View of Mount Fuji rising behind Shimizu’s tea fields and coastal port, with green rows in the foreground and a calm bay below.

Shimizu, Japan

Cruises to Shimizu (Mt. Fuji)

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Things to do in Shimizu (Mt. Fuji)

Nothing says "magical vacation" like standing in the shadow of the majestic, sacred Mt. Fuji. There's a reason this towering peak is one of the main symbols of Japan — but it's not the only thing to do in Shimizu. This charming port city offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, from exploring traditional tea plantations that carpet the hillsides to wandering through peaceful temples with stunning mountain views. 

The pristine waters of Suruga Bay provide opportunities for fresh seafood dining and scenic boat rides, , while the historic Tokaido road, the ancient highway connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto, runs straight through Shimizu, which once served as a bustling post town for traveling samurai and merchants. The wider Shizuoka region was also home to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of unified Japan, whose castle, shrines and burial site are all within easy reach of the port. Whether you're seeking spiritual reflection at local shrines or simply savoring the panoramic vistas that have inspired artists for centuries, Shimizu serves as an ideal gateway to experiencing both Mt. Fuji's grandeur and Japan's rich heritage.

Shimizu is one of the closest cruise ports in Japan for unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji, and several iconic vantage points are within an easy excursion of the pier. Nihondaira Plateau offers a sweeping panorama of Fuji rising above Suruga Bay, reachable by a short ropeway ride.

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  • Snow-capped Mount Fuji viewed across blue water from a black sand beach lined with pine trees under a clear sky.

    Stroll along Miho no Matsubara, where pine groves, black sand and Mount Fuji create a scene straight out of legend.

  • Woman with umbrella approaches a bright red shrine framed by cherry blossoms and trees at Shizuoka Sengen Shrine.

    Wander into a world of blossoms and bold color at Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, where history greets spring in full bloom.

  • Large Ferris wheel beside a colorful waterfront shopping and entertainment complex under a clear blue sky.

    Ride high above Shimizu at S-Pulse Dream Plaza, where waterfront fun meets unbeatable views.

  • White castle tower partially hidden by lush trees and hedges, glowing in soft sunlight under a blue sky.

    Sunlight filters through fresh spring leaves as Sunpu Castle peeks from behind its manicured grove.

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Local food and Kashi-no-Ichi market

Japan Tuna

Just steps from the cruise pier, the Kashi-no-Ichi fish market puts the bounty of Suruga Bay on full display. Shimizu is famous for sakura shrimp (a delicate pink shrimp found almost exclusively in this bay), shirasu (tiny whitebait often served fresh over rice), and some of the freshest tuna in Japan.

Shore excursions to explore in Nagasaki

Shimizu is your gateway to Mt. Fuji and so much more! Immerse yourself in samurai history by visiting the childhood home and burial place of the first Tokugawa shogun whose family would rule Japan for 250 years. Or center yourself by participating in a traditional tea ceremony — with views of the majestic Mt. Fuji, of course. Whether you prefer the ease of a guided Princess shore excursion or want to explore Shimizu independently, you'll find no shortage of ways to experience the region.

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  • Woman in kimono kneeling on tatami mat, preparing for a Japanese tea ceremony with tea tools and a kettle set in front.

    Views of Mt. Fuji, Tea Ceremony & Art Museum

    Participate in the ancient “way of tea” on this excursion. The traditional Japanese tea ceremony has its roots in Zen Buddhism and is a precise and meditative process. With your host, you’ll purify yourself, kneel as the host prepares the kettle, prepare the matcha and finally enjoy a relaxing cup of tea. Finish off your excursion with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, the highest peak in Japan. Fun fact: Mt. Fuji is actually an active volcano, which is what gives it its distinct cone shape.

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  • Traditional white Japanese castle tower behind stone walls, with blooming cherry trees and bright blue sky overhead.

    Sunpu Castle Park, Views of Mt. Fuji & Shizuoka Sengen Shrine

    Step into samurai history at Sunpu Castle Park — a careful reconstruction of the place where the first shogun of Japan grew up. Tokugawa Ieyasu was a samurai in the late 1500s who became the de facto leader of Japan — the shogun — and set up the Tokugawa shogunate that would rule the country until the Meiji era, and you can see his roots at this castle. See a bronze statue of the original shogun, an orange tree he planted and moats and castle walls.

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  • Circular stone platform at a lookout point with Mount Fuji in the distance under a clear blue sky.

    Nihondaira Outlook & Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

    Surround yourself with traditional Japanese religion at the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Japanese shrines are typically dedicated to the Shinto gods — the original gods of the island — but this one is a little unique. It’s also the burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun. His descendants went on to rule Japan for over 250 years. Fun fact: the foundation walls of the shrine are over 400 years old.

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  • Bright red shrine buildings framed by blooming cherry trees with Mount Fuji rising in the background under a vivid blue sky.

    Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha & Mt.Fuji World Heritage Center

    Let’s be honest: if you’re coming to Shimizu, you definitely want to see Mt. Fuji. Spend the day seeking out some of the best views with an expert Princess guide. We’ll take you to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine where you can see this sacred volcano towering over the bright red Shinto shrine. Then we’ll head to Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center, which has a cone where you can experience what it’s like to ascend Japan’s tallest peak — with breathtaking photo opportunities at top.

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  • Local Connections: Farms of Wasabi & Trout

    Local Connections: Farms of Wasabi & Trout

    Take an in-depth look at a few hidden gems enjoyed by local residents. Princess Cruises has teamed up with farmers who will share their knowledge with you. First, you'll learn how Shimizu Prefecture has the largest number of farmed rainbow trout in the country as you tour the Trout Farm followed by a sampling of the mild, succulent fish.

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Experience the Shimizu port on your next cruise

Experience the beauty of Mt. Fuji and Shimizu on your cruise to Japan. This port has views of the most iconic mountain in Japan, sacred Shinto shrines and castles from the age of the samurai. Whether you’re strolling the port and gazing up at Mt. Fuji or participating in a traditional tea ceremony, you’ll have the vacation experience of a lifetime here. And Shimizu is only the start of what you can discover with Princess in Japan!

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10-Day Japan Explorer

Roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

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10-Day Circle Japan

Roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

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13-Day Japan Explorer with Kumano Fireworks

Roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

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Discover the majestic beauty of  Shimizu (Mt. Fuji) with Princess Cruises

Shimizu sits in the shadow of the stunning active volcano that has come to represent Japan, and you can see some of the best views of it on an excursion with Princess. We’ll also help you step into ancient Japan with tea ceremonies, tours of historic castles and visits to stunning shrines.

 

Cruises to Shimizu
Snow-capped Mount Fuji towers above a row of cherry blossom trees lining a river under a bright blue sky.

Stroll beneath a canopy of cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji rising ahead.

Two people in traditional hats harvesting tea leaves in lush, terraced green tea fields with rolling hills creating geometric patterns across the landscape.

Tea farmers work among the vibrant green terraced fields that make Shimizu's hillsides a living tapestry of Japanese agricultural tradition.

A smiling couple stands at the railing of a Princess® cruise ship, enjoying the open sea and blue sky.

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Cruises to Shimizu FAQs

*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

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