Some ships dock in Shimizu port when taking a cruise to or from Japan. If the conditions are right, this destination offers the best views of Mt Fuji. Shimizu city is a short distance from the port of Yokohama, so when starting there, Shimizu is likely the next port day.
Shimizu Cruise Port is located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It serves as a vital gateway for travelers exploring the scenic beauty of the Izu Peninsula.
The Hinode cruise pier can accommodate two ships simultaneously. Before docking, it’s advisable to rise early for the best chance to see Mt. Fuji. For reference, I got up at 5:25 am during our Japan Celebrity Millennium cruise, and by 7:30 am, clouds obscured its peak for the rest of the day.
With its strategic location, the port of Shimizu offers easy access to various attractions, including the historic city of Shizuoka and the picturesque coastal towns nearby.
Shizuoka Prefecture, which hosts the port, produces renowned green tea. If you’re a fan, you’re in for a treat as this region supplies the majority of the nation’s green tea, offering a unique and authentic experience.
Where Is The Shimizu Cruise Port?
The port is in Shizuoka, almost the exact center of Japan. Shimizu port, likewise, is located in the heart of Shizuoka City. When leaving Shimizu, we had a sea day before reaching the port of Osaka, where we had an overnight.
The area offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji, green tea, and Sumpu Castle. The latter was built by shogun Tokugawa leyasu, laying the foundation for the city’s and port’s expansion.
Cruise Port Facilities
The port has a large passenger welcome center with no air conditioning. Cruise guests are required to show a passport when disembarking but only need to show a cruise card when rejoining the ship.
Just inside the building is an area to access complimentary Wi-Fi, a popular spot for ship staff and those without an international esim.
The port building also has restrooms, a small selection of outside vendors, and staff offering a detailed Shimizu City map, which includes information about local attractions, transportation routes, and recommended dining options.
If you haven’t already planned your port day, they can suggest what to do and see based on time and budget.
Port Shuttles And Transportation
Guests disembarking without a shore excursion have a couple of options to enjoy their port day. A complimentary shuttle provides transportation to Shimizu Station, and the journey takes about 25 minutes. Here, there’s a small mall, mainly offering food stalls.
If you’re comfortable riding the train, tickets are available for other destinations and tourist attractions.
Chartered taxis are also available to see Mt. Fuji. However, depending on weather conditions, it may not be viewable. Taxis accommodate four people and are good value when traveling at maximum capacity.
Here are some of the options for taxi roundtrip excursions:
| Attraction | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Asama Shrine | 4 hrs | 30,500 Yen |
| Shiraito Falls | 6 hrs | 43,700 Yen |
| Nihondaira Yume Terrace | 1.5 hrs | 11,000 Yen |
| Miho no Matsubara | 1.5 hrs | 11,000 Yen |
Expressway tolls and parking are included in the taxi pricing.
Where Can You Walk To From The Port?
The S-Pulse Dream Plaza is an 8-minute walk from the port. This mall features over 60 shops and restaurants, including Uniqlo, Gu, and ABC Market. It also has many sushi eateries and vendors selling local dishes.
A large craft market sells handmade goods if you prefer something more unique. We found everything from leather purses to clothing constructed from Japanese print fabrics. Outside, there is an assortment of rides, including a Ferris wheel.
Two English red phone boxes near the mall are marked as international phone booths. These are convenient for those needing to call home and don’t have an international cell phone plan.
Another 14 minutes east, the Kashi no Ichi Fish Market offers a fantastic place to try sushi. Shimizu port lands the most tuna in Japan, and lots of it is consumed at this market. With around 30 eateries, you’ll have plenty of choices to try.
Things To Do In Shimizu
Not surprisingly, Mt. Fuji is the focus of many tours in Shimizu. In 2013, the mountain was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes 25 other heritage components. Nihondaira Park, Ashi Lake, and Nihondaira Observatory offer the best views of Mt Fuji.
Of the ports we visited on our Asia cruise, our Shimizu port excursion provided us with the most visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Mt Fuji, a sacred site, is one of the best-known symbols in Japan. Until the early 1900s, women were forbidden to visit the iconic mountain.
Its peak is often viewable in winter. However, cruises only operate in the area, spring through late fall. If its peak isn’t viewable, many worthy places of interest exist.
Miho no Matsubara
Mt Fuji, which stretches between Yamanashi and Shizuoka, is the symbol of Japan. To enjoy the majestic views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, head to Mihi no Matsubara.
The area features 5 km of white sand beach, the Miho Shirube Museum, Miho Shrine, and Nidondaira Park. The latter features over 30,000 pine trees. Many trees along the Kami no Michi are over 200 years old.
Some were gnarly with age and bending precariously, so large bamboo poles, like Torii gates, were constructed to support the twisted limbs.
We found the stories of the celestial maiden fascinating and saw the Haguruma Shrine dedicated to her.
On the beach, the views are inspirational and often featured in Japanese woodblock paintings.
Sumpu Castle Park
Sumpa Castle is accessible on a shore excursion or by getting there yourself. To get there on your own, take the complimentary shuttle from Hinode Wharf to Shimizu Station. Then, purchase a ticket marked “Shin Shizuoka 330.” The ride takes 20 minutes each way.
Park admission is complimentary, but there’s a small fee for the castle and Momijiyama Gardens. The grounds are gorgeous in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom.
A visit here offers a walk-through of history and a lesson about Tokugawa Ieyasu and his legacy.
To extend the history lesson, head to Shizuoka City of History Museum. It’s a five-minute walk from the castle, and the building showcases a complimentary floor and paid admission to two floors of displays.
The paid museum features an exhibit on Ieyasu and Shizuoka during the Edo period (1603 – 1868).
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine was the highlight of our time in Shimizu. It was constructed by the second Tokugawa shogun and has a history that goes back over 400 years. However, reaching it requires some legwork and a certain level of fitness.
It takes a 12-minute Komagatake Ropeway (tramway) ride to reach the mountain. Then, we had to climb 100 stairs to reach the shogun-built shrine.
While the number of stairs didn’t seem significant, the treads were very deep and high, making climbing more difficult. We found many places to break, take pictures, and immerse ourselves in the beautiful surroundings.
Along the way are bamboo and umbrella displays, a set of short Torii gates, and several lacquered, Gongen-style buildings showcasing Momoyama architectural elements. I found the contrasting black and red tones particularly striking.
Lake Ashi Cruise
The famous lakes of Mount Fuji included the following bodies of water: Yamanakako, Saiko, Kawaguchiko, Shojiko, Motosuko, and Ashi. The latter, known as Ashinoko Lake or Hakone Lake, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
Nestled within the caldera of Mount Hakone, this scenic lake offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the iconic Mount Fuji. A cruise on Lake Ashi provides a unique opportunity to soak up the area’s rich cultural heritage.
The Lake Ashi cruise excursion is no ordinary tour. Passengers enjoy a 30-minute cruise on a Viking-style boat beneath the eye of the towering cone.
Along the way, the cruise offers glimpses of lush landscapes, shrines, and the dramatic backdrop of the volcanic mountains, making it a memorable highlight of any trip to Hakone.
Hakone National Park
Hakone National Park is a stunning natural haven just a short distance from the port. It offers breathtaking landscapes, hot springs, and rich cultural heritage. Nestled within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this area offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor adventure.
The park is best known for its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, tranquil lakes, and verdant forests. If you love the outdoors, these attributes provide excellent hiking, sightseeing, and relaxation opportunities.
Owakudani Valley, shaped by Mount Hakone’s volcanic activity, is rich in minerals with therapeutic benefits. Famous for its boiling points and steaming thermal springs, this geothermal hotspot offers a unique look at Earth’s forces.
Owakudani is one of Japan’s top hot springs, attracting visitors and locals for its natural beauty and rejuvenating waters.
Exploring the valley reveals fascinating geothermal science alongside stunning mountain views, making it a must-visit destination for adventure and relaxation in Japan’s volcanic landscape.
Ryugeji Temple
Located just a short distance from the Shimizu cruise terminal, Ryugeji Temple sits at the base of Mount Udo. The Buddhist temple originated in the early Edo period, and the government has designated its gardens as a national treasure.
This temple is not only a place of worship but offers commanding views of Mt. Fuji when the skies are clear. Visitors to Ryugeji Temple can immerse themselves in the temple’s unique dragon motifs. These colorful designs symbolize protection and strength.
Although a recent addition, I found the painted ceiling motifs in the Soshidô quite beautiful. Outside, the grounds feature a cactus garden and Japan’s largest and oldest cycads.
