Shimizu is home to one of Japan’s most important ports, Shimizu Port. There are many things to do around the port as well as Shizuoka specialties to dine on. S-Pulse Dream Plaza, Mt. Fuji Cruise, and Sushi Museum are just some of many. Make sure to try the seafood here!
Table of Contents
All About Shimizu
Shimizu Ward is in Shizuoka City, which is the capital city of Shizuoka-ken or Shizuoka Prefecture. Though small, this location is rich with culture and many unique activities that can’t be found anywhere else!
Interested in Shizuoka Prefecture? Have a look at our dedicated article:
Touring Kanagawa’s Neighbour: Shizuoka Prefecture
History
Shimizu used to be its own city but merged with Shizuoka City back in 2005. Now, it is one of Shizuoka City’s wards 区 (-ku) alongside Aoi-ku and Suruga-ku.
Shimizu Port is considered as one of Japan’s most important ports that date back to before the Edo Period. Pre-Edo, it was used as a marine base. Throughout the Edo period, it slowly transformed from a transport hub to a domestic shipping zone. It wasn’t until the Meiji Restoration era that Shimizu started foreign trade.
The port’s highest exporting product is Shizuoka green tea. In 2020 last year, Shimizu Port celebrated its 120th anniversary.
※ Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., "Shimizu" ※ Port of Shimizu, "History"
Drive By and Population
Shimizu is near many tourist attractions such as Mt. Fuji. This makes Shimizu an ideal city to stop by for a short break. A coastal area, expect an abundance of fresh seafood every day. As of 2020, Shimizu Ward has a population of around 235,000.
※ City of Shizuoka, “Introduction of Shimizu Ward”
Access To Shimizu
The fastest way to get to Shimizu is through Shizuoka Station. Take the Tokaido Shinkansen if you’re in a rush. From Shizuoka Station, take the JR Tokaido Line directly to Shimizu Station.
Not sure what the Tokaido Shinkansen is, check this:
Trip Across Japan with Tokaido Shinkansen
Writer's Pick
Greatest Attractions in Shimizu
Shimizu offers a little bit of everything for tourists. Let’s have a look at what’s in store:
S-Pulse Dream Plaza
Not just an ordinary shopping mall, S-Pulse Dream Plaza is an entire entertainment complex. Sushi restaurants, a cinema, souvenir shops, museums, a futsal court, event space, are just some of the many facilities available. What’s more, this complex is located right beside Shimizu Port which means lots of fresh air and salty sea breeze.
Here are some of the Plaza’s greatest attractions:
Shimizu Marina Circus
The highlight of S-Pulse Dream Plaza with its 52 meters tall ferris wheel can be found in this amusement park. From the top you can see Mt. Fuji, whilst at night you can enjoy an amazing and romantic night view. Proudly displayed on its official webpage is an official Certificate of Recognition for being a Japan Night View Heritage. Aside from the ferris wheel, there are also several rides to enjoy.
Entrance Fee: None; pay per ride; Shimizu Marina Circus is 600 yen per person
Chibi Maruko-chan Land
Chibi Maruko-chan is famous not only in Japan but all over the world with broadcasts in 60 countries. It is one of the earliest anime in Japan to gain international fame as well as international broadcast. If you’re a fan of Chibi Maruko-chan, make sure to visit Chibi Maruko-chan Land and enjoy life-sized replicas of her world, limited time events, and buy souvenirs. At Chibi Maruko-chan Land, you can explore the world of Maruko and her family’s many antics and daily goings-on which often involve her classmates.
Entrance Fee: 1,000 yen (Adult)
Shimizu Sushi Museum
Japan’s first amusement park with sushi as its main theme. Learn about how sushi came to be, the culture of eating sushi, historical methods of preparing sushi, and more. If you’re not keen on that and just want to eat sushi, visit the free entry area Shimizu Yokocho that was designed to look like olden day Shimizu. Several sushi restaurants are available here, ready to offer you the freshest catch in Shimizu.
Entrance Fee: 500 yen (Adult)
Discount: 50% off if dined in Shimizu Yokocho
Shimizu Cruises
Mt. Fuji Shimizu Port Cruise Ltd. offers several cruise courses on offer. Pick whichever suits you best - you can focus on Shimizu and its surrounding bay, Miho Peninsula, or Mt. Fuji. If you’re lucky, you can also spot some wild dolphins in the waters - remember to bring binoculars.
※ Mt. Fuji Shimizu Port Cruise Ltd.
Nihondaira
Around 20-mins drive from Shimizu Port / Shimizu Station is Nihondaira, a tall hill with a great vantage point of not only Shimizu Port, but also the rest of Shizuoka including the Suruga Bay, Mt. Fuji, Izu Peninsula, and more. There are also plenty of trees and plant life that you can enjoy as you stroll around the hilltop. The night view from up here is also a spectacular sight to see. Remember the ferris wheel that’s recognized as Japan Night View Heritage? This spot was also recognized.
※ Nihondaira Tourism Assoc.
Miho no Matsubara
If you want a lazy afternoon by the beach, then Miho no Matsubara is the place to be. More importantly, it is one of the three Nihon Shin Sankei 日本新三景 (New Three Views of Japan). Miho no Matsubara is also hailed as the largest pine tree grove in the country.
What is this Nihon Sankei?
These are the official three most scenic places in Japan as decided by the people.
※ Miho no Matsubara
The Best Places to Eat in Shimizu
Where to go to get the finest food in Shimizu? We’ve got you covered here:
Suehirozushi 末廣鮨
With 4.2 stars rating by 371 customers on Google ratings, there’s no way this sushi restaurant will serve anything but the best. But with good quality comes great prices, so expect to spend quite a bit of money here. According to their website, the omakase course costs from 10,000 yen, lunch course is from 5,800 yen, and dinner course is from 8,000 yen.
Kurasawaya's Sakura Shrimp
Sakura Shrimp is a seasonal specialty in Shimizu. If you spot in-season sakura shrimp on the menu, make sure to order it! Fun fact, these little guys are often found near the Shimizu Bay area. There are many ways to prepare sakura shrimp which include tempura, sashimi, and karaage.
Hou-Lai Tei 蓬莱亭
Hou Lai Tei is a long established soba shop that was first founded in 1918. For sure they offer authentic traditional soba. At odds with its traditional Japanese atmosphere, the restaurant plays classy jazz music. Or maybe it’s not so odd, as it further enhances the hominess and classy environment.
Kashinoichi Fish Market
While technically not a restaurant, Kashinoichi Fish Market offers the freshest seafood in town. Here you can choose a variety of the freshest catch of the day which includes an impressive variety of fish, clams, shells, prawns, etc.
A Little Further Away
Though not located in Shimizu Ward, these places are around 30-mins away from Shimizu Station. If the above stuff are not to your liking, maybe try these.
Tempura Naruse
Another high class restaurant providing authentic Japanese cuisine in the form of tempura. Try different types of authentic tempura freshly fried and made with local ingredients.
Mikawaya's Shizuoka Oden
Oden is a type of hotpot dish popular during colder seasons. Mikawaya's Shizuoka Oden offers the tastiest oden in the city!
Takeaway
Seafood port town Shimizu is a great weekend getaway from Tokyo and Kanagawa. You could spend your whole day just trying the various activities centred around Shimizu Port. A mix of shopping, sightseeing, and eating, you can find a little bit of everything in Shimizu.
