Friday, May 15, 2026. Celebrity Millennium departs Tokyo and sails southwest across the Pacific overnight, arriving at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier at 07:00. Departure is set for 16:00 the same day, bound for Osaka. Docking with Mount Fuji rising directly ahead in the crisp morning air of Suruga Bay is a sight that stays with you — one of the most memorable moments unique to this itinerary.
While the scheduled port time is nine hours, accounting for disembarkation and re-boarding procedures, you can realistically expect around 7 to 7.5 hours of time ashore. Even so, that’s plenty of time to take in everything Shimizu and Shizuoka have to offer: a panoramic observatory with sweeping 360-degree views of snow-capped Mount Fuji, Japan’s oldest Toshogu shrine with its brilliantly colored National Treasure buildings, the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage pine grove of Miho no Matsubara where forest meets sea, a fresh tuna bowl straight from Shimizu’s renowned fishing port, and souvenir shopping in the hometown of beloved anime character Chibi Maruko-chan.
This page is your day-by-day guide to making the most of the May 15, 2026 port call. Still carrying the energy of Tokyo, here’s what to see, what to eat, and how to spend your day in Shimizu — from a local perspective.
About the Author
Shimizu Port Cruise Guide — Site Editor
Based in Shizuoka Prefecture, I work in tourism hospitality, welcoming international visitors to the Shimizu and Shizuoka area. Through this blog, I share on-the-ground information to help cruise passengers make the most of their limited time in port. Drawing on connections with local taxi drivers, tourist information staff, and restaurants, I aim to give you a real, up-to-date picture of Shimizu that you won’t find in a standard guidebook.
Table of Contents
- Port Day Basics
- Weather and What to Wear on May 15, 2026
- Getting Around from Shimizu Port
- Recommended Itinerary: “Shizuoka Full Course in Fresh Green Season (Nihondaira, Toshogu, Miho & Food)”
- Local Events on May 15, 2026
- Must-Try Food in Shimizu and Shizuoka
- Practical Tips for a Smooth Day Ashore
- Getting Back to the Ship
- About Celebrity Millennium
1. Port Day Basics
Here’s a quick overview of the key details for the May 15, 2026 port call.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Date | Friday, May 15, 2026 |
| Arrival | 07:00 |
| Departure | 16:00 |
| Scheduled Time in Port | Approx. 9 hours |
| Realistic Sightseeing Time | Approx. 7–7.5 hours |
| Berth | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier |
| Previous Port | Tokyo |
| Next Port | Osaka |
May 15 falls right in the heart of Shizuoka’s most pleasant season. The Golden Week crowds have cleared, and before the rainy season arrives (typically in early June), this stretch of clear, comfortable May weather is something locals often call their favorite time of year. Vivid fresh greenery, a still snow-dusted Mount Fuji against a bright blue sky — it’s genuinely one of the best times to visit Shimizu.
May also coincides with the peak harvest of *shincha* (first-flush green tea), one of Shizuoka’s most celebrated local products. Port shops and souvenir stores are well stocked with limited-edition new-harvest tea products during this period. The spring cherry shrimp (*sakura ebi*) fishing season (March through June) is also in full swing, and restaurants around Yui and Shimizu are serving this delicate local specialty at its freshest. If you’re continuing straight from Tokyo, Shimizu offers a wonderful seasonal contrast — a chance to experience Shizuoka at its most vibrant.
2. Weather and What to Wear on May 15, 2026
In May, Shimizu typically sees daytime highs of around 18–23°C (64–73°F) and overnight lows of around 13–17°C (55–63°F). Midday is comfortably warm — often short-sleeve weather — but the early morning arrival at 07:00 can still feel a little cool. The sun grows stronger this time of year, so UV protection is worth thinking about, especially at outdoor spots like Miho no Matsubara and Nihondaira.
For clothing, light tops or shirts will serve you well during the day, but we’d recommend packing a thin jacket or cardigan for the morning disembarkation and late-afternoon return to the ship. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are essential — you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking at Nihondaira and Miho no Matsubara, so leave the heels behind. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are all good ideas. Rain is unlikely, but a compact folding umbrella tucked into your bag is always reassuring.
Please Note: This article was written a few days before the port call, when precise day-of forecasts aren’t yet available. Accurate short-range forecasts typically become available about three days out, so be sure to check for the latest update before you head ashore. On the morning of the port call, searching “Shimizu, Shizuoka weather” will bring up an English-language forecast quickly.
3. Getting Around from Shimizu Port
On a cruise day ashore, how you get around can make or break your schedule. Here’s a look at your transport options from Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier, starting with the most efficient.
① Taxi (Most Recommended)
For groups or families, hiring a taxi by the hour is by far the best option. Shimizu’s top attractions — Nihondaira, Kunozan, Miho no Matsubara — all involve multiple transfers and waiting times on public transit, but a taxi takes you directly between stops with no fuss.
A rough guide for charter hire is around ¥15,000–¥20,000 for four hours (split among a group, this works out to a few thousand yen per person). Once you disembark at Hinode Pier, the tourist information center inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal can help arrange a taxi. Staff there can bridge the language gap if needed. Most drivers speak Japanese only, but Google Translate works well for in-car communication.
② Water Bus (Shimizu Port Water Bus)
This sightseeing boat connects Hinode, Ejiri, and Miho around Shimizu Port, offering a scenic approach to Miho no Matsubara with views of Mount Fuji from the water. The fare is a reasonable ¥1,000 one-way between Hinode and Miho (approximately 35 minutes), and the boarding point is a 2–5 minute walk from S-Pulse Dream Plaza.
The Miho Hagoromo Line generally runs from around 9:55 to 15:55 (from Hinode), but services can be cancelled in strong winds or rough conditions. Always confirm the schedule the day before or on the morning of your visit at the official website or tourist information center. May tends to be calm in Shimizu, making this a particularly enjoyable option.
③ Local Bus
Buses to Miho run from JR Shimizu Station (about 25 minutes, ¥470). Service is limited but runs on schedule, and it’s a good option if you’re looking to keep costs down compared to a taxi. For Nihondaira, you’d need to travel via Shizuoka Station or Higashi-Shizuoka Station, adding significant travel time (55–70 minutes). For Nihondaira especially, a taxi is the more practical choice.
④ On Foot
A couple of worthwhile stops are within easy walking distance of Hinode Pier. S-Pulse Dream Plaza (about 5 minutes on foot) is a waterfront shopping and dining complex right next to the port — ideal for a quick browse or meal. Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” (about 15 minutes on foot) is where to head for a tuna bowl and other local seafood. If your schedule allows, a leisurely stroll along the port area to visit both is a great way to ease into the day.
⑤ JR Shimizu Station
Hinode Pier is about a 15-minute walk from JR Shimizu Station. From there, the Tokaido Line gets you to Shizuoka Station in about 10 minutes (¥240), opening up the option of visiting Aoba Yokocho (Shizuoka oden alley) or the city’s shopping streets. This works well as an afternoon add-on if you have time to spare after your main sightseeing.
4. Recommended Itinerary: “Shizuoka Full Course in Fresh Green Season (Nihondaira, Toshogu, Miho & Food)”
“We’ve got nearly nine hours — but where do we even begin?” With a generous port window running from 07:00 to 16:00, you have a real opportunity to do it all. This “Shizuoka Full Course” itinerary takes in Shimizu’s three unmissable highlights — Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu, and Miho no Matsubara — with a seafood lunch and souvenir shopping thrown in for good measure.
On a clear May day, Nihondaira is something else entirely. A 360-degree panorama of snow-capped Mount Fuji and sparkling Suruga Bay, framed by fresh green foliage — it’s the kind of view you’ll be telling people about for years. From there, a ropeway carries you down to Kunozan Toshogu, one of Japan’s most historically significant shrines. Then it’s on to the UNESCO-listed Miho no Matsubara for that iconic view of Fuji through the pine trees, a seafood lunch to recharge, and a final stop for Chibi Maruko-chan souvenirs before heading back to the ship. This route gives you the full Shimizu experience in a single day.
Sample Schedule
| Time | Location | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier | Ship arrives; disembarkation begins | — |
| 07:30 | Hinode Pier | Disembark; arrange taxi at tourist info center | 30 min |
| 08:00 | Depart | Taxi to Nihondaira (approx. 20–30 min) | Transit |
| 08:30 | Nihondaira / Yume Terrasse | 360° views of Fuji, Suruga Bay & Southern Alps | 60 min |
| 09:30 | Nihondaira | Board Nihondaira Ropeway (approx. 5 min) | Transit |
| 09:40 | Kunozan Toshogu | Explore the National Treasure shrine & museum | 90 min |
| 11:10 | Kunozan | Ropeway back to Nihondaira; rejoin taxi | Transit |
| 11:30 | Kashi no Ichi (Maguro-kan) | Tuna bowl lunch (approx. 20 min by taxi) | 60 min |
| 12:30 | Kashi no Ichi | Depart by taxi toward Miho no Matsubara | Transit |
| 12:45 | Miho no Matsubara | Walk the “God’s Path” & see the Hagoromo Pine; Fuji views through the pines (approx. 20 min by taxi) | 90 min |
| 14:15 | Miho no Matsubara | Water bus or taxi back toward Shimizu Port (approx. 30–40 min) | Transit |
| 14:50 | S-Pulse Dream Plaza | Chibi Maruko-chan Land & souvenir shopping | 40 min |
| 15:30 | Hinode Pier | Return for re-boarding (allow plenty of time) | — |
| 16:00 | Shimizu Port | Ship departs | — |
Estimated budget: approx. ¥10,000–¥14,000+ per person (including taxi charter, ropeway, admission fees, lunch & souvenirs)
Nihondaira / Nihondaira Yume Terrasse
Perched at 307 meters above sea level, the Nihondaira Yume Terrasse offers a full 360-degree observation deck with views that encompass Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, and Miho no Matsubara — all at once. The building itself is worth a look: it was designed by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma. In May, the contrast between the vivid new-green foliage and the lingering snow on Fuji is especially photogenic. The outdoor observation walkway is well-maintained and easy to navigate in comfortable shoes.
Kunozan Toshogu
This is the oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan, enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu — the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Built in 1617, the brilliantly colored shrine buildings are designated National Treasures of Japan, their intricate carvings and gold leaf breathtaking up close. The ropeway ride from Nihondaira adds its own charm — a five-minute aerial crossing with views over the hillside. The onsite museum displays personal artifacts and historical materials connected to Ieyasu, making this a particularly compelling stop for anyone interested in Japanese samurai history.
Shimizu Fish Market “Kashi no Ichi” (Maguro-kan)
Kashi no Ichi is a public fish market facility built around Shimizu Port’s fresh catch, with the Maguro-kan (Tuna Hall) housing several restaurants serving up generous tuna bowls and sashimi platters at honest prices. Shimizu is one of Japan’s top tuna landing ports, and the freshness here is genuinely exceptional. Some restaurants have English menus, so international visitors can order with confidence.
Miho no Matsubara
A stretch of some 30,000 pine trees curving around a peninsula on Suruga Bay, with Mount Fuji rising behind them — this is one of the component sites of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage inscription for “Fujisan.” The “Michiwa no Michi” (God’s Path), a quiet pine-needle-carpeted lane through the forest, has been considered sacred since ancient times and is deeply atmospheric to walk. The Hagoromo Pine (*Hagoromo no Matsu*) is a legendary tree appearing in classical Japanese literature, said to be where a celestial maiden hung her feathered robe.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza
Right next to the port, S-Pulse Dream Plaza is the ideal last stop before returning to the ship. “Chibi Maruko-chan Land” — a museum-style attraction dedicated to the beloved anime series set in Shimizu — is fun for all ages (separate admission required). The complex also has a wide range of Shizuoka-themed souvenirs, including local tea, wasabi, and tuna products.
Operating Status on Friday, May 15, 2026
- ✅ Nihondaira Yume Terrasse — Open as usual on Fridays (closed the 2nd Tuesday of each month, so no issue)
- ✅ Kunozan Toshogu — No regular closing day; open as usual (9:00–17:00)
- ✅ Nihondaira Ropeway — No regular closing day; running as usual (9:00–17:00)
- ⚠️ Kashi no Ichi (Maguro-kan) — Closed Wednesdays, so open on Fridays. Individual restaurant hours vary; aim to visit between 11:00 and 13:00 for the best selection
- ✅ Miho no Matsubara (God’s Path & Hagoromo Pine) — Open at all times; free admission
- ✅ Miho no Matsubara Visitor Center “Mihoshiruwe” — 9:00–16:30 (no regular closing day)
- ✅ S-Pulse Dream Plaza — Open as usual on Fridays (shops: 10:00–20:00)
- ⚠️ Water Bus (Miho Hagoromo Line) — Weekday schedules after Golden Week should be confirmed in advance. Given the 16:00 departure, there is very little margin with the last boat from Miho (arriving Hinode at approximately 15:55), so we strongly recommend taking a taxi on the return leg
May Note: May 15 falls after the Golden Week holiday rush (late April to early May), meaning the main sightseeing spots will be noticeably less crowded and much more relaxed to visit. All major attractions are operating normally, and wait times are generally short — a real sweet spot for visiting.
5. Local Events on May 15, 2026
Friday, May 15 brings a gentle early-summer breeze to the Shimizu and Shizuoka area. After Golden Week, the region settles into a quieter rhythm, with various cultural and arts events taking place across the city. These offer a different side of local life — worth a brief detour if your schedule allows.
1. FY2026 Archaeological Techniques Experience
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | FY2026 Archaeological Techniques Experience |
| Dates | May 2026 (see official website for details) |
| Venue | Shizuoka City (see official website for details) |
Shizuoka is home to the Toro Ruins, one of Japan’s most significant Yayoi-period archaeological sites. This hands-on program lets participants try out real archaeological techniques — a special, off-the-beaten-path experience for history enthusiasts and a fun activity for families with children.
2. Kikuzo Mochizuki: Hamoji-bun and Illustration Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Kikuzo Mochizuki: Hamoji-bun and Illustration Exhibition |
| Dates | May 2026 (see official website for details) |
| Venue | Shizuoka City (see official website for details) |
This exhibition showcases a uniquely Japanese art form called *hamoji* — a technique in which characters and illustrations are woven together into a single expressive work. Even without knowledge of Japanese, the pieces are visually captivating and offer a fascinating window into Japan’s rich tradition of written artistry.
3. Shimizu Oyako Theatre: “55 Years of History” Poster Exhibition, Volume 3
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Shimizu Oyako Theatre: “55 Years of History” Poster Exhibition, Vol. 3 |
| Dates | May 2026 (see official website for details) |
| Venue | Shimizu (see official website for details) |
For over 55 years, Shimizu Oyako Theatre has been bringing the performing arts to children in this community. This poster retrospective traces that history, offering a glimpse into a quieter, community-centered side of Shimizu that most visitors never see — the port town’s cultural soul.
4. Canvas 10 Watercolor Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Canvas 10 Watercolor Exhibition |
| Dates | May 2026 (see official website for details) |
| Venue | Shizuoka City (see official website for details) |
A group show by a local watercolor painting circle. Works often feature Shizuoka’s iconic landscapes — Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the surrounding hills — offering a chance to rediscover the area’s natural beauty through an artist’s eye. Admission is typically free, making it an easy drop-in between sightseeing stops.
6. Must-Try Food in Shimizu and Shizuoka
The Shimizu and Shizuoka area is one of Japan’s standout food destinations. Here are the dishes and flavors you won’t want to miss on your port day.
| Dish | Where to Find It | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuna bowl / Tuna sashimi platter | Kashi no Ichi – Maguro-kan (15 min walk) | ¥1,000–2,500 | Fresh hon-maguro direct from Shimizu Port. English menus available |
| Shimizu sushi | Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (inside Dream Plaza, 5 min walk) | ¥1,500–4,000 | Tuna and sakura ebi gunkan are exceptional. Card payments accepted |
| Sakura ebi kakiage (cherry shrimp tempura fritter) | Yui Fishing Port area (25 min by car) | ¥800–1,500 | Spring fishing season at its peak in May. Fresh raw sakura ebi also available |
| Shizuoka oden | Aoba Yokocho (5 min walk from Shizuoka Station) | ¥500–1,500 | The local way: black hanpen fish cake topped with green seaweed powder |
| Seafood bowl / Minced tuna | Kashi no Ichi – Ichiba-kan (15 min walk) | ¥500–2,000 | Renovated in 2025. Takeaway options also available |
| Wasabi dishes & wasabi soft serve | Various spots near the port | ¥300–3,000 | Shizuoka is Japan’s top wasabi-producing region. Great for souvenirs too |
| New-harvest tea sweets & deep-steamed green tea | Dream Plaza & around Shimizu Station | ¥300–1,000 | First-flush tea harvest at its peak in May — a seasonal flavor you can only get now |
One flavor above all deserves a special mention in May: sakura ebi (cherry shrimp). These tiny, jewel-pink shrimp are found only in Suruga Bay — the world’s sole fishing ground for this species — and the spring fishing season runs from March through June, with May at the very peak. Sweet, aromatic, and delicate in flavor, they’re transformed into something wonderfully fragrant when made into *kakiage* (tempura fritters). During this season, restaurants in the Yui area also serve them raw as sashimi, or piled fresh onto a rice bowl. If you’re arranging a taxi charter that takes you toward Yui, ask your driver for a local restaurant recommendation — they’ll know exactly where to go.
7. Practical Tips for a Smooth Day Ashore
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal from the moment you disembark. S-Pulse Dream Plaza also offers free in-building Wi-Fi. Major convenience store chains — 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart — provide free Wi-Fi through services like 7Spot and LAWSON Free Wi-Fi. If you expect to use significant mobile data, we strongly recommend picking up a prepaid SIM card at the airport when you arrive in Japan.
Payment
Cash is still king at many Japanese establishments, particularly smaller restaurants, street stalls, and taxis — which are often cash only. Larger retailers at S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi generally accept credit cards; Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, though American Express and Diners Club may not be accepted everywhere. There is a 7-Eleven with a Seven Bank ATM near the port, where you can withdraw Japanese yen using overseas debit or credit cards. We’d recommend having at least ¥5,000–¥10,000 in cash per person ready to go from the start of the day.
IC Transit Cards (Suica / ICOCA)
Suica and ICOCA (and other compatible IC cards) can be used on JR lines and local buses in the Shimizu area. You can purchase or top up a card at nearby convenience stores or at JR Shimizu Station’s ticket machines and counter. Cash is accepted on buses and trains, but note that buses may not give change, so having coins on hand is useful. An IC card makes boarding faster and more convenient.
Language Support
English-speaking staff are available at the tourist information centers inside the Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal and at Shimizu Station. S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi no Ichi both provide English menus and information brochures. The Miho no Matsubara Visitor Center “Mihoshiruwe” offers multilingual pamphlets. While most taxi drivers speak Japanese only, the real-time translation feature in Google Translate works remarkably well for in-car communication — we recommend downloading it in advance.
Tourist Information Centers
- Shimizu Port Passenger Terminal Tourist Information Center — Located inside the terminal building, just steps from the gangway. Best for arranging taxis, picking up maps, and grabbing English-language brochures
- Shimizu Station Tourist Information Center — About 15 minutes on foot from the port. Good for bus route information and broader regional guides
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 119 |
| Shizuoka City Tourism (English) | 054-221-1173 |
| Taxi (Shizutetsu Taxi) | 054-285-1212 |
8. Getting Back to the Ship
The ship departs at 16:00. Please plan to be back at Shimizu Port’s Hinode Pier no later than 15:30 — at least 30 minutes before departure. Re-boarding can take some time, so a comfortable buffer is always wise.
Your berth is Shimizu Port, Hinode Pier. Searching “Shimizu Port Hinode Pier” or “清水港 日の出埠頭” on Google Maps will show you directions from wherever you are.
A taxi is the most reliable way to get back from any point in the city. Simply tell the driver “Hinode Pier” — or show them the map on your phone to be absolutely sure. Most drivers will recognize it immediately.
If you’re coming back from Miho no Matsubara in particular, keep a close eye on the time — it can get tight. We’d suggest wrapping up at Miho no Matsubara by 14:15 at the latest and taking a taxi directly back to Hinode Pier (approximately 20–30 minutes).
9. About Celebrity Millennium
Celebrity Millennium is the flagship of Celebrity Cruises’ Millennium Class, a large ocean liner of 91,011 gross tons. Launched in 2000, the ship underwent a major refurbishment in 2019 — known as the “Millennium Refresh” — that incorporated design elements from the newer Edge Class, giving the interiors a fresh, contemporary feel. On Asian itineraries, the ship is well regarded for its refined atmosphere and attentive service, and it’s a popular choice for Japan coastal cruises like this Tokyo-to-Osaka voyage.
One of the ship’s highlights is its dining scene. Alongside the main dining room, the Marchan Restaurant, several specialty restaurants offer more intimate culinary experiences, sometimes incorporating ingredients inspired by the ports of call. For entertainment, the ship doesn’t hold back: a casino, theater, spa, pool, rooftop Jacuzzis, and more — everything you’d expect from a top-tier resort hotel, ready and waiting after a day of sightseeing. And as Celebrity Millennium leaves Shimizu and heads toward Osaka and Kobe, stepping out on deck to watch the silhouette of Mount Fuji slowly receding across Suruga Bay at dusk may well be the most quietly unforgettable moment of the entire voyage.
From the vibrant energy of Tokyo to the fresh sea breeze of Suruga Bay — we hope your day in Shimizu becomes one of the most cherished chapters of this journey. Wonderful experiences await in Osaka too, but for now, take in today’s memories alongside the view of Fuji, and carry them with you.
良い旅を。Have a wonderful voyage.
