Best Shimizu Shore Excursions, Day Trips & Tours from Cruise Port

Few cruise destinations in Japan can rival Shimizu when it comes to food. Thanks to its location along Suruga Bay, Shimizu and Shizuoka area is a true culinary paradise for seafood lovers, where the flavors of the ocean meet the freshness of the mountains. Every season brings something new, it’s about experiencing the rhythm of the sea and the heart of the locals.

Enjoy Sakura Ebi - Top things to do in Shimizu port

Known as the “Cherry Blossom Shrimp,” Sakura Ebi is one of Japan’s rarest seafood treasures, which can be found only in Suruga Bay. These tiny pink shrimp shimmer like rose petals when caught and are prized for their sweet, delicate flavor and soft texture. In Shimizu cruise port, locals serve Sakura Ebi in many ways:

• Raw (Nama Ebi-don): Served over rice with soy sauce and wasabi, offering a burst of sweetness from the sea.
• Kakiage (Crispy Fritter): Lightly fried with onions in tempura batter — crispy on the outside, tender inside.
• Soup or Chazuke: Gently cooked in dashi broth or poured over rice with green tea for a warming meal.

Local insights: The shrimp season runs April - June and October - December, and local restaurants celebrate it with special menus and even Sakura Ebi festivals near the harbor.

Shirasu on Shimizu private tours

If Sakura Ebi is the jewel, Shirasu (whitebait) is the soul of Shimizu’s everyday cuisine. These tiny, silvery fish are caught fresh every morning and served almost everywhere, from market stalls to fine restaurants. This humble ingredient perfectly captures Shimizu’s balance between simplicity and freshness, making it a must-try dish for anyone on Shimizu cruise excursions.

These are recommended dishes for cruisers from port in Shimizu:

• Nama Shirasu Don: Fresh raw whitebait over steamed rice, a delicacy only possible within hours of the catch.
• Kama-age Shirasu: Lightly boiled and seasoned, with a soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Shirasu Pizza or Croquette: A fun twist on tradition, served in local cafés near Dream Plaza.

Wasabi - The Pride of Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka is Japan’s birthplace and leading producer of real wasabi, grown in pristine mountain streams that flow down from Mount Fuji. Unlike the imitation paste found abroad, fresh wasabi has a fragrant, floral heat rather than harsh spiciness. Visitors on Shizuoka shore excursions can enjoy wasabi in creative ways throughout Shimizu:

• Wasabi Soba or Udon: Noodles topped with freshly grated wasabi root.
• Wasabi Tempura: Crisp and aromatic, offering a spicy-sweet contrast.
• Wasabi Ice Cream: A playful favorite among tourists with slightly spicy, cool, and refreshing!
• Wasabi Pickles and Souvenirs: Available at tea shops and local markets, perfect to bring home as gifts.

For an immersive experience, take a short excursion from Shimizu port to a wasabi farm in Utogi or Wasabi-no-Sato. Here, you can see the plants growing in crystal-clear spring water and try grating fresh wasabi by hand.

Sushi, Sashimi & Seafood Markets

No tour from Shimizu port would be complete without tasting the port’s signature sushi and sashimi, prepared with fish caught just hours before serving. Head to the Shimizu Fish Market Kashi-no-Ichi, located near the port, where fishermen bring their daily catch straight from Suruga Bay. Inside, you’ll find lively stalls and small eateries offering:

• Kaisendon (Seafood Rice Bowls): Overflowing with tuna, shrimp, scallops, and crab.
• Maguro (Tuna) Specialties: Shimizu is one of Japan’s historic tuna landing ports. You can try toro (fatty tuna) for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Local-style Sushi: Prepared with fresh white fish and garnished with Shizuoka-grown wasabi.

Shizuoka Green Tea and Local Desserts

Beyond the sea, Shimizu’s surrounding hills are blanketed with lush green tea plantations, which is producing some of the finest tea in Japan. The region’s mild climate and mineral-rich soil give its tea a smooth, slightly sweet flavor loved by connoisseurs.

Tea appears in every corner of Shimizu’s culinary culture, such as:

• Matcha Ice Cream and Parfaits: Creamy and bittersweet, often served at S-Pulse Dream Plaza cafés.
• Green Tea Cheesecake and Dorayaki: Local pastry shops combine traditional Japanese flavors with Western-style desserts.
• Tea Ceremony Experiences: Visitors can enjoy matcha prepared the traditional way at Nihondaira or local tea gardens, accompanied by wagashi (Japanese sweets).

Travel Tips for Food Lovers from Shimizu cruise terminal

• Visit early in the morning to see the fish market in action and taste seafood at its freshest.
• Many small restaurants and izakayas are cash-only, so carry some yen.
• For an immersive experience, book a guided food tour or Sushi-making workshop near Shimizu Port.
• If you have dietary restrictions, look for restaurants with multilingual menus or icons for vegetarian options.

When docking at Shizuoka from Shimizu port, you can enjoy a mild and comfortable climate year-round, shaped by its seaside position along Suruga Bay and its proximity to Mount Fuji. Thanks to this coastal location, the weather is generally moderate, with cool sea breezes in summer and relatively mild winters, making it a pleasant destination in any season.

The region experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique scenery and experiences for travelers visiting by cruise via Shimizu cruise port.

Spring (March - May) in Shizuoka

Spring in Shimizu Japan is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The average temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, creating perfect conditions for Shimizu sightseeing tours, Shizuoka walking tours, and outdoor excursions.

During this season, cherry blossoms (sakura) paint the parks and streets in soft shades of pink, especially around Nihondaira Plateau and Miho no Matsubara, where visitors can admire both the blossoms and the majestic Mount Fuji in the background.

It’s also the start of the local tea harvest season, so travelers can visit Shizuoka’s tea plantations for a hands-on green tea experience.

Highlights: Cherry blossoms, tea fields, clear skies, comfortable weather

Summer (June - August)

Summer brings warm and humid days with temperatures between 25°C and 32°C. The season begins with a short rainy period (tsuyu) in June, followed by bright and sunny days in July and August.

While occasional rain or typhoons may appear, this is also the liveliest time of year, when Shimizu celebrates its famous Port Festival with fireworks, parades, and music along the waterfront.

Visitors on Shimizu shore excursions from port can also enjoy fresh seafood dishes, local summer sweets, and refreshing drinks made with Shizuoka’s matcha.

Highlights: Port Festival, fireworks, beach views, local summer food

Autumn (September - November) - Best Time for Shimizu Port Tours

Autumn in Shimizu port is a season of breathtaking beauty, a time when nature dresses the region in a spectacular palette of crimson maples, golden ginkgo, and amber hillsides. The air turns cool and crisp, the sunlight softens, and the reflection of Mount Fuji shimmers on the calm waters of Suruga Bay.

This is the perfect season for photographers and dreamers alike. From the Nihondaira Plateau, visitors can glide across the ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, where the vibrant autumn leaves frame the ornate gates and sacred paths. Local tea plantations glow under the autumn sun, and the scent of roasted green tea drifts through the cool breeze.

Highlights: Brilliant autumn foliage, golden sunsets, Mount Fuji views, tea harvest, and seasonal festivals

Winter (December - February)

Winter in Shimizu - Shizuoka is serene and poetic. This a time when the landscape slows down, and the snow-capped crown of Mount Fuji gleams under the clear blue sky. The air is crisp, carrying the faint scent of the sea, and the quiet harbor sparkles in the low winter sun.

While snow rarely touches the port itself, the view of Mount Fuji blanketed in white is truly unforgettable. Visitors on Shizuoka shore excursions can unwind in steaming hot springs (onsen) overlooking the bay, or enjoy the warmth of a traditional kaiseki meal featuring rich winter seafood from Suruga Bay.

Highlights: Pristine Mount Fuji views, hot spring retreats, winter delicacies, and calm coastal scenery

Shimizu’s charm extends far beyond its scenic coastline and magnificent Mount Fuji views, it lies deeply in the kindness of its people, the vibrancy of its festivals, and the timeless traditions that have been passed down through generations. Here, every smile, every craft, and every celebration tells the story of a community that lives in harmony with the sea and the mountains.

Local Lifestyle in Shimizu, Shizuoka Prefecture

Life in Shimizu moves at a gentle, steady rhythm, guided by the tides, the tea harvest, and the warmth of its people. The locals are renowned for their humility, hospitality, and pride in their hometown. Fishermen still set sail at dawn, returning with the day’s catch to share with the markets and restaurants. Farmers tend to the vibrant tea fields on the slopes of Nihondaira, their hands steeped in generations of tradition.

When visitors on Shimizu tours or shore excursions arrive, locals often greet them with open smiles and genuine curiosity. Whether it’s a café owner offering travel tips in simple English, a tea grower inviting you to try fresh matcha, or a shrine attendant explaining a ritual, every encounter feels heartfelt and personal.

Shimizu embodies the Japanese concept of “omotenashi”, which is the true hospitality that anticipates your needs before you even speak. It’s not just service; it’s sincerity.

Signature Festivals & Traditions of Shimizu

Throughout the year, Shimizu bursts into color and rhythm with festivals that honor both the sea and the sacred. Each celebration reflects the deep connection between nature, spirituality, and community life.

Shimizu Port Festival (July)

Held every summer, this is the city’s biggest celebration. The waterfront transforms into a vibrant stage with taiko drum performances, lantern-lit parades, and fireworks shimmering over Suruga Bay. Locals dress in traditional yukata, dancing to folk music along the harbor as the scent of grilled seafood fills the air. It’s a joyful expression of gratitude for the ocean.

Miho Matsubara Festival (October)

Rooted in the ancient “Hagoromo Legend”, this festival celebrates the celestial maiden who descended upon the pine grove at Miho no Matsubara. The story comes alive through Noh theater performances, kimono parades, and elegant dances, set against the timeless backdrop of Mount Fuji and the whispering pine trees.

It’s an enchanting fusion of myth, art, and nature. You should not miss this festival when docking for shore excursions Shimizu on this October.

Shizuoka Daidoge World Cup (November)

Every autumn, the streets of nearby Shizuoka City transform into an open-air theater as artists from across the globe perform acrobatics, juggling, and mime acts. The festival celebrates creativity, laughter, and human connection, drawing both locals and travelers on Shimizu shore excursions into its lively, playful spirit.

Beyond these major events, Shimizu port city also hosts smaller neighborhood matsuri (festivals) throughout the year. Each is taken places with its own local flavor, food stalls, and community dances that bring families together.

Cultural Highlights on Shimizu Japan Shore Excursions

Shimizu and its surrounding region in Shizuoka are steeped in history, craftsmanship, and spirituality. Travelers on Shimizu excursions seeking cultural depth will find countless ways to experience Japan’s living traditions:

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

Perched on a mountainside overlooking Suruga Bay, this magnificent shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Adorned with brilliant carvings and gold leaf, it’s one of Japan’s most beautiful shrines.

Tea Ceremony Experiences

Shimizu’s tea heritage is deeply rooted in Shizuoka’s identity as Japan’s leading tea producer. Visitors on shore excursions Shimizu can participate in traditional tea ceremonies at Nihondaira’s tea houses or at local tea farms, learning the graceful rituals of whisking matcha and appreciating the meditative calm that defines Japanese tea culture.

Traditional Crafts of Shimizu

The region is home to centuries-old craftsmanship, including Suruga bamboo lattice work (Suruga take sensuji zaiku), which are intricate handwoven pieces used for tea utensils and ornaments.

Another local treasure is washi (Japanese handmade paper), still crafted by artisans using pure mountain water. Visitors on Shimizu port tours can join short workshops to create their own bamboo craft or paper souvenir, guided by masters who take pride in preserving their heritage.

Local Museums and Art Spaces

• Shizuoka City Museum of Art: Contemporary exhibits alongside traditional crafts.
• S-Pulse Dream Plaza Museum: Fun for families, combining culture and pop entertainment.
• Shimizu Marine Museum: A tribute to the city’s maritime legacy and shipbuilding history.

The Spirit of Shimizu

What truly defines Shimizu shore excursions is not just its landmarks or cuisine, it’s the spirit of its people. Here, tradition and modernity coexist gracefully:

• Fishermen use digital navigation apps while offering prayers to sea gods
• Yyoung artists reinterpret folklore through music and dance
• Tea farmers welcome international guests while maintaining rituals that are centuries old

There’s a quiet confidence in the way locals live, which is grounded, humble, yet full of pride for their roots. Visitors on shore tours often describe Shimizu as a place that “feels like home, even on your first visit”.

Traveler’s Insight for Shimizu Cultural Highlights

• Try visiting during a local festival: The energy, colors, and hospitality are unforgettable.
• Don’t hesitate to chat with shop owners or artisans: Many are eager to share stories about their craft, often with a smile and a cup of tea.
• Bring home locally made souvenirs like bamboo crafts, wasabi products, or hand-dyed textiles. Each carries a piece of Shimizu’s heart.

Getting around Shimizu and the wider Shizuoka region is exceptionally convenient, safe, and welcoming for travelers. Whether you prefer scenic rides, efficient public transport, or private comfort, Shimizu port offers a variety of transportation options perfectly suited for cruise visitors exploring the port and its surroundings.

From the Shimizu Cruise Terminal

The Shimizu Port Cruise Terminal is designed with cruise travelers in mind, which is modern, compact, and easy to navigate. Upon disembarking, you’ll find clearly marked information counters, English-speaking staff, and transportation services right outside the terminal doors.

• Shuttle Buses: Regular shuttle services operate between the port and popular destinations such as Miho no Matsubara, Nihondaira Ropeway Station, and JR Shimizu Station. Many cruise lines provide complimentary or low-cost shuttle transfers for their guests.
• Taxis: Readily available in front of the terminal, taxis are metered, reliable, and comfortable. The 10–15 minute ride to JR Shimizu Station costs around ¥1,200–¥1,800, depending on traffic. Some taxi drivers near the port speak basic English or use translation devices to assist foreign travelers.
• Private Shimizu shore excursions: For small groups or families, pre-arranged private cars with English-speaking guides can offer flexible and customized sightseeing options around Shizuoka and Mount Fuji.

Getting around Shizuoka by Bus

Taking the bus to get around from Shimizu cruise port is a chance to experience the rhythm of local life. Buses here are clean, punctual, and offer a comfortable way to discover the city at your own pace, with scenic views along every route.

• The Shizutetsu Justline Buses connect JR Shimizu Station with Miho no Matsubara, S-Pulse Dream Plaza, and Nihondaira Ropeway.
• Bus schedules are displayed in English, and digital route maps make it easy to navigate.
• Travelers planning Shimizu port tours with multiple stops can purchase a 1-Day Bus Pass, offering unlimited rides within the city and discounts at select tourist sites.

By Train - Discover Shizuoka with Modern Transportation

Located only about 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus from the Shimizu Cruise Terminal, JR Shimizu Station is the main railway hub for visitors exploring the region. This compact, traveler-friendly station features clear English signage, digital timetables, coin lockers, restrooms, and a tourist information counter.

• JR Shimizu Station is just 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus from the cruise terminal.
• From there, local JR Tokaido Line trains reach Shizuoka Station in about 10 minutes, where you can transfer to the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train), connecting you quickly to Tokyo (1 hour), Nagoya (1.5 hours), or Kyoto (2 hours).
• For scenic local experiences, smaller trains and limited express services connect Shimizu with nearby towns, tea plantations, and hot spring resorts.

By Taxi or Private Car with Comfort

For travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and time efficiency, taxis and private cars are an excellent way to explore Shimizu shore excursions and its surroundings. Taxis in Japan are renowned for their cleanliness, courteous drivers, and safety. In Shimizu, they’re easily found outside the Cruise Terminal, Shimizu Station, and major tourist attractions in Shizuoka.

• Taxis are available at major transport hubs and tourist sites. Drivers are courteous, cars are clean, and fares are based on distance, displayed clearly on digital meters.
• Private Car Hire: Many travel agencies (e.g.: Japan Shore Excursions) and cruise excursion providers offer English-guided tours with professional drivers, allowing you to explore further afield.

Visit Shimizu Attractions By Bicycle

For active and eco-conscious travelers, cycling around Shimizu is a refreshing way to explore, which is offering a blend of freedom, fresh air, and stunning coastal scenery. Shimizu has invested in creating bike-friendly infrastructure, with designated lanes and well-marked signs guiding you through both urban streets and seaside trails.

Bicycles and electric-assist bikes can be rented easily near:

• JR Shimizu Station: Several rental shops offer hourly and daily rates.
• S-Pulse Dream Plaza: Convenient for visitors arriving by shuttle bus or taxi.

Cycling highlights in Shimizu port:

• The Harbor-to-Miho Route: A flat, coastal path ideal for families and casual riders.
• The Nihondaira Loop: A slightly more challenging uphill ride through tea plantations, rewarded by panoramic views at the top.
• The Shimizu Port Pathway: A relaxing route perfect for watching the sunset over the bay.

Planning ahead can make your Shimizu Shore Excursions smoother and more rewarding. With iconic views of Mt. Fuji from Shimizu port, rich cultural landmarks, and unique coastal scenery, a little preparation ensures you capture the best of what this destination has to offer. Here are essential tips to keep in mind:

• Check your excursion timing carefully: Popular Mt. Fuji tours from Shimizu port may include several stops, so knowing the timing helps you enjoy each highlight without stress.
• Pack comfortable gear: Walking is common in many Shimizu port excursions, especially when visiting shrines, gardens, or historic districts. Bring good walking shoes and a light jacket, as weather can shift quickly near the mountains.
• Balance cultural and natural highlights: If you’re wondering what to do in Shimizu port, consider mixing cultural sites like Kuno-zan Toshogu Shrine or the Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum with scenic spots such as Miho-no-Matsubara or Shiraito Falls.
• Book early for peace of mind: The most popular Shimizu Japan shore excursions often sell out, especially during peak cruise season. Reserving in advance ensures you secure the best Shimizu tours for your travel style.
• Keep your camera ready: Many Shimizu excursions feature stunning views, so you’ll want to capture them.

When planning a day in Shimizu from your cruise ship, it’s natural to have many questions. Below are answers to the most common inquiries from cruise travelers, designed to help you feel confident before booking your Shimizu shore tours.

Your time in Shimizu is limited, but the memories can last a lifetime. 

Explore our handpicked selection of Shimizu port tours and design a journey that matches your interests and schedule. Simply fill out the request form below, and our team will help you find the best options for your cruise stop.