Shimizu
Japan 日本
Gateway to Mount Fuji and Japan’s quiet coast
Explore Shimizu
Shimizu sits quietly along Suruga Bay, where sea and sky frame Mount Fuji in postcard perfection. The view alone would make the stop worthwhile, but the area’s charm runs deeper. Nihondaira Plateau offers sweeping panoramas of the mountain and coastline, while Miho no Matsubara—a pine-lined beach made famous in Japanese art—captures Fuji’s reflection on calm days.
Down at the waterfront, Shimizu Fish Market fills with the morning’s catch and the scent of grilled seafood. Local tea plantations roll up the nearby hillsides, inviting visitors to sample some of Japan’s finest green tea right at the source. Life here moves at an easy rhythm, equal parts land, sea and sky—a serene finish to a voyage filled with motion and music.
Nihondaira Plateau
A scenic overlook offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Shimizu Port and Suruga Bay. The ropeway connects to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine for an easy half-day outing.
Local tip: Visit in the morning for the clearest Fuji views—afternoons can bring haze over the bay.
Miho no Matsubara
A UNESCO World Heritage pine grove stretching along the coast, celebrated for its sweeping views of Mount Fuji and its appearance in Japanese art and poetry.
Local tip: Walk the coastal path to spot the “Hagoromo no Matsu,” a 650-year-old pine tied to local legend.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
A richly decorated shrine honoring shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, reached via ropeway or a scenic stairway of more than a thousand stone steps.
Local tip: The shrine is less crowded than Nikko’s Toshogu but equally ornate—an excellent photo stop with historical depth.
Shimizu Fish Market (Kashi no Ichi)
A lively market known for fresh seafood, sushi counters and harbor views just steps from the port.
Local tip: Arrive before noon for the best selection and try the local specialty—sakura ebi (shrimp) tempura.
Tea Plantations of Shizuoka
Rolling hills just outside Shimizu produce some of Japan’s finest green tea. Many farms offer tastings and short tours.
Local tip: Spring and early summer are harvest seasons; you can pick and brew your own leaves at some estates.
Must-See Attractions 観光の名所
Essential Travel Information
-
Public transportation: Local buses and JR Tokaido line connect Shimizu with Shizuoka city and regional sites; schedules are less frequent than major cities.
Taxis: Best option for direct port excursions and reaching dispersed attractions like Miho no Matsubara.
Transfers & tours: Organized shore excursions or private transfers are efficient for limited port time and destinations requiring transfers (e.g., Nihondaira/Kunozan).
Tickets & cards: IC cards (Suica/Pasmo/ICOCA) accepted on many trains and buses but check rural routes.
-
Currency: Japanese yen (JPY). Cash recommended for small shops and rural vendors; cards accepted at larger locations.
Language: Japanese. English is limited outside major tourist spots; have Japanese place names ready for drivers.
Join us for the vacation of a lifetime.
Sail with Dave Koz & Friends at Sea aboard Holland America’s ms Westerdam on an unforgettable voyage through Japan. Explore remarkable ports, enjoy world-class dining, and share the experience with a community of music lovers who travel for the joy of it.
Each evening brings live performances from an incredible lineup of over 150 artists and musicians—setting the perfect soundtrack as we journey across Japan’s coastline. It’s a week of great music, good company, and the kind of moments that only happen at sea.