Predominantly a harbor town, this is one of Japan's most beautiful scenic towns and is well worth visiting. When arriving at the port, cruise passengers are often greeted by a mix of ceremonies, including a Japanese tea ceremony and a Geisha dance presentation. There are local souvenir shops open when cruise ships are in port, where you can buy fascinating trinkets and authentic gifts such as traditional wooden handcrafts and unique fabrics not found anywhere else in Japan.

Shimizu has a comfortable climate year-round, which makes it great for sightseeing. As one of the three most beautiful ports in Japan, it is becoming a top cruise destination.

Ship Location

Though the Port of Shimizu is relatively small, cruise ships still dock here. The attractions located in the Port of Shimizu are easily accessible to pedestrians, though buses travel frequently along the waterfront.

Getting Around

To get around the port, there is the S-Pulse Dream Ferry water bus that travel hourly between the Kashi-no-Ichi Market, and the Ejiri Pier. It is a popular way to see the port. There is also the Shizuoka Railway that travels between Shimizu and Shikuoka, as well as a number of different bus lines that travel parallel to the waterfront, along the main road. Walking, however, is one of the best ways to see what this small port has to offer.

Attractions

There are excursions available to Miho, as well as intriguing places to visit, such as the Kongofukuji Temple, built in 822 by Kobo-Daishi and then rebuilt in 1662. There is the Shimizu Sushi Museum with displays about sushi. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic Miho-no-Matsubara pine forest, the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, the Sumpu Castle, and the Shizuoka Sengen Shrine. This region offers picturesque coastal landscapes, tea plantations, Buddhist temples, and Shinto shrines.

This port today is best known for its tuna fishing, samples of which can be enjoyed in many of the port’s fantastic sushi restaurants, along with other local delicacies such as sakura shrimp and shirasu (white bait).