Cruises to Shimizu (Mt. Fuji)
Shimizu — the closest cruise port to the sacred Mount Fuji and one of the three most beautiful harbors in Japan. This is a port city that attracts a growing number of cruise liners from around the world every year. Located deep within Suruga Bay, on the eastern coast of Honshu Island, Shimizu is a ward of the Shizuoka metropolitan area — the administrative center of the prefecture of the same name. Here, an industrial port that has fed central Japan with tea and seafood for centuries sits alongside a view of the 3,776-meter (12,388 ft) peak of Mount Fuji, and in the morning you can watch fishermen unloading fresh tuna on the waterfront just as a cruise liner ties up at Hinode Pier.
For a cruise traveler, Shimizu is first and foremost a port of call, not a point where cruises begin or end. Ships don't set sail on long voyages from here — instead, this is an 8–12 hour stop on Asia-Pacific itineraries, during which passengers get to see Mount Fuji, sample authentic Japanese cuisine, and explore the historic shogun capital of Shizuoka. In 2025, the Port of Shimizu welcomed a record 105 cruise ship calls — 18 more than the year before — marking its fourth consecutive year among Japan's top 10 busiest cruise ports. More than 90% of the vessels calling here sail under foreign flags. π’
π Before you set sail on a cruise to Shimizu or step ashore for a few hours in port, here's what you need to know:
π―π΅ Country: Japan
π Region: Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka City, Shimizu Ward (Shimizu-ku)
π₯ Population: about 248,000 residents in Shimizu Ward (over 680,000 in the greater Shizuoka metropolitan area)
π Area: 265 km² / 102 sq mi (Shimizu Ward)
π£οΈ Languages: Japanese; English is spoken mainly in tourist areas and at the cruise terminal
π΄ Currency: Japanese yen (JPY)
π Time zone: JST (UTC+9) — 6 hours ahead of Kyiv time in summer and 7 hours ahead in winter
βοΈ Climate: humid subtropical, with mild winters (+41…+54 °F / +5…+12 °C) and hot, humid summers (+77…+90 °F / +25…+32 °C)
βοΈ Nearest airport: Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ) — about 30–35 km (19–22 miles) from the port; for international connections, travelers more often use Tokyo's airports — Haneda (about 145 km / 90 miles) or Narita — as well as Chubu Centrair near Nagoya (about 230 km / 143 miles)
β Official name of the cruise port: Port of Shimizu (ζΈ
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πΊοΈ Port area: approximately 1,272 hectares (3,143 acres) of water area and adjoining land
ποΈ The history of Shimizu — from an Edo-period trading port to one of Japan's three most beautiful harbors
β³ Over a thousand years of maritime trade
The history of the Port of Shimizu stretches back much further than its official opening to international trade. The earliest records of shipping in Suruga Bay date back to the Asuka period (7th century) — according to legend, it was from here that the Japanese fleet dispatched ships to aid its ally, the Korean kingdom of Baekje. The natural harbor, sheltered from waves by the Miho Peninsula, has long been regarded as a convenient anchorage for vessels traveling along Honshu's eastern coast.
The Port of Shimizu was officially opened to international shipping on August 4, 1899 (the 32nd year of the Meiji era), as Japan was actively building up its infrastructure following the Meiji Restoration. The port quickly became the main maritime gateway for exporting Japanese tea: after former samurai landowners planted tea plantations on the Makinohara Plateau following land reforms, Shimizu overtook the port of Kobe in tea export volumes by 1908, and Yokohama by 1909, becoming the country's leading tea-exporting port.
βοΈ From industrial port to tourist gem
Throughout the 20th century, Shimizu developed primarily as an industrial and cargo port — handling container shipping, timber, soybeans, bauxite, and other raw materials that fueled central Japan's industry. In 2003, the city of Shimizu merged with the city of Shizuoka, and in 2005, when Shizuoka became a government-designated city, the former Shimizu became one of three administrative wards of the new metropolitan area.
In recent decades, the port has taken on a new role — tourism. Thanks to its unrivaled view of Mount Fuji, its sheltered bay, and its proximity to a UNESCO World Heritage component — the pine grove of Miho no Matsubara — Shimizu, together with the ports of Kobe and Nagasaki, has come to be known as one of the «Three Most Beautiful Ports of Japan» (Nihon Sandai Bikou). This recognition has driven a rapid rise in cruise tourism: whereas the port received only a few dozen ship calls a year just a few years ago, that number reached a record 105 in 2025.
β Port of Shimizu — the maritime gateway to Mount Fuji
π Scale and layout of the port
The modern Port of Shimizu is a multifunctional port complex covering approximately 1,272 hectares (3,143 acres), situated in Japan's deepest bay — Suruga Bay, which reaches depths of 2,500 meters (8,200 ft) just a few kilometers from shore. The Miho Peninsula serves as the port's natural breakwater, shielding the harbor from the open sea and keeping the water almost always calm. The port is historically divided into a cargo zone (container terminals, oil-processing area) and a passenger zone — Hinode Pier, home to a modern cruise terminal.
For cruise visitors, the main facility is the terminal at Hinode Pier — a compact but well-equipped building with a border control area, a currency exchange point, free Wi-Fi, and a tourist information center. In 2025, the port's infrastructure was upgraded to allow it to accommodate two large cruise ships simultaneously — previously, only one vessel at a time could dock.
π’ How many liners the port can accommodate
Following the upgrade of its berths, the Port of Shimizu can now simultaneously host up to two large cruise liners. In 2024, the port recorded what was then a record 87 ship calls, and in 2025 that figure rose to 105 — ranking it 10th among all of Japan's cruise ports, a position it has held for four consecutive years. More than 90% of the liners calling at Shimizu sail under foreign flags, underscoring the port's status as a key stop on international Asian cruise itineraries.
π’ Which cruise lines call at Shimizu
Liners from the world's leading cruise brands call here regularly: Princess Cruises (Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess are the most frequent visitors), Celebrity Cruises (Celebrity Millennium), Cunard (Queen Elizabeth), and Royal Caribbean International, whose giant Quantum of the Seas made its first call at Shimizu in October 2024, becoming the largest ship in the port's history. Luxury brands are regular visitors too — Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Oceania Cruises, and Holland America Line. This makes Shimizu one of the key ports of call for any cruise around Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. π
π‘ Interesting facts about Shimizu and its port
Getting to know this port city is even more rewarding once you know a few lesser-known details:
π» Shimizu is the closest cruise port to Mount Fuji. The elevation difference between the bottom of Suruga Bay (2,500 m / 8,200 ft) and the summit of Mount Fuji (3,776 m / 12,388 ft) is nearly 6,300 meters (20,670 ft) — one of the largest terrain contrasts in the world over such a short distance.
π Shimizu is one of the «Three Most Beautiful Ports of Japan». Together with Kobe and Nagasaki, it belongs to the unofficial but widely recognized Nihon Sandai Bikou list — thanks to its combination of a natural bay, a pine-covered coastline, and views of Mount Fuji.
π² The pine grove of Miho no Matsubara is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) stretch of beach lined with tens of thousands of pine trees is officially listed among the components that make up Mount Fuji's World Heritage status.
π΅ Shimizu is the historic capital of Japanese tea. In 1908–1909, the port overtook Kobe and then Yokohama to become the country's leading tea-export port; the tradition of growing tea on the surrounding hills of Nihondaira continues to this day.
π More frozen tuna is unloaded here than anywhere else in Japan. Shimizu leads the country in frozen tuna landings, and the local sakura ebi (a shrimp found only in Suruga Bay) is considered a delicacy.
β½ Shimizu is the hometown of the football club Shimizu S-Pulse. It's one of Japan's most football-mad regions, having produced a number of national team players.
βοΈ This is the birthplace of Momoko Sakura, creator of the iconic manga «Chibi Maruko-chan» — the story of a schoolgirl from Shimizu, set in this very port city, went on to become one of the most famous Japanese anime series outside the country.
π Suruga Bay is the deepest in Japan. Its maximum depth reaches 2,500 meters (8,200 ft), making it home to rare deep-sea species, including the giant spider crab.
π Top sights in Shimizu and Shizuoka — must-sees for cruise passengers
A cruise ship's call in Shimizu usually lasts between 8 and 12 hours, so it's worth planning your route in advance. A detailed list with addresses, prices, and opening hours can be found in the «Landmarks and Places of Interest» section, while below is a brief overview of the city's signature sights.
π» Miho no Matsubara — a famous pine-lined shore offering the best views of Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, 20–25 minutes from the port.
β°οΈ Nihondaira — a hilltop plateau with tea plantations and a viewpoint offering a sweeping view of Mount Fuji; reachable by the Nihondaira Ropeway up to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine.
π‘ S-Pulse Dream Plaza — a shopping and entertainment complex just a 5-minute walk from the pier, featuring a Ferris wheel and the Shimizu Sushi Museum.
π― Sunpu Castle Ruins in Shizuoka — the former residence of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, with reconstructed turrets and gardens.
πΊ Toro Archaeological Site — the remains of a Yayoi-period settlement, with reconstructed dwellings and rice paddies.
π Suruga Bay waterfront and fish market — fresh seafood, including the unique sakura ebi shrimp, which is not harvested commercially anywhere else in the world.
β¨ Why choose a cruise that calls at Shimizu
Shimizu — is a rare kind of port, where the stop itself becomes one of the most memorable parts of the cruise.
First, the view is truly one of a kind: no other cruise port in Japan brings passengers as close to Mount Fuji as Shimizu does — on a clear day, the summit is visible right from the ship's deck. π»
Second, it offers an authentic side of Japan away from the usual tourist trail: the historic shogun capital of Shizuoka, the tea plantations of Nihondaira, and the fishing culture of Suruga Bay let you experience the country beyond Tokyo or Kyoto. π΅
Third, the logistics couldn't be simpler: the terminal is just a few minutes' walk from central Shimizu, and Shinkansen bullet trains from Shizuoka Station put Tokyo or Kyoto within reach even during a single port call. π
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the ideal Asian itinerary that calls at Shimizu, advise you on how best to plan your time in port for viewing Mount Fuji, and offer exclusive rates from Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and other leading brands we work with as a priority partner in Ukraine. π€
βΉοΈ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Shimizu
Shimizu is a port of call rather than a home port, so the vast majority of passengers arrive here directly aboard their ship. Still, for those who want to continue their trip independently, join a cruise from another Japanese city, or simply plan their day ashore more efficiently, it helps to understand the region's transport logistics. Hinode Pier, where most cruise ships dock, sits in the industrial part of Shimizu, about 2.5–3 miles (4–5 km) from the city centre, and has no direct rail link — a typical feature of Japan's mixed cargo-passenger ports. Below is a tested, step-by-step guide with every transfer option, current prices, and tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. π―
π Where exactly is the Shimizu cruise terminal
The Port of Shimizu is part of Shizuoka's administrative district, split into a cargo zone (container terminals, oil-refining area) and a passenger zone, home to a modern cruise terminal.
β Hinode Pier, New Berth No. 2 — the main mooring point for cruise ships in Shimizu:
• GPS address: Hinode-cho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka
• Terminal: a compact but well-equipped building with a border-control (CIQ) area, a currency-exchange counter, free Wi-Fi and a tourist information desk — fully modernised in 2025
• Capacity: since the upgrade, the pier can host up to two large cruise ships at the same time
• πΆ Distance to JR Shimizu Station: about a 30-minute walk (roughly 1.5 miles)
• πΆ Distance to Shin-Shimizu Station (Shizutetsu private railway): about a 20-minute walk
β οΈ Important — Okitsu Wharf: if two cruise ships call at Shimizu on the same day, the second one docks not at Hinode but at the container terminal of Okitsu Wharf, a few kilometres to the east. Access there is stricter: walking out of the terminal area is not allowed, and the only way into town is by taxi, an organiser's shuttle bus, or the ship's excursion bus. The surroundings are industrial, with no shops or cafes within walking distance — it's worth planning your day in advance or booking an official ship excursion.
β Tip: your ship's exact berth is always listed in the sailing schedule and confirmed to passengers the day before arrival.
βοΈ From Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ) to the port
Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ) is the closest airport to Shimizu, about an hour's drive from the port. It mainly serves domestic Japanese routes plus a limited number of regional international flights (Taiwan, China, South Korea), so there is no direct connection from Ukraine — most international travellers fly in via Tokyo (see below).
π Bus to Shizuoka
• Route: the "Shizuoka" line (Shizutetsu Justline) from the airport to JR Shizuoka Station
• Travel time: about 40 minutes
• Then: transfer to a Tokaido Line train to JR Shimizu Station (about 11 minutes)
π Taxi
• Travel time to the port: about 45–50 minutes
• Estimated fare: JPY 12,000–15,000
• Available at the taxi desk in the airport arrivals hall
βοΈ Alternative: via Tokyo (Haneda/Narita)
Since Shimizu is a port of call on Asia-Pacific itineraries, a large share of passengers fly into Japan via Tokyo before joining their cruise at the embarkation port or continuing their trip independently.
• Shinkansen (bullet train) Tokyo → Shizuoka: Tokaido-Sanyo Line, Hikari or Kodama services, travel time 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, fare JPY 6,500–7,000
• Then: transfer to a Tokaido Line local train from Shizuoka Station to Shimizu Station — another 11 minutes, JPY 240
• Total time from Tokyo to the port: about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, including transfers and the trip from the station to the pier
π From Shizuoka railway station to the port
JR Shizuoka Station is the region's main transport hub, served by high-speed Shinkansen trains from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and other major Japanese cities. It sits about 7.5 miles (12 km) from the cruise port.
π Train: the JR Tokaido Line from Shizuoka Station to Shimizu Station — 11 minutes, JPY 240, trains run every 10–15 minutes
π Taxi from Shizuoka Station: 25–30 minutes, roughly JPY 4,500–5,500
π‘ Tip: if you're travelling as a large group or with a lot of luggage, it's more convenient to book a taxi straight from Shizuoka Station to Hinode Pier — this saves time on transfers.
ποΈ From JR Shimizu Station and the city centre to the port
JR Shimizu Station is the closest rail hub to the cruise terminal, about 2.5–3 miles (4–5 km) from Hinode Pier.
π Shizutetsu bus (Miho-Yamate Line)
• Boarding: west exit of JR Shimizu Station
• Destination stop: "Hatoba – Verkehr Museum"
• Travel time: about 10 minutes, then a 3–5-minute walk to the terminal
• Fare: JPY 220–260 depending on your boarding stop
π Free shuttle bus
Runs along the route JR Shimizu Station → Shin-Shimizu Station → the S-Pulse Dream Plaza shopping and entertainment complex next to Hinode Pier. Travel time is about 10 minutes, followed by a short walk to the terminal.
πΆ On foot from JR Shimizu Station
• Distance: about 1.5 miles (2.5 km)
• Time: 25–30 minutes along a flat waterfront road
• A good option in cool weather and without heavy luggage
π Taxi from JR Shimizu Station or the city centre
• Travel time: 10–15 minutes
• Estimated fare: JPY 1,500–2,200
• There's no official taxi rank right at the pier, but on days when ships call, companies usually add extra cars — taxis can also be pre-booked by phone
π By private car — parking near the port (and car rental)
If you're meeting passengers or driving to the port in your own or a rented car, there is an official car park next to Hinode Pier:
π
ΏοΈ Shimizu Marine Parking (prefectural Hinode car park)
• Capacity: about 560 spaces
• Cost: a daily maximum rate of roughly JPY 300 (confirm the current rate on site; payment is cashless via number-plate recognition)
• Notes: also serves the S-Pulse Dream Plaza shopping complex, the Shimizu Marine Terminal exhibition hall and Hinode Pier — spaces are not reservable, entry is first-come, first-served
π£οΈ GPS route: take the "Shimizu IC" exit off the Tomei Expressway, then follow the port access road for about 15 minutes to Hinode Pier.
π Car rental
Rental counters (Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, Times Car and others) are located near JR Shizuoka and JR Shimizu stations. Foreign drivers need an International Driving Permit (under the Geneva Convention) alongside their national licence.
βΏ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
The Hinode Pier terminal, upgraded in 2025, is adapted for passengers with limited mobility:
β
The terminal has ramps and lifts connecting the pier to the service area
β
The free shuttle bus and most Shizutetsu buses are low-floor
β
Accessible taxis (Eurotaxi-style vehicles) can be pre-booked through the dispatch service
β οΈ At Okitsu Wharf (the backup berth used for a second ship), accessibility infrastructure is limited — notify your cruise line of any special needs in advance so an individual transfer can be arranged
β° When to return to the ship
Since Shimizu is purely a port of call, there are no check-in desks here: all formalities are completed on board before passengers go ashore, and border control is handled by the cruise line together with Japan's CIQ authorities directly at the terminal.
π Standard "all aboard" deadline: usually 60–90 minutes before the ship's scheduled departure — the exact time is listed in the ship's daily programme and on your guest card
π Two-ship days: if your vessel is berthed at Okitsu Wharf, allow an extra 20–30 minutes for the return trip, since there's no direct pedestrian exit and you'll need to wait for a taxi or shuttle
β Being late means the ship will sail without you — catching up at the next port is entirely at your own expense and visa arrangement. Every Four Gates Group voucher lists the exact all-aboard time for your specific cruise.
π‘ Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
From our experience organising Japanese cruises, here are a few practical tips specific to Shimizu:
π΄ Carry cash. Japan is still a largely cash-based society, especially outside major shopping centres. Withdraw JPY 10,000–15,000 at a 7-Eleven ATM while still on board or at the airport.
πΆ Rent a pocket Wi-Fi router or a SIM card in advance. English signage is rare in the port's industrial zone, so an offline Google Maps map and a translation app will come in handy.
π» Check the weather and Mt. Fuji visibility in the morning. The mountain is often hidden by clouds, especially in summer. Visibility is usually best in winter and early morning.
π Book a taxi in advance for the return trip if you're planning an independent outing without a ship's excursion — available cars near the pier can run short during peak passenger-return hours.
π« Keep your Ship Card and a copy of your passport with you — you'll need them for the repeat border check when re-entering the terminal.
π Watch for typhoon season (August–October). Port-call schedules can change during this period — always confirm the latest information with your cruise line or Four Gates Group manager.
π Contacts in Shimizu
Shimizu Port Management Bureau:+81 54 353 2201
Shimizu Cruise Ship Attraction Committee:+81 54 354 2342
Minato Taxi dispatch centre:+81 54 347 1500
Japan police: 110
Ambulance / fire service: 119
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
Shimizu's logistics feel different from European ports, with a more industrial, low-key atmosphere — but that's offset by the closest view of Mt. Fuji available from any cruise ship deck in Japan. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group help our clients plan every minute of their time ashore, from choosing the best excursion to arranging a private, Japanese-speaking transfer. Contact your manager, and your day in Shimizu will go off without a hitch. π³οΈπ»
βΉοΈ Please note: the information on this page is for reference only and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with your Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Shimizu (Mount Fuji) Landmarks and Attractions: A Complete Cruise Passenger's Guide
Shimizu is a port where the main "attraction" is visible right from the ship's deck: Mount Fuji, Japan's sacred peak standing 3,776 meters (12,388 ft) tall, rises directly above Suruga Bay. The port is ranked among the "Three Most Beautiful Ports of Japan" and serves as the gateway to the Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine with National Treasure status, and to historic Shizuoka City, once the retirement residence of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. For a cruise passenger with 8-10 hours in port, the key is balancing time between Mount Fuji views and cultural heritage sites. Below is a verified guide to the key landmarks with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and precise directions from the cruise terminal at Hinode Pier to each site. π―
π» 1. Miho-no-Matsubara
π‘ Fun facts and background:
Miho-no-Matsubara is a pine grove stretching roughly 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) along a sandy spit on the Miho Peninsula, offering the classic view of Mount Fuji across Suruga Bay — the very composition depicted for centuries in Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, including Hokusai's famous series. In 2013, the pine grove was officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage list as a component of "Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration." π
πΉ At the heart of the grove stands the Hagoromo-no-Matsu pine, over 200 years old — legend holds that a celestial maiden (tennyo) left her feathered robe (hagoromo) on its branches, and a fisherman named Hakuryo returned it to her in exchange for a dance.
πΉ The grove contains roughly 30,000 pine trees in total, some of which are natural monuments over 200 years old.
πΉ The view from Miho-no-Matsubara is ranked among "Japan's 100 Best Landscapes" and one of the "Three New Famous Views of Japan."
πΉ A cultural center called "Mihoshirube" stands at the entrance to the grove, telling the story of the UNESCO site and the celestial maiden legend.
π History:
The pine grove on the Miho spit was planted gradually over centuries to protect coastal settlements from wind and sand drift, and by the Heian period (8th-12th centuries) the site was already celebrated in poetry as a model of natural beauty. The celestial maiden legend is one of the oldest tales in Japanese folklore, also preserved in the traditional Noh drama "Hagoromo." Leading ukiyo-e artists repeatedly depicted the view of Mount Fuji framed by the Miho pines, cementing the site's status as a cultural symbol of Japan — recognized by UNESCO in 2013 as part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage listing.
π’ Getting there from Hinode Pier:
• Taxi: 20-25 minutes, approximately 3,500-4,000 JPY one way
• Water bus (Suijo Bus): from Ejiri Pier (10 minutes on foot or by free shuttle from Hinode) to the Miho platform, roughly 20-25 minutes, a scenic route offering Fuji views straight from the water
• Public transport: free shuttle to Shimizu Station (15-20 min) → Shizutetsu bus to the "Miho" stop (about 25 min)
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Entry to the pine grove and beach: free, open 24 hours
• Mihoshirube Center: approximately 300 JPY (adults), daily 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closed on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month
• Water bus (Miho-Hagoromo route): full loop approximately 1,800 JPY (adults), 900 JPY (schoolchildren)
β οΈ IMPORTANT: Mount Fuji is only visible in clear weather, most often in the morning. If the mountain is hidden by clouds, it's best to switch straight to an alternative itinerary — for example, Kunozan Toshogu or downtown Shizuoka.
β©οΈ 2. Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
π‘ Fun facts and background:
Kunozan Toshogu was the first shrine built in honor of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, who unified Japan after centuries of civil war. It is the original source for every Toshogu shrine in the country, including the famous Nikko Toshogu. In 2010, the main hall, prayer hall, and connecting hall (ishinoma) were designated a National Treasure of Japan — the highest level of cultural heritage protection. π―
πΉ The complex was built in the gongen-zukuri style, richly lacquered in black with polychrome carvings — architecturally and decoratively considered a direct precursor to Nikko Toshogu.
πΉ A stone staircase of 1,159 steps leads to the top of Mount Kuno, where the shrine stands — or visitors can take the far more comfortable Nihondaira Ropeway.
πΉ The shrine houses personal belongings of Tokugawa Ieyasu, including armor and trays gifted by foreign nations of the era.
πΉ Mount Kuno is considered the site of Ieyasu's first burial — per his will, the shogun's remains rested here initially before being moved to Nikko a year later.
π History:
Tokugawa Ieyasu died at Sumpu Castle (modern-day Shizuoka) in 1616 and, according to his own will, was buried on Mount Kuno — a site he had personally chosen during his lifetime as a strategic point guarding the western approaches to Edo (modern Tokyo). Construction of the shrine, ordered by his son and successor shogun Tokugawa Hidetada, was completed in just one year — a remarkable pace for a project of this scale. The lavish decoration was created by the finest carvers and lacquer artisans of the time, the very same workshops that later worked on Nikko Toshogu. For more than two centuries of shogunate rule, the shrine was a site of state pilgrimage, and it received National Treasure status in 2010 — the first such recognition for a heritage site in Shizuoka.
π’ Getting there from Hinode Pier:
• Taxi to the base of the stairs or Nihondaira station: 30-35 minutes, approximately 5,000-6,000 JPY one way
• Combined route: free shuttle to Shimizu Station (15-20 min) → Shizutetsu bus to the "Nihondaira Ropeway" terminus (about 25 min) → Nihondaira Ropeway (5 min) directly to the shrine
• On foot from the base of Mount Kuno: 1,159 steps uphill, roughly 20-25 minutes of brisk walking — recommended only for visitors who prefer not to use the ropeway
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Shrine admission: 500 JPY (adults), 200 JPY (schoolchildren)
• Nihondaira Ropeway (one way): 700 JPY (adults), 350 JPY (children); round trip — 1,250 JPY (adults), 630 JPY (children)
• Combined ticket "ropeway round trip + shrine admission": 1,950 JPY (adults) — better value than buying separately
• Opening hours: shrine 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (winter until 4:00 p.m.), ropeway operates 9:10 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
β οΈ Tip: plan both ropeway legs in advance — the last cabin from the shrine side departs at 5:00 p.m.; missing it means descending all 1,159 steps on foot.
π 3. Nihondaira Plateau
π‘ Fun facts and background:
Nihondaira is a plateau roughly 307 meters (1,007 ft) above sea level, offering one of the finest panoramas in Japan: Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, the city of Shizuoka, tea plantations on the slopes, and on especially clear days, even the Izu Peninsula and the Southern Alps on the horizon. π΅
πΉ A modern observation structure called "Nihondaira Yume Terrace" sits on the plateau — a 200-meter wooden ring-shaped gallery offering a full 360-degree panoramic view.
πΉ The plateau's slopes are covered with terraced tea plantations — the Shizuoka region is Japan's largest producer of green tea, and one of its most famous varieties is grown right here.
πΉ The Nihondaira Ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu departs from here — the most convenient way to combine both sites in one itinerary.
π History:
The name "Nihondaira" ("Japan's plateau") stuck to this spot as one of the country's most representative viewpoints — on a clear day it offers a symbol of Japan (Mount Fuji), a historic city (Shizuoka), and the coastline all at once. The plateau has long been used for tea cultivation thanks to its mild climate and favorable slopes. The modern observation infrastructure, including the Yume Terrace gallery, was built in the second half of the 2010s to make the panorama accessible to visitors with limited mobility.
π’ Getting there from Hinode Pier:
• Taxi: 30-35 minutes, approximately 5,000-5,500 JPY one way
• Public transport: free shuttle to Shimizu Station (15-20 min) → Shizutetsu bus to the "Nihondaira Ropeway" terminus (about 25 min)
• Easily combined in one itinerary with Kunozan Toshogu via the ropeway
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Entry to the plateau and Yume Terrace gallery: free
• Gallery opening hours: daily 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (closed Tuesdays, except holidays)
• Cafes and souvenir shops on the plateau: open until 5:00 p.m.
π― 4. Sumpu Castle Park
π‘ Fun facts and background:
Sumpu Castle was the residence from which Tokugawa Ieyasu ruled Japan after his official retirement in 1607, remaining the country's true power holder under the title "Ogosho" (retired shogun). Today, moats, stone walls, and reconstructed towers remain from the original structures, and the grounds have been turned into a city park in the heart of Shizuoka. πΈ
πΉ The park features a reconstructed corner watchtower (Tatsumi Yagura) and the Hitsujisaru Gate, built using traditional wooden joinery techniques — no nails, only traditional joints.
πΉ The grounds include a statue of a young Tokugawa Ieyasu and a pine tree grown from a cutting of the very tree legend says the shogun planted himself.
πΉ The park is especially popular in spring thanks to cherry blossom-lined paths along the moat.
π History:
Sumpu Castle was originally founded in the 15th century, but underwent a major reconstruction on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early 17th century, when he made Sumpu his retirement residence — effectively continuing to govern the country from here while his son held the formal title of shogun. The castle burned down and was rebuilt several times, and much of its fortifications were dismantled following the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century. The current park, with its reconstructed towers and moats, is the result of restoration work carried out from the late 20th into the early 21st century, aimed at preserving the memory of the retired shogun's historic capital.
π’ Getting there from Hinode Pier:
• Train: free shuttle to Shimizu Station (15-20 min) → JR Tokaido Line to Shizuoka Station (about 10 min, 190 JPY) → 15-minute walk from the station
• Taxi from Shimizu Station: an additional 15-20 minutes, approximately 2,500-3,000 JPY
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Park entry: free, open 24 hours
• Entry to Tatsumi Yagura tower and Hitsujisaru Gate: approximately 200 JPY per site (combined ticket approximately 360 JPY)
• Tower opening hours: daily 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closed Mondays
β©οΈ 5. Shizuoka Sengen Shrine
π‘ Fun facts and background:
This complex of three main shrines — Kanbe, Asama, and Otoshimioya — is affectionately known to locals as "Osengen-sama." It was here in 1567 that a young Tokugawa Ieyasu underwent his coming-of-age ceremony (genpuku) while still a hostage of the Imagawa clan — an event considered the symbolic starting point of the future unifier of Japan's rise. β©οΈ
πΉ The complex comprises 26 buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan — one of the largest ensembles of this status in the Tokai region.
πΉ The main hall stands 25 meters (82 ft) tall, fully lacquered and painted in polychrome, its opulence often compared to the Nikko shrines — hence the unofficial nickname "Nikko of the Eastern Sea."
πΉ The grounds preserve the tradition of the "Seven Shrine Pilgrimage" (nanasha-mairi), said to grant all the visitor's wishes.
π History:
The shrine's history spans more than 2,000 years, and it is mentioned in Japan's oldest chronicles as the principal temple of Suruga Province. The current lavish buildings were commissioned directly by the Tokugawa shogunate: the large-scale construction project took roughly 60 years during the Edo period and was fully funded by the government as a tribute to the site where Tokugawa Ieyasu received his first official status as an adult man. Restoration work begun in the 2010s, planned to span two decades, is gradually restoring the buildings to their original splendor.
π’ Getting there from Hinode Pier:
• Train + bus: free shuttle to Shimizu Station (15-20 min) → JR to Shizuoka Station (10 min) → Shizutetsu bus from the station's north exit (about 10 min)
• Easily combined with Sumpu Castle Park on the same walking route through downtown Shizuoka
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Grounds entry: free
• Opening hours: daily, main hall open approximately 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (seasonal)
π 6. S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi-no-Ichi Fish Market
π‘ Fun facts and background:
S-Pulse Dream Plaza is the shopping and dining complex closest to the pier, named after the local football club, Shimizu S-Pulse. It's the easiest way to spend a few hours near the port without venturing far. ποΈ
πΉ The complex houses the Kashi-no-Ichi Fish Market, one of the largest fresh tuna trading centers in Japan — Shimizu has historically been the country's top port by volume of frozen tuna landed.
πΉ The complex is also home to the Shimizu Sushi Museum, a stylized recreation of an Edo-period street dedicated to the history of Japanese sushi.
πΉ The rooftop and waterfront offer a lovely view over Suruga Bay and, in clear weather, of Mount Fuji.
π History:
The complex was built in the early 2000s on the site of former port warehouses, turning a coastal industrial zone into a tourist-friendly space convenient for ferry, water bus, and cruise ship passengers alike. Kashi-no-Ichi Market grew out of the traditional wholesale fish trade Shimizu has been known for since before the Second World War — the port remains Japan's leading hub for landing deep-sea tuna catches.
π’ Getting there from Hinode Pier:
• On foot: 5-8 minutes straight from the terminal — the closest attraction to the port
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Entry to the complex and market: free
• Shopping arcade hours: daily 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., restaurants until 9:00 p.m.
• Kashi-no-Ichi Market: daily 10:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., closed Wednesdays
• Sushi Museum: approximately 800 JPY (adults)
π 7. Shimizu Port Water Bus
π‘ Fun facts and background:
This small boat, running between the Ejiri, Hinode, and Miho platforms, is more than just transportation — it's an attraction in its own right, offering views of the entire port complex and, in clear weather, of Mount Fuji rising behind the Miho-no-Matsubara pines. β΄οΈ
πΉ The operating company also runs a dedicated Bay Cruise sightseeing tour aboard a three-deck catamaran with a 360-degree panoramic deck.
πΉ Shimizu is officially ranked among the "Three Most Beautiful Ports of Japan," alongside Nagasaki and Kobe — and viewing the port from the water is considered one of the best ways to experience why.
π History:
The water bus originally emerged as a practical transport link for residents of the Miho Peninsula, for whom crossing by water was faster and more convenient than traveling around the bay by land. Over time, the route grew popular with tourists specifically for its scenic Mount Fuji views, and today it is actively promoted as a standalone attraction for cruise ship visitors.
π’ Getting there from Hinode Pier:
• On foot to Ejiri platform: 10-15 minutes, or by the free port shuttle
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Ejiri-Miho route (one segment): approximately 800 JPY (adults)
• Full loop (three segments): 1,800 JPY (adults), 900 JPY (schoolchildren)
• Bay Cruise sightseeing tour: approximately 1,500-2,000 JPY, duration 25-40 minutes
β οΈ Note: the schedule depends on season and weather conditions, and sailings may be canceled due to typhoons or strong winds — check the current schedule on the day your ship calls.
π¨ 8. Other Notable Attractions
• β©οΈ Seiken-ji Temple — a Zen Buddhist monastery on a hillside above Okitsu Station, featuring a gallery of 500 rakan statues, each with a unique facial expression. Admission approximately 300 JPY, 20-25 minutes by train from Shimizu.
• πΊ Toro Ruins — an archaeological site of a Yayoi-period settlement (3rd century BCE), with reconstructed dwellings and rice paddies from the era. Museum admission approximately 300 JPY, 15 minutes by train from Shizuoka Station.
• π΅ Nihondaira Tea Plantations — terraced green tea fields on the plateau's slopes; some farms offer tastings and tea-brewing workshops.
• β½ IAI Stadium Nihondaira — home ground of the Shimizu S-Pulse football club, an interesting stop for fans, easily combined with a visit to Nihondaira Plateau.
• π Nidondaira Park, part of the Miho-no-Matsubara area — a quieter section of the pine grove with old-growth trees and fewer visitors.
πΊοΈ Three Self-Guided Shimizu Itineraries for a 9-Hour Port Day
A cruise call in Shimizu typically lasts 8-10 hours. Realistically, you can see 2-3 top locations if the itinerary is planned around the region's transport specifics. Below are three options depending on budget and preferences.
π₯ Route #1. Budget — up to 3,000 JPY per person
β±οΈ Total time: 9 hours | π° Estimated budget: 2,500-3,000 JPY + meals
π 9:00 a.m. — Depart Hinode Pier
Walk 5-8 minutes to S-Pulse Dream Plaza.
π 9:15-10:15 a.m. — S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi-no-Ichi Market
Free browsing of the shopping arcade, fresh seafood tastings, bay views from the waterfront.
π 10:15-10:30 a.m. — Walk to Ejiri platform
10-15 minutes on foot or by free shuttle.
π 10:30-11:00 a.m. — Water bus to Miho
One route segment, 800 JPY, a scenic view of the port and, in clear weather, of Fuji.
π 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. — Miho-no-Matsubara
Walk through the pine grove to the Hagoromo-no-Matsu pine, out to the beach for a panoramic Fuji view, visit the Mihoshirube Center (300 JPY).
π 1:00-2:00 p.m. — Lunch at a cafe near Miho Beach
Local seafood cuisine — roughly 1,200-1,800 JPY for a set meal (teishoku).
π 2:00-2:30 p.m. — Return by water bus
Back to Ejiri platform, 800 JPY.
π 2:30-3:00 p.m. — Return to Hinode Pier
On foot or by shuttle.
π° Cost breakdown:
• Water bus round trip: 1,600 JPY
• Mihoshirube Center: 300 JPY
• Lunch: 1,200-1,800 JPY
• Contingency: 300-500 JPY
πΈ TOTAL: approximately 3,400-4,200 JPY per person
π₯ Route #2. Optimal — 8,000-10,000 JPY per person
β±οΈ Total time: 9 hours | π° Estimated budget: 9,000 JPY + meals
π 8:30 a.m. — Leave the port, taxi to Nihondaira Ropeway
5,200 JPY — straight to the ropeway station.
π 9:00-10:00 a.m. — Nihondaira Plateau
Panoramic views of Fuji, Suruga Bay, and Shizuoka from the Yume Terrace gallery (free), browse the tea plantations.
π 10:00-10:10 a.m. — Ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu
Combined round-trip ticket + shrine admission — 1,950 JPY.
π 10:10-11:30 a.m. — Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
Tour the main hall — a National Treasure of Japan — and the treasury holding Tokugawa Ieyasu's belongings.
π 11:30-11:40 a.m. — Return by ropeway to the plateau
π 11:40 a.m.-12:40 p.m. — Lunch at a restaurant on Nihondaira
Dishes featuring local tea and seafood — roughly 2,000-2,500 JPY.
π 12:40-1:10 p.m. — Taxi to Shimizu Station
Approximately 2,800 JPY.
π 1:10-2:10 p.m. — S-Pulse Dream Plaza and Kashi-no-Ichi Market
Browse the shopping arcade, pick up souvenirs.
π 2:10-2:30 p.m. — Walk back to Hinode Pier
π° Cost breakdown:
• Taxi there: 5,200 JPY
• Combo ticket, ropeway + shrine: 1,950 JPY
• Lunch: 2,000-2,500 JPY
• Taxi back to the station: 2,800 JPY
πΈ TOTAL: approximately 11,950-12,450 JPY per person
π‘ Swapping the taxi for the "shuttle + Shizutetsu bus" route saves roughly 6,500 JPY, but adds 1-1.5 hours of travel time.
π₯ Route #3. Premium — Private Tour from 45,000 JPY per person
β±οΈ Total time: 9 hours | π° Estimated budget: 45,000-70,000 JPY + tickets
π What's included:
• β
Meet-and-greet with a private driver holding a name sign right at the gangway
• β
Comfortable car/minivan for the full day
• β
Professional Ukrainian- or English-speaking licensed guide
• β
Priority access to the ropeway and shrine, no waiting
• β
Table reservation at a restaurant with Fuji views
• β
Flexible itinerary — adjusted on the fly depending on Mount Fuji's visibility
Book through your cruise manager, or get in touch with us directly through any convenient channel:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Email us
π 8:30 a.m. — Meet your driver and guide at the Hinode terminal
π 9:00-10:30 a.m. — Nihondaira Plateau with your guide
Private drive (30-35 min), panoramic views from the Yume Terrace gallery, background on the region's history and tea culture.
π 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — Kunozan Toshogu (priority access)
No-queue ropeway ride, in-depth tour of the main hall — a National Treasure of Japan.
π§ 12:15-1:45 p.m. — Lunch at a premium restaurant overlooking Suruga Bay
Kaiseki menu featuring local seafood and Shizuoka tea — from 8,000 JPY per person. Reservation handled by your guide.
π 2:00-3:15 p.m. — Historic downtown Shizuoka: Sumpu Castle Park and Sengen Shrine
Private walking tour: the castle towers, the story of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the main hall of Sengen Shrine.
π 3:30-4:15 p.m. — Miho-no-Matsubara (time and weather permitting)
A quick stop for photos of the pine grove and Mount Fuji, if visibility allows.
π 4:30 p.m. — Return to port in your comfortable car
π° Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (9 hrs): from 20,000 JPY
• Driver with car (9 hrs): from 18,000 JPY
• Priority tickets (ropeway + shrine + castle): approximately 3,000 JPY
• Kaiseki lunch: from 8,000 JPY
πΈ TOTAL: from 49,000 JPY per person (for 2+ people, calculated per group, not per person)
π€ Four Gates Group arranges private tours of Shimizu with licensed guides, gangway-to-gangway transfer, and a guaranteed return to the ship. Contact your cruise specialist, and your day in Shimizu will be perfectly planned to your taste — including a weather backup plan in case Fuji is hiding behind the clouds. π³οΈβ¨
β οΈ Important to Know Before You Go Ashore
π "All aboard" rule: you must be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure. If you're late, the ship will not wait, and catching up with it at the next port is at your own expense.
πͺͺ Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your cruise Ship Card.
π΄ Cash: carry 10,000-15,000 JPY in cash — cards are often not accepted in rural areas and at smaller stops.
π Clothing: comfortable footwear for stairs and hills (especially for Kunozan Toshogu without the ropeway). Modest dress is recommended at shrines.
π± Internet: free Wi-Fi is available at the Hinode terminal and S-Pulse Dream Plaza. Download an offline Google Maps map in advance for navigation.
π» Mount Fuji visibility: the mountain is best seen early in the morning and in winter; in summer and cloudy weather it's often hidden — have a backup plan ready.
π Taxis: Shimizu has relatively few taxis waiting at the pier on peak days — it's best to pre-book a transfer or join the queue as soon as you disembark.
βοΈ Sun protection: summer temperatures reach 91°F (33°C) with high humidity. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
βΉοΈ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and is accurate as of the publication date. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with your Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant attractions.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals