Shimizu Port District

About

Mount Fuji rises behind the Port of Shimizu, one of Japan's three most beautiful ports. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Shimizu Port District combines maritime heritage, historic Tokaido post station significance, and stunning Mount Fuji waterfront views. As one of Japan's three most beautiful ports, it offers fresh seafood markets, cultural attractions, and unique perspectives on Mount Fuji that differ from purely scenic viewpoints. The district provides an authentic Tokaido travel experience, connecting modern highway journeys to 400 years of Japanese maritime and pilgrimage traditions. 🔗

Historical & Cultural Significance

Tokaido Road Heritage

Shimizu Port District occupies the site of Ejiri-juku, the 18th of the 53 post stations along the historic Tokaido Road connecting Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo). 🔗 At its peak during the Edo period, Ejiri-juku had two honjin (elite inns), three sub-honjin, and 50 hatago (standard inns) among 1,340 total buildings serving a population of around 6,500. 🔗

The area achieved artistic immortality through Katsushika Hokusai's famous ukiyo-e print "Ejiri in Suruga Province" (c. 1830-32), the 35th print in his celebrated "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" series. 🔗 This dramatic woodblock print depicts travelers battling fierce winds along the Tokaido highway with Mount Fuji as a silent backdrop, capturing something invisible—the wind itself—with papers and hats flying through the air. 🔗

Utagawa Hiroshige also featured Ejiri-juku in his "Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido" series (1833-34), further cementing the area's place in Japanese artistic heritage. 🔗

Maritime Trade History

In July 1899, an Imperial decree established Shimizu as an open port for international trade with the United States and the United Kingdom following the Meiji Restoration. 🔗 The port quickly became Japan's dominant tea export hub: by 1910, Shimizu was shipping more green tea than Yokohama, and by 1918, it was exporting 80% of all Japanese green tea. 🔗

This flourishing trade with Shimizu Port as its base led Japan's post-WWII economic recovery and helped invigorate domestic trade as a whole. 🔗 The port expanded beyond tea to handle citrus fruits, canned goods, motorcycles, and musical instruments as coastal areas industrialized. 🔗

Today, Shimizu Port is recognized as one of Japan's three most beautiful ports, with a maritime history traceable to the 7th century. 🔗

UNESCO World Heritage Connection

The nearby Miho no Matsubara pine grove (7 km coastal stretch on the Miho Peninsula) was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2013 as part of "Mt. Fuji: Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration." 🔗 The scenic combination of ancient pine trees, coastline, and Mount Fuji views has inspired Japanese artists for centuries, appearing in woodblock prints by both Hokusai and Hiroshige. 🔗

Visiting Information

Route Access & Parking

From Tomei/Shin-Tomei Expressway:

1. Exit at Shimizu IC on Tomei Expressway
2. Follow Shimizu Marine Road for 10 minutes (3 km) to port area 🔗
3. Port is also 10 minutes from National Route 1 and Prefectural Route 407 (Minamikansen) 🔗

Parking Facilities:

• S-Pulse Dream Plaza: 1,600 spaces (P1 lot has 450 24-hour spaces, ¥200/hour daytime) 🔗
• Kashi no Ichi Market: Walking distance from Dream Plaza parking
• Multi-story car park with footbridge connecting to Dream Plaza at second floor level 🔗

Detour Time: 15-30 minutes from main Tomei Expressway route (Shimizu IC exit/entrance + short drive to port)

Main Attractions & Experiences

河岸の市 (Kashi no Ichi) Fish Market

Location: 149 Shimazakicho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka View on Google Maps

Access: 4-minute walk from JR Shimizu Station East Exit 🔗

Operating Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM daily, closed Wednesdays 🔗

Kashi no Ichi fish market specializes in fresh tuna and Suruga Bay seafood. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Structure:

• Ichiba-kan (Market Hall): Gift and souvenir area with 20 shops selling fresh seafood, homemade tofu, dried fish, and sushi 🔗
• Maguro-kan (Tuna Hall): Dining area with seafood restaurants 🔗

Recent Renovation: Ichiba-Kan was renovated in April 2025 🔗

Dining Experience:

• Fresh tuna bowls (all-you-can-eat maguro bowl available)
• Sakura ebi specialties during November season
• Kaisendon (seafood rice bowls), sushi, and sashimi
• Direct purchases from wholesalers (rare middleman-free system in Japan) 🔗
• Gets crowded from 11:00 AM—arrive early for best selection 🔗

Cultural Context: Shimizu is known as "Tuna Town" with the largest frozen tuna catch in Japan, making this market the premier destination for fresh maguro dining. 🔗

S-Pulse Dream Plaza

Location: 13-15 Irifunecho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka View on Google Maps

Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (some restaurants until 9:00 PM) 🔗

Facilities & Attractions:

• Four-story shopping mall with boutiques, stalls, and gift shops
• Movie theaters and entertainment facilities
• Food court with multiple dining options
• Shimizu Sushi Museum (see detailed section below)
• Marina and yacht harbor views 🔗

Historical Context: Opened October 8, 1999, marking the 100th anniversary of Shimizu Port as an international trade port 🔗

Dream Sky Ferris Wheel:

• Height: 52 meters from ground
• Ride duration: 13 minutes
• Views: Shimizu Port, Mount Fuji on clear days, Suruga Bay
• Night illumination available 🔗

Shimizu Sushi Museum

Location: Inside S-Pulse Dream Plaza (1st and 2nd floors)

Structure:

• Shimizu Sushi Yokocho (Sushi Alley): Free admission food court with 8 sushi restaurants serving locally caught tuna, sakura ebi, and whitebait 🔗
• Educational Zone (2nd floor): Paid admission area with sushi history exhibits, "Sushi Class" displays, and "Sushi Dojo" library with books and videos about sushi 🔗

Special Admission Discount: Show your Sushi Yokocho dining receipt for half-price entry to the paid educational zone 🔗

Exhibits:

• Reconstructed Meiji-era Shimizu Port neighborhood (circa 100 years ago)
• National sushi culture displays from across Japan
• Interactive sushi-making demonstrations and history 🔗

Cultural Significance: Japan's first sushi theme park, celebrating Shimizu's maritime heritage and position as a major tuna port 🔗

Mount Fuji Waterfront Views & Photography

Best Photography Locations:

Waterfront Pathway: Begins at the Dream Sky ferris wheel and extends along the harbor toward Kashi no Ichi fish market, offering continuous Mount Fuji viewing opportunities. 🔗

November Photography Advantages:

• Snow-capped Mount Fuji typically visible (snow cap appears November-May)
• 60-70% visibility probability
• Clear autumn skies
• Early morning and late afternoon offer best light
• Waterfront conditions ideal for reflections 🔗

Cultural Significance: Shimizu Port is recognized as one of Japan's three most beautiful ports specifically for its Mount Fuji views, making it an iconic Tokaido photography destination. 🔗

Practical Visiting Tips

November Seasonal Context

Weather & Mount Fuji Visibility:

• Temperatures: 15-20°C daytime with comfortable autumn weather
• Mount Fuji visibility: 60-70% clear viewing probability, with the mountain's famous snow cap typically visible from November through May 🔗
• Best viewing times: Early mornings and late afternoons provide optimal visibility, especially during colder months 🔗
• Waterfront conditions: Pleasant coastal weather ideal for walking paths and harbor views

Seasonal Seafood Specialties

Sakura Ebi (Cherry Shrimp) - Peak November Season

November 5th marks the opening of the autumn sakura ebi fishing season at Yui Port and Oigawa Port in Shimizu Ward, running through December 24. [🔗](https://shizuokagourmet.com/sakura-ebi sakura-shrimp/) These translucent pink shrimp, named after cherry blossoms, are caught exclusively in Suruga Bay—Shizuoka Prefecture is the only place in Japan with a fishing license for them. 🔗

The small shrimp (about 40mm long) are highly prized for their sweet flavor and are fished only during two brief seasons: April-May and November-December. [🔗](https://shizuokagourmet.com/sakura-ebi sakura-shrimp/) Popular preparations include:

• Raw sakura ebi rice bowls (fresh and sweet)
• Kakiage tempura (crispy fried fritters)

Maguro (Tuna) - Year-Round Specialty

Shimizu Port boasts the largest catch of frozen tuna in Japan. 🔗 Fresh tuna and other Suruga Bay seafood remain excellent throughout November, making this an ideal time for fresh seafood dining at Kashi no Ichi fish market.

Recommended 1-2 Hour Itinerary for Route Travelers

Compact Visit (1-2 hours):

1. Park at S-Pulse Dream Plaza (10-15 minutes from Shimizu IC)
2. Walk waterfront pathway from ferris wheel toward fish market (10-15 minutes, Mount Fuji photo opportunities)
3. Kashi no Ichi Fish Market for fresh seafood lunch/snack (30-45 minutes)
   • Try sakura ebi specialties (November season)
   • Fresh tuna bowls or sashimi
   • Arrive before 11:00 AM to avoid crowds
4. Optional: Quick browse of Dream Plaza shopping/Sushi Museum (15-30 minutes)
5. Return to car and resume highway journey

Total Time: 1-2 hours including parking, walking, dining, and basic exploration

Driving Visitor Advantages:

• Everything within walking distance from single parking location
• Easy expressway access (Shimizu IC)
• Compact port district layout ideal for brief stops
• Multiple dining and photo opportunities concentrated in small area 🔗

Visitor Experience Notes

Accessibility: Visitors consistently note that "everything is within walking distance" from the port/parking areas, making it extremely convenient for driving travelers. 🔗

Mount Fuji Viewing: Visibility can vary throughout the day—morning views are most reliable, with cloud cover increasing by afternoon. November's 60-70% visibility rate makes it worthwhile to allow time for photography. 🔗

Dining Timing: Kashi no Ichi gets crowded from 11:00 AM onward. Arriving at opening (9:30 AM) or slightly before lunch rush provides the best experience. 🔗

Local Hospitality: Visitors describe residents as "friendly and helpful," contributing to a welcoming atmosphere despite potential language barriers. 🔗

Practical Tips for Car Travelers

Navigation & Parking:

• Use "Shimizu IC" as GPS waypoint, then follow "S-Pulse Dream Plaza" signs
• Park at Dream Plaza central lot (largest capacity, 24-hour access)
• Waterfront pathway connects Dream Plaza → Kashi no Ichi → harbor viewpoints

Timing Strategy:

• Arrive 9:30-10:30 AM for optimal fish market experience before lunch crowds
• Allow 15 minutes for Mount Fuji photography along waterfront pathway
• Budget minimum 45 minutes for seafood dining at Kashi no Ichi
• Add 30 minutes if browsing Dream Plaza shopping/Sushi Museum

November-Specific Considerations:

• Sakura ebi season: Ask for "sakura ebi" at Kashi no Ichi restaurants—November is peak freshness
• Layered clothing: Waterfront can be breezy (15-20°C temperatures)
• Camera ready: Mount Fuji visibility best in early morning/late afternoon
• Early arrival advantage: 9:30 AM opening at fish market means freshest selection, no wait times

Cost Estimates:

• Parking: ¥200-400 for 1-2 hours at Dream Plaza
• Dining: ¥1,500-3,000 per person for fresh seafood bowls/sushi at Kashi no Ichi
• Optional ferris wheel: ~¥600 per person (13-minute ride)
• Total: ¥2,000-4,000 per person for complete experience

Route Integration

Tokaido Highway Connection

Shimizu Port occupies the historic Ejiri-juku post station site along the original Tokaido corridor—the same 515 km Edo-period highway your route follows via the modern Tomei Expressway. 🔗 This stop offers a tangible connection to the highway's 400-year history, complementing the route's overall Tokaido heritage theme.

The area's artistic legacy through Hokusai's and Hiroshige's ukiyo-e prints provides cultural depth to what might otherwise be a simple rest stop, transforming it into a living museum of Tokaido travel traditions. 🔗

Maritime & Tea Trade Heritage

As you travel from Osaka through Shizuoka toward the Izu Peninsula, Shimizu Port represents the region's transformation from Edo-period post station to modern international trade hub. The port's role in exporting 80% of Japan's green tea by 1918 directly connects to Shizuoka's identity as the nation's largest tea producer (40% of Japan's tea production). 🔗

This maritime trade history complements your route's exploration of Shizuoka's tea culture, providing the "export side" of the region's agricultural heritage.

Mount Fuji Viewing Progression

Strategic Positioning: Shimizu Port offers waterfront Mount Fuji views that differ from later Izu Peninsula perspectives:

• Shimizu: Northern Suruga Bay perspective with port/industrial foreground
• Later Izu: Southern/coastal perspectives with natural landscapes

This stop provides a unique "city meets mountain" viewpoint that showcases Mount Fuji's cultural integration into urban Japanese life, distinct from purely scenic natural viewing points along your route.

Alternative Options

If Shimizu Port Is Unavailable:

Weather/Visibility Issues:

• Mount Fuji views not guaranteed (60-70% November probability)
• Waterfront experience remains valuable even without mountain visibility
• Fish market and cultural sites operate regardless of weather

Time Constraints:

• Skip if running behind schedule—continue to NEOPASA Shimizu Service Area for quick Shizuoka seafood experience
• Prioritize Miho no Matsubara if interested primarily in UNESCO heritage/coastal views

Wednesday Closures:

• Kashi no Ichi fish market closed Wednesdays
• S-Pulse Dream Plaza remains open with dining alternatives
• Consider alternative day or skip this stop entirely if fish market is primary draw

Location: View on Google Maps

Source: attractions/osaka-to-izu-main-route/shimizu-port-district.md