We love to discover new activities and things to do, especially in ports that we have been to more than once.
When we are planning our activity for the day, sometimes we decide upon a cruise ship excursion, and other times, we decide to explore on our own.
In Shimizu, Japan, we felt more than safe to go out and explore on our own. We didn't really have an idea of what we would do, and thought we would just venture out, but on this particular day, we ended up seeing a whole lot more than what we expected we would!
If you are looking for an inexpensive day trip to Shimizu, Japan from the Cruise Port Terminal, then read on, to get more ideas for yourself!
What is so special about Shimizu, Japan?
There are a lot of reasons that a cruise ship would take you to Shimizu. We had actually been there twice within the same month, and quite honestly, it felt like two different places as what we had done the first time, was completely different. In other words, there is a LOT to do in this port town.
The first thing that we noticed was the spectacular views that surrounded this port. The Shimizu cruise port provides beautiful views from almost every angle of the bay. The bay is loaded with dolphins, fishing boats, and sparkling waters. There are a number of promenades and observation decks all within a close walking distance from the ship; There are many local restaurants within a short walking distance; and there are a lot of options for people to take a boat tour or to get on a fishing charter so that you can experience the bay firsthand!
The Shimizu Cruise Port Terminal does have a lot of places to walk around and see. There are many options for shopping, walking around, taking an excursion and more. It is also a convenient location for many attractions in the area.
We have a full video here, that you should watch, which includes a lot of stunning pictures, and specifics about Shimizu, Japan.
Attractions of Shimizu
Miho no Matsubara: Which is a picturesque pine grove located along the coast of Shimizu. We saw views of Mount Fuji while we walked this path.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza: S-Pulse Dream Plaza is a large shopping and entertainment complex situated near Shimizu Port. The complex features various shops, restaurants, and a Ferris wheel.
Toro Ruins: The Toro Ruins are ancient archaeological remains located in Shimizu.
Shimizu Nihondaira: Another scenic area known for its panoramic views of Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji.
Shimizu Sengen Shrine: Shimizu Sengen Shrine is a Shinto shrine with a history of over 1,000 years.
So, let's check out our adventure from our long walk in Shimizu.
Shimizu, for us, offered an unexpected day full of fun in the sun.
We discovered Shimizu, Japan
We had arrived in Shimizu, Japan, from the Holland America's Westerdam ship.
Shimizu is considered one of Japan's most beautiful ports. You can see Mount Fuji, it overlooks Miho-No Matsubara (A pine grove), and it is known for all of its beautiful views.
It was our second time stopping in the cruise port within the same month, so we thought we would keep our budget in mind, and venture out on our own.
As soon as we had left the ship, we had found that the area was well mapped, and that there were many information booths. There was even a nearby boat launch where you could travel to the other side of the island.
There were 4 of us, and we all felt like having some exercise, so we thought that instead of taking the boat across the island, that we would walk... Afterall, google said that it would take us 40 minutes! LOL
That 40 minutes turned into 3 hours...
Our boat ride back to the cruise ship
Our Walk To Our Drink Destination
We got to see a lot in this port! We left the ship thinking that we were going to catch the boat to get across to the other side of Shimizu, but we literally missed the boat by a minute. It was pulling away from the dock as we arrived. That is one thing about Japan. Everything, and I mean everything is done at the exact time that it is supposed to happen!
Because it was a Sunday when we were at the port, we realized that the wait was going to be another 40 minutes. We decided that instead of just hanging around the port, that we would walk and experience the feeling of being a local, and getting some additional walking exercise while walking along Miho no Matsubara, which is a pine grove along the coast of Shimizu.
Google maps told us that our walk would take 40 minutes... which for us, turned into 3 hours. We stopped in a gas station (yes, we used the washroom and tried to buy suntan lotion because the sun was very hot!), and then we continued down the path through the residential area.
We took note of the parks and the interesting structures that were tsunami evacuation spots!
We stopped at a park, again, having drank too much water, needed a washroom, but none of us knew at that time how to use the toilet...
We did get some great glimpses of Mount Fuji along the park.
We had some local students and families take bike rides beside us. Most people were very friendly and at least smiled at us... the only 4 people walking from the cruise ship! (Others took excursions or actual forms of transportation like a bus or cab).
Our boat ride back to the cruise ship
We hope that you experience Shimizu, Japan Too
We hope that you have a chance to port in Shimizu, so that you can see the beauty of one of the top most scenic ports in Japan.
Our trip to Shimizu, Japan, was extremely memorable, and we are happy to share with you. Please like and follow us on our social media. We would love to show you what we are up to!
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