This page provides a clear guide to what you can enjoy during your one-day stop at Shimizu Port on a cruise. Mt. Fuji is fully visible on about 130–140 days a year, and if you include days when only part of the mountain can be seen, it appears on more than 200 days annually.

While many visitors come to admire the stunning view of Mt. Fuji right in front of them, the surrounding area offers far more than just the mountain. There are many other attractive spots to explore, as well as opportunities to experience Japanese culture and everyday life that you may not have encountered before.We also encourage you to stroll through the charming local shopping streets, where you can catch a glimpse of Japan’s unique daily life.

To help you make the most of your time in Shimizu, this guide organizes recommended activities by transportation options and approximate travel times. Find your own memorable moments during your stay at Shimizu Port.

Plan your day from Shimizu Port by time and transportation.
Select how many hours you have and how you want to travel, and we’ll show you the best routes, attractions, and places to eat—designed to fit your schedule and return you to your ship on time.

Approx. town walking time from Shimizu Port

Food & Souvenir
S-pulse Dreamplaza

Just a 10‑minute walk from the ship, you’ll find S-Pulse Dream Plaza, a large commercial complex where you can enjoy the flavors and fun of Shizuoka. The plaza offers souvenir shops featuring local specialties, cafés, and a variety of food options. For lunch, Sushi Yokocho is especially popular.

■The Birthplace of Jirocho
■Minowa Inari Shrine

A 15–20 minute walk from your ship brings you to sites where you can explore traces of Jirocho Shimizu, a local hero who lived in the area about 150 years ago. At Suehiro, you can enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets while sitting on tatami mats, and experience what everyday life was like in the past. Nearby, you’ll also find Minowa Inari Shrine, famous for its striking rows of bright red torii gates—a popular spot for photos.

Historical Heritage Route 1.5H

Shimizu has long flourished as a port town, and about 150 years ago it was home to a local hero named Jirocho Shimizu. Within a 10–20 minute walk from Shimizu Port, you can visit several sites connected to his life. At the Suehiro Museum, a former lodging house recreated from the past, visitors can see tools and toys from traditional Japanese life and enjoy matcha and sweets on tatami mats. Jirocho’s birthplace also displays everyday items used in his time. A little farther on, the popular Minowa Inari Shrine welcomes visitors with rows of bright red torii gates, making it a favorite photo spot among international travelers.

Daily Life Vibe Shopping Route 1.5H

Around Shimizu Port, visitors can experience the everyday life of local residents. The area includes popular spots for international travelers, such as 100‑yen shops and Book Off, a secondhand store selling used books, games, and toys. There are also local supermarkets, where you can find a wide variety of uniquely Japanese foods and snacks that many foreign visitors have never seen before.

Approx. time from Shimizu Port to walking around JR Shimizu Station

Shimizu Station is not only the transfer point for reaching Shizuoka Station, the largest city in the area, but also a convenient place for sightseeing. Near the station, you’ll find Kashi-no-Ichi, a lively market where wholesalers from Shimizu Port—Japan’s number‑one port for tuna landings—serve fresh seafood and tuna dishes. The shopping street in front of the station also offers many small local shops and restaurants where international visitors can enjoy uniquely Japanese products and food.

JR Shimizu Station by bus

There may be a free shuttle bus from Shimizu Port to JR Shimizu Station during your port call, taking about 10 minutes. Please check with the cruise ship’s information desk for availability. From there, it is a 12‑minute train ride to Shizuoka Station, the largest city in the area. Around Shizuoka Station, you can visit attractions such as Sumpu Castle Park and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, as well as enjoy many shopping spots.

JR Shimizu Station on foot

Walking from Shimizu Port to Shimizu Station takes about 30 minutes. From there, it is a 12‑minute train ride to Shizuoka Station, the largest city in the area. Around Shizuoka Station, you can visit attractions such as Sumpu Castle Park and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, as well as enjoy many shopping spots.

Shimizu Ekimae Shopping Street

In front of Shimizu Station, you’ll find a shopping street filled with small, unique stores that cruise passengers often enjoy. There are specialty shops for Japanese tea, beautiful kimono boutiques, and stationery stores selling uniquely Japanese erasers and greeting cards. You can also find shops offering chopsticks, tableware, miso, and kitchen knives—items that are part of everyday life in Japan. Many of these shops are old and small, but the owners warmly welcome visitors from overseas. The entire street is covered by an arcade roof, so you can stroll comfortably even on rainy days.

Approx. one-way travel time from SHIMIZU Port

Please be aware that if you take a taxi one‑way from Shimizu Port to a sightseeing spot, you may have difficulty finding a taxi for the return trip. To make the most of your time and avoid stress, we recommend using a chartered taxi service by the hour, which provides a safe, reliable, and worry‑free way to enjoy your visit.

Ryugeji-Temple

At Ryugeji Temple, you can do more than simply offer prayers from outside. Visitors are welcome to step inside the main hall, where you can admire beautiful Buddhist art and enjoy a traditional matcha tea and Japanese sweets experience.

Miho no Matsubara Pine Grove

Miho no Matsubara is a scenic coastline lined with more than 30,000 pine trees, offering one of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. Its striking contrast of deep green pines, black volcanic sand, and the blue ocean has inspired Japanese art and poetry for centuries. The area is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site connected to the Mt.Fuji cultural landscape.

Nihondaira Yume Terrace

Nihondaira Yume Terrace is a scenic observation facility located at the summit of Nihondaira, a 307‑meter hill long celebrated as one of Japan’s most beautiful viewpoints. The terrace opened in 2018 and features striking octagonal architecture designed by Kengo Kuma, blending natural materials with wide glass walls that frame the landscape in every direction.

Shizuoka City Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art

The Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art is dedicated to Utagawa Hiroshige, one of Japan’s most celebrated ukiyo‑e artists. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions, learn about traditional printmaking techniques, and even try hands‑on activities that demonstrate how ukiyo‑e prints were created.

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine

Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha is known for its elegant architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and the pure spring water that flows from the base of Mount Fuji. The grounds include the beautiful Wakutama Pond, designated a national natural treasure for its crystal‑clear water.

Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka

The Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre is a modern museum designed to help visitors understand why Mount Fuji is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A highlight is the spiraling ramp that simulates the experience of climbing the mountain, leading to an observation deck with a stunning view of the real Mt. Fuji.

Oshino Hakkai Springs

Oshino Hakkai is a group of eight crystal‑clear spring ponds fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji that has been naturally filtered through volcanic rock for decades. The water is so pure that you can see every detail at the bottom, creating a serene and almost mystical atmosphere.

Shiraito Falls

Shiraito Falls, located in Fujinomiya City at the southwestern foot of Mt. Fuji, is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls. The falls stretch 150–200 meters across and drop 20 meters from a lava cliff, where hundreds of fine streams emerge directly from the rock face rather than from a river. This unique formation creates the appearance of white silk threads, which inspired the name “Shiraito” (“white threads”).

Arakurayama Sengen Park

Arakura Sengen Shrine is famous for offering one of the most iconic views in all of Japan: a stunning combination of Mount Fuji, a five‑story pagoda, and seasonal scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.Located on a hillside in Fujiyoshida, the shrine requires climbing nearly 400 steps, but the panoramic view from the top is unforgettable.

Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba

Saiko Iyashi‑no‑Sato Nenba is an open‑air museum and cultural village located on the western shore of Lake Saiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. The site recreates the former village of Nenba, once known as “the most beautiful village in Japan,” which was destroyed by a devastating mudslide in 1966. Today, the village has been faithfully rebuilt with traditional thatched‑roof houses (kabuto‑zukuri style), offering a rare glimpse into Japan’s rural past.

Shore Excursions
—Private TAXI Tours Recommended route

1.5Hours Miho no Matsubara—“Pines, black sands, and Mt. Fuji’s timeless beauty in harmony.”—

Miho no Matsubara features thousands of pine trees, black volcanic sand, and stunning views of Mt. Fuji. This UNESCO‑listed coastline is known for its serene beauty and the legend of the celestial maiden.

＜Itinerary＞
Shimizu Port—-Miho no Matsubara(Stay for 60minutes)—-Shimizu Port

1.5Hours Nihondaira Yume Terrace—“360° Mt. Fuji views from Kengo Kuma’s stunning hilltop observatory.”—

Nihondaira Yume Terrace is a hilltop observatory designed by Kengo Kuma, offering 360‑degree views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and Shizuoka City, with exhibits highlighting the area’s history and culture.

＜Itinerary＞
Shimizu Port—-Nihondaira Yume Terrace(Stay for 50minutes)—-Shimizu Port

3Hours Ryugeji-Temple, Tea Service, NIhondaira—“From temple calm to stunning views and vibrant torii moments.”—

After experiencing Japanese Buddhist culture and art at Ryugeji Temple, you can enjoy a short tea break with Japanese green tea. Then, head to Nihondaira Yume Terrace for breathtaking panoramic views. For memorable photos, Minowa Inari Shrine—with its striking rows of bright red torii gates—is highly recommended.

＜Itinerary＞
Shimizu Port—-Ryugeji-Temple(60minutes)—-Green Tea Hall(20minutes)—-Nihondaira Yume Terrace(40minutes)—-Minowa Inari SHrine(10minutes)—-Shimizu Port

3.5Hours Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum—“See Mt. Fuji’s beauty through Hiroshige’s eyes and real landscapes.”—

This tour combines the “real view” and the “Ukiyo-e art view” of Mt. Fuji. First, enjoy the breathtaking panorama of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay from Satta Pass—once praised as the greatest scenic point on the Tokaido and famously depicted by Utagawa Hiroshige. Then visit the Shizuoka City Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art to see Hiroshige’s original ukiyo‑e prints, experiencing how the master artist captured the same landscape in his iconic works.

＜Itinerary＞
Shimizu Port—-Satta Pass(20minutes)—-Hiroshige Museum(60minutes)—-Jijiin Temple(60minutes)—-Shimizu Port

4Hours Fujinomiya—“Experience Mt. Fuji’s sacred heritage through stunning views and culture.”—

This tour explores two major Mt. Fuji heritage sites in Fujinomiya. Start at Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha, the head shrine of over 1,300 Sengen shrines and the spiritual gateway to Mt. Fuji. Walk through its peaceful grounds, see the sacred spring water, and learn about Japan’s mountain‑worship traditions. Then visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka, a modern museum that explains why Mt. Fuji is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Interactive exhibits, models, and a symbolic “virtual ascent” offer a deeper understanding of the mountain’s cultural, artistic, and spiritual significance.

＜Itinerary＞
Shimizu Port—-Fujinomiya(120minutes) / Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine…..Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre—-Shimizu Port

4Hours Sumpu Castle & Museum of History—“Walk through samurai history and discover Shizuoka’s living cultural heritage.”—

This tour explores the history and culture of Shizuoka through two key sites. Begin at Sunpu Castle Park, the former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, where you can walk through peaceful gardens, reconstructed castle structures, and the remains of the original stone walls and moats. The park offers a glimpse into Japan’s samurai era in a relaxed, open setting. Then visit the Shizuoka City Museum of History, a modern museum that brings the city’s past to life with interactive exhibits, artifacts, and engaging storytelling. Together, these sites offer a clear and enjoyable introduction to Shizuoka’s historical heritage.

＜Itinerary＞
Shimizu Port—-Sumpu Castle Park(90minutes)…..Museum of History(50minutes)—-Shimizu Port

4Hours Lake Tanuki & Shiraito Falls

This tour highlights two of the most scenic and iconic Mt. Fuji viewpoints. At Lake Tanuki, you can enjoy an unobstructed, majestic view of Mt. Fuji, famous for the mirror‑like reflection known as the “Upside‑Down Fuji” on calm mornings. The wide, open lakeshore offers a peaceful setting to appreciate the mountain’s grandeur. Continue to Shiraito Falls, a World Cultural Heritage component site, where hundreds of delicate streams flow from a 20‑meter cliff across a 150‑meter span. The curtain‑like waterfall, fed by Mt. Fuji’s spring water, is celebrated for its beauty and serene atmosphere.

＜Itinerary＞
Shimizu Port—-Lake Tanuki(40minutes)—-Shiraito Falls(45minutes)—-Shimizu Port

【Weekdays】4Hours Miho no Matsubara & Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

This highlight tour showcases three of Shizuoka’s most iconic attractions. Begin at Miho no Matsubara, a UNESCO‑listed coastline famous for its thousands of pine trees, black volcanic sand, and stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Then ride the Nihondaira Ropeway across dramatic mountain scenery to reach Kunōzan Tōshōgū Shrine, the beautifully decorated resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. After exploring its vibrant architecture and rich history, continue to Nihondaira Yume Terrace, a hilltop observatory offering breathtaking 360‑degree views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and Shizuoka City. This route captures the very best of Shizuoka’s nature, culture, and history.

＜Itinerary＞
Shimizu Port—-Miho no Matsubara Pine Grove(40minutes)—-Nihondaira Ropeway++++Kunozan Toshogu Shrine(120minutes)+++Nihondaira Ropeway—-Green Tea Hall(10minutes)—-Shimizu Port

【Weekend/Holidays】5Hours Miho no Matsubara, Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

This highlight tour showcases three of Shizuoka’s most iconic attractions. Begin at Miho no Matsubara, a UNESCO‑listed coastline famous for its thousands of pine trees, black volcanic sand, and stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Then ride the Nihondaira Ropeway across dramatic mountain scenery to reach Kunōzan Tōshōgū Shrine, the beautifully decorated resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. After exploring its vibrant architecture and rich history, continue to Nihondaira Yume Terrace, a hilltop observatory offering breathtaking 360‑degree views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and Shizuoka City. This route captures the very best of Shizuoka’s nature, culture, and history.

＜Itinerary＞
Shimizu Port—-Miho no Matsubara Pine Grove(40minutes)—-Nihondaira Ropeway++++Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Nihondaira(180minutes)+++Nihondaira Ropeway—-Green Tea Hall(10minutes)—-Shimizu Port

6Hours Shiraito Falls & Fujinomiya

This tour highlights the theme of pure spring water that flows from Mt. Fuji. Begin at Shiraito Falls, where hundreds of thin streams of spring water cascade from the cliff like white threads, creating one of the most graceful natural landscapes in Japan. Continue to Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha, home to the sacred Wakutama Pond, where crystal‑clear Mt. Fuji spring water wells up from underground. Finally, visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka, where interactive exhibits explain how these waters are formed and why they are central to Mt. Fuji’s cultural and spiritual significance.

＜Itinerary＞
Shimizu Port—-Shiraito Falls(50minures)—-Fujinomiya(160minutes) / Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine…..Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre—-Shimizu Port

6Hours Nenba & Jinba Falls

This tour offers a peaceful journey through the traditional landscapes around Lake Saiko. At Saiko Iyashi‑no‑Sato Nenba, you can stroll among beautifully restored thatched‑roof farmhouses, experiencing the nostalgic charm of Japan’s rural past with Mt. Fuji rising in the background. The village atmosphere, craft studios, and quiet pathways create a sense of stepping back in time. After exploring the old homes, continue to Jinba Falls, a refreshing spot where clear spring water cascades into a tranquil pool. The cool air, gentle sound of the waterfall, and natural surroundings provide a soothing, restorative finish to the tour.

＜Itinerary＞
Shimizu Port—-Saiko Village Nenba(130minutes)—-Jinba falls(30minutes)—-Shimizu Port

Shizuoka TaaS Travel
PRE-BOOK OR JOIN ON THE DAY
Our popular taxi tours can be reserved in advance
or joined on the day at the Tour Counter
at the SHIMIZU PORT Tourist Gate.

RETURN TO SHIP GUARANTEE
View all our Taxi Tours

Shizuoka TaaS Travel specializes in private taxi tours for cruise visitors at Shimizu Port.
Visit our TaaS Car at Hinode Pier—book on the spot, pay by card, and depart within minutes.
With 1,000+ tours delivered, we guarantee a timely return to your ship for a worry-free experience.

Advance reservations are required if you need an English‑speaking guide.

If you need a taxi tour with an English‑speaking guide, it is recommended to book in advance. You can choose between a sedan taxi for up to two passengers or a van taxi for up to eight passengers.
Please reserve a Shizuoka TaaS Travel tour for a memorable experience. Your dedicated guide will be waiting for you at the entrance of Shimizu Port.

Shizuoka TaaS Travel : Shore Excursion from Shimizu Port