comfortable times of year, with daytime highs typically around 18–23°C (64–73°F) and lows around 12–16°C (54–61°F). While afternoons can be warm enough for short sleeves, the morning when you disembark (07:00) and the early evening as you return to the ship may feel noticeably cooler. A light cardigan or jacket is a smart addition. As a reference point, API forecast data suggests a high of 20.8°C, a low of 14.7°C, and a precipitation probability of just 4% for the day.
Layering is the way to go. Start your morning with a long-sleeved shirt or light jacket that you can easily remove as the day warms up. Since the itinerary includes plenty of outdoor walking — especially at Miho no Matsubara and Nihondaira — comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are strongly recommended. May sunshine can be surprisingly intense, so don’t forget sunscreen and a hat. Rain is unlikely, but a compact folding umbrella is handy just in case.
Please note that this article was written a few days before the port call, before fully accurate day-of forecasts were available. For the most reliable conditions, check again about three days before departure. On the morning of your arrival, a quick search for “Shimizu, Shizuoka weather” will bring up English-language forecasts with ease.
3. Getting Around from Shimizu Port
With limited time in port, your choice of transportation can make or break your day. Here’s a breakdown of your options from Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier, starting with the most efficient.
① Taxi (Top Recommendation)
For groups, taxis offer the best overall value. When you split the fare among multiple people, the per-person cost is comparable to taking the bus — but with none of the transfers, luggage hassles, or schedule constraints. Taxi drivers can also guide you between sights, and while most speak Japanese only, Google Translate handles the communication gap remarkably well in practice.
A private charter for 4–5 passengers runs approximately ¥15,000–20,000 for four hours. You can arrange a taxi immediately after disembarking or ask staff at the port terminal’s tourist information center for assistance. For today’s 10-hour stay, chartering a taxi to cover Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu, and Miho no Matsubara in one sweep is by far the most efficient option.
② Water Bus (Shimizu Port Water Bus)
A sightseeing boat connecting the Hinode area of Shimizu Port with Miho no Matsubara — and a quintessentially Shimizu experience in itself. Enjoy views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay from the water as you make your way between stops. The one-way fare is ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children. The boarding point is a 2–5-minute walk from S-Pulse Dream Plaza. The crossing takes about 35 minutes, with departures from Hinode roughly between 09:55 and 15:55.
One thing to keep in mind: the water bus may be cancelled due to weather or wave conditions. Always check the operating status the evening before via the official website or the tourist information center. If it’s not running, you can reach Miho by local bus from Shimizu Station (approximately 25 minutes, ¥470).
③ Local Bus
Buses to Miho no Matsubara depart from Shimizu Station and take about 25 minutes (¥470). For Nihondaira, buses from either Shimizu Station or Shizuoka Station take roughly 50–60 minutes (a direct bus from Shizuoka Station is most convenient). Some routes run infrequently, so check timetables in advance. Fares vary by route; expect around ¥900–1,000 from Shizuoka Station toward Nihondaira. Suica, ICOCA, and other IC transit cards are accepted.
④ On Foot
Hinode Pier to S-Pulse Dream Plaza is just a 5-minute walk — perfect if you’d rather save your energy or the weather turns. Shimizu Fish Market Kashi no Ichi is about a 15-minute walk toward Shimizu Station. Simply strolling around the harbor area can be a pleasant experience in its own right.
⑤ JR Shimizu Station
About a 15-minute walk from the pier, JR Shimizu Station connects you to Shizuoka Station in roughly 10 minutes by the Tokaido Line (IC fare: ¥231). If you’re keen on exploring downtown Shizuoka — for *oden* or a visit to the Toro ruins — the train is your best bet.
4. Recommended Itinerary: The “Shizuoka Full Course” (Nihondaira, Toshogu, Miho & Dining)
“With 10 hours, what should I actually see?” — that’s exactly what this “Shizuoka Full Course” answers. This itinerary is designed to pack the very best of Shimizu and Shizuoka into a single memorable day: stunning scenery, living history, and exceptional food. By making the most of the early 07:00 arrival, you’ll tackle the hilltop panoramas of Nihondaira (307 m above sea level) and the national treasure shrines of Kunozan Toshogu in the morning, enjoy a harborside lunch, spend the afternoon at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Miho no Matsubara, squeeze in some souvenir shopping, and return to the ship with time to spare.
Hiring a private taxi keeps transit time to a minimum, and shared among 4–5 passengers, the per-person cost stays very reasonable. On a clear May day, this route delivers every highlight Shimizu has to offer — Mt. Fuji views included.
Suggested Timeline
| Time | Location | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30 | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier | Disembark, clear immigration, arrange taxi at tourist info center | 30 min |
| 08:00 | Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrace | Taxi (~30 min) → take in 360° panoramic views | 60 min |
| 09:30 | Kunozan Toshogu | Ropeway down from Nihondaira (~5 min) → explore the national treasure shrines and museum | 90 min |
| 11:00 | (Transfer) | Taxi to Kashi no Ichi (~20 min) | 20 min |
| 11:20 | Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” | Tuna bowl lunch at the Maguro-kan; browse souvenirs at the Ichiba-kan | 60 min |
| 12:20 | (Transfer) | Water bus from Hinode (departs ~09:55 onward) or taxi to Miho (~25 min) | 30–35 min |
| 12:50 | Miho no Matsubara | Walk the Kami no Michi path and Hagoromo Pine; photograph Mt. Fuji | 90 min |
| 14:20 | (Transfer) | Water bus or taxi back to Shimizu Port (~25–35 min) | 35 min |
| 14:55 | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Chibi Maruko-chan Land, Shimizu Sushi Yokocho, souvenir shopping | 60 min |
| 16:00 | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier | 5-minute walk back to the pier — plenty of time to re-board | — |
Estimated budget: approx. ¥12,000–15,000+ per person (taxi charter, entrance fees, lunch, and souvenirs)
Nihondaira & Nihondaira Yume Terrace
Perched on a 307-meter-high plateau, this 360-degree observation facility frames Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and Miho no Matsubara all in one sweeping panorama. The “Nihondaira Yume Terrace,” redesigned in 2018 by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma, has become an attraction in its own right — its stylish timber-framed observation deck turning every vantage point into a picture-perfect scene. May is one of the best times to visit: the air is clear, Mt. Fuji still wears a cap of snow, and the views are at their sharpest. Best of all, admission is free.
Kunozan Toshogu
Japan’s oldest Toshogu shrine, built to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu — the founder of the Edo shogunate — and older than the more famous Nikko Toshogu. The shrine’s main buildings are designated National Treasures, their vivid polychrome carvings and gilded decorations leaving a lasting impression. A short 5-minute ropeway ride connects Nihondaira to the shrine grounds, making the transition effortless. From within the complex, there are sweeping views of Suruga Bay, and on a bright blue day, the contrast between the ornate shrine architecture and the sparkling sea is breathtaking. History enthusiasts will also enjoy the onsite museum, which houses an important collection of artifacts connected to Ieyasu.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” — Maguro-kan
Shimizu Port is one of Japan’s top tuna-landing ports, and Kashi no Ichi’s Maguro-kan is the most accessible way to experience that heritage firsthand. A cluster of restaurants lines the hall, each showcasing an impressive selection of fresh tuna varieties. From classic *maguro-don* (tuna rice bowl) and seared fatty tuna to sashimi platters piled high, this is a seriously satisfying seafood lunch you can only get in Shimizu. English menus are available, making ordering easy for first-time visitors.
Miho no Matsubara
A sweeping coastline lined with some 30,000 pine trees, with majestic Mt. Fuji rising in the background — this view is registered as the only distant vantage point included in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage listing for Mt. Fuji. The “Hagoromo Pine,” where legend says a celestial maiden descended and hung her feather robe, and the “Kami no Michi” (Path of the Gods), a pine-shaded avenue with an almost otherworldly atmosphere, are both must-walk highlights. The visitor center *Mihoshirube* offers multilingual pamphlets and English-language information. On a clear May day, the combination of sea, pines, and Mt. Fuji creates a scene straight out of a postcard — a quintessentially Japanese image that stays with you long after you’ve sailed away.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza
An ideal final stop before returning to the ship, S-Pulse Dream Plaza is just a 5-minute walk from Hinode Pier. The “Chibi Maruko-chan Land” theme park — dedicated to the much-loved anime set right here in Shimizu — is fun for families and nostalgic for adults alike. Shimizu Sushi Yokocho serves freshly prepared sushi with ingredients direct from the port, and the complex also offers plenty of souvenir shopping options all under one roof, so you can wrap up your Shimizu day efficiently before heading back to the ship.
Operating Status on Wednesday, May 13, 2026
- ✅ Nihondaira Yume Terrace — Open on Wednesdays (closed 2nd Tuesday of each month)
- ✅ Kunozan Toshogu — Open on Wednesdays (no regular closing day)
- ✅ Miho no Matsubara / Kami no Michi — Open all day, every day
- ⚠️ Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” (Maguro-kan & Ichiba-kan) — Closed on Wednesdays. For lunch, we recommend Shimizu Sushi Yokocho inside Dream Plaza instead.
- ✅ S-Pulse Dream Plaza / Shimizu Sushi Yokocho — Open on Wednesdays (irregular holidays; double-check closer to the date)
⚠️ Important: May 13 is a Wednesday, which means Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” (both Maguro-kan and Ichiba-kan) will be closed. For your tuna lunch, please head to Shimizu Sushi Yokocho inside S-Pulse Dream Plaza — just a 5-minute walk from the pier. You’ll still be able to enjoy excellent *maguro nigiri*, *sakura-ebi* sushi rolls, and other Shimizu seafood specialties there.
5. Local Events on May 13, 2026
May 13 falls in the heart of early summer, and the Shimizu–Shizuoka area is alive with cultural events this time of year. Alongside the main sightseeing spots, several gallery exhibitions and community events are running that make for a pleasant detour.
1. Mochizuki Kikuzo: “Hamejibun” Lettering and Illustration Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Mochizuki Kikuzo: “Hamejibun” Lettering and Illustration Exhibition |
| Dates | Running throughout May 2026 |
| Venue | Gallery in Shizuoka City |
An exhibition by artist Mochizuki Kikuzo, showcasing his unique “hamejibun” style — a creative fusion of calligraphic letterforms and illustration. The work is visually engaging regardless of language, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience even for visitors who don’t read Japanese.
2. Shimizu Oyako Gekijo: “55 Years of History” Poster Exhibition, Part 3
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Shimizu Oyako Gekijo: “55 Years of History” Poster Exhibition, Part 3 |
| Dates | Running throughout May 2026 |
| Venue | Venue in Shimizu |
The third installment of a poster retrospective documenting 55 years of Shimizu Oyako Gekijo — a community organization dedicated to children’s cultural activities. A rare window into the local community life and grassroots cultural movements that have shaped the neighborhood over generations.
3. Canvas 10 Watercolor Painting Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Canvas 10 Watercolor Painting Exhibition |
| Dates | Running throughout May 2026 |
| Venue | Gallery in Shimizu / Shizuoka |
A group exhibition by ten local watercolor artists. Works often include landscapes of the Shizuoka and Shimizu area, so visitors may recognize scenes from their own day of sightseeing rendered in paint — a lovely way to bring the day’s memories together. Admission is typically free or very low cost.
4. Kitsunegasaki Arts Festival
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Kitsunegasaki Arts Festival |
| Dates | Running throughout May 2026 |
| Venue | Kitsunegasaki area, Shimizu Ward |
A community-rooted arts festival set in the Kitsunegasaki neighborhood of Shimizu Ward. Expect art installations, live performances, local food, and cultural programming — a lively, informal gathering that reflects Shimizu’s distinctive port-town creative spirit. A great contrast to the main tourist trail, and a chance to experience the city as locals do.
6. Must-Try Local Food & Drink
Shimizu and Shizuoka offer some of the finest regional cuisine in Japan. Here’s what you should try while you’re here.
| Dish | Where to Find It | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna rice bowl / Tuna sushi | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (Dream Plaza) | ¥1,500–4,000 | Fresh port-caught tuna; English menus available |
| Seafood bowl / Chopped tuna (*tataki*) | Kashi no Ichi (Ichiba-kan / Maguro-kan) | ¥1,000–2,500 | ⚠️ Closed Wednesdays — not available on 5/13 |
| Sakura-ebi tempura fritters | Yui fishing port area (approx. 25 min by car) | ¥800–1,500 | Peak spring season; raw sakura-ebi also available |
| Shizuoka oden | Aoba Yokocho area (near Shizuoka Station) | ¥500–1,500 | Dark broth, black fish cake, and dried seaweed powder — don’t miss it |
| New-harvest green tea (*shincha*) | Shops and souvenir corners throughout the area | ¥300–3,000 | May is right after the first pick; the aroma is exceptional |
| Wasabi soft-serve ice cream / Wasabi pickles | Souvenir shops near the port | ¥300–1,500 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi-producing region |
| Fresh raw whitebait bowl (*nama-shirasu don*) | Restaurants in Shimizu and Miho | ¥1,000–2,000 | An early-summer delicacy; freshness is everything |
A special mention goes to the seasonal star of May: *sakura-ebi* (cherry shrimp). These tiny, translucent crimson shrimp are found only in Suruga Bay, and Yui — in Shimizu Ward — is the only place in the world where they are commercially harvested. During the spring fishing season (March–June), raw *sakura-ebi* are served at casual restaurants near the fishing port, their delicate sweetness unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. Lightly battered and fried into featherlight fritters, they pair beautifully with tempura rice bowls or cold soba noodles. Yui is about 25 minutes from Shimizu Port by car — a detour that’s entirely doable if you’re traveling by chartered taxi. If there is one truly once-in-a-lifetime food experience to seek out on this port day, raw *sakura-ebi* in season is it.
7. Practical Information for a Smooth Day Out
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available inside the Shimizu Port passenger terminal. S-Pulse Dream Plaza (5-minute walk) also has facility-wide free Wi-Fi. Convenience stores — 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart — offer free national Wi-Fi networks, and several can be found near Shimizu Station. If you need reliable connectivity throughout the day, purchasing a prepaid SIM card at the airport before your trip is a good idea.
Payment
Cash is still king at many Japanese establishments, particularly smaller restaurants, taxis, and local souvenir shops. Larger stores at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Shimizu Sushi Yokocho generally accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), but American Express and Diners Club are not universally accepted, so plan accordingly. There is a 7Bank ATM inside the 7-Eleven convenience store near the port that accepts overseas cards for cash withdrawals. Having ¥3,000–10,000 in cash per person will cover most situations comfortably.
IC Transit Cards
Suica, ICOCA, and other IC transit cards are accepted on local buses and trains throughout the Shizuoka area. You can purchase and top up cards at Shimizu Station and convenience stores. Note that some bus routes don’t give change for cash fares — carrying coins is useful as a backup.
Language Support
The tourist information center at Shimizu Port’s passenger terminal and Shimizu Station both have English-speaking staff who can help arrange taxis and provide maps. S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Shimizu Sushi Yokocho have English menus and English-capable staff. The visitor center at Miho no Matsubara (*Mihoshirube*) offers multilingual pamphlets. Taxi drivers typically speak Japanese only, but Google Translate’s camera and text input features make communication surprisingly smooth.
Tourist Information Centers
- Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal — Right after disembarking. Taxi arrangement, maps, and English-speaking staff on hand
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information Center — About a 15-minute walk from the pier, located at or near JR Shimizu Station
Emergency Contacts
| Use | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City Tourist Info (English) | 054-221-1173 |
| Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi) | 054-285-1212 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
Celebrity Millennium departs at 17:00. Please aim to be back at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier by 16:30 — that’s 30 minutes before departure — to give yourself a comfortable buffer.
If you need help finding your way back, search “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭” in Google Maps on your smartphone for real-time directions and walking times from your current location.
When taking a taxi, ask the driver for “Shimizu-ko Hinode Pier” (清水港 日の出埠頭). Alternatively, saying “the cruise ship port” or “Celebrity Millennium” should be enough — local drivers are generally well aware of where the cruise ships dock. Once it’s past 15:30, it’s time to wind down your sightseeing and make your way back to the ship.
9. About Celebrity Millennium
Celebrity Millennium is a premium ocean liner operated by Celebrity Cruises, with a gross tonnage of 91,011 tons. Launched in 2000 as the flagship of the Millennium class, she underwent a major renovation in 2019 — known as the “Millenniumification” upgrade — that significantly enhanced her onboard spaces and amenities. Widely regarded as a sophisticated premium vessel, she has earned a loyal following among cruise enthusiasts worldwide.
Among her standout features is a collection of distinctive restaurants — including the “Lawn and Sol Collection” — offering a range of international cuisines, from Mediterranean to Asian, for a different dining experience every evening. The “Solstice Solspa” evokes a luxury resort spa, where guests can indulge in professional treatments with ocean views. And each night, Broadway-style theatrical productions in the ship’s main theater ensure that evenings on board are just as memorable as the days ashore.
You’ve already taken in the tropical warmth of Kagoshima and the dramatic presence of the active volcano Sakurajima. Today, Shimizu and Shizuoka offer something altogether different — Japan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage distilled into one extraordinary day, with Mt. Fuji as your backdrop and the ocean’s freshest catch on your plate. Tokyo — Japan’s electrifying metropolis — awaits you tomorrow. May today’s time in Shimizu become one of the most treasured highlights of this voyage.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
