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About Mt. Fuji Shimizu Minato Cruise
The Mt. Fuji Shimizu Minato Cruise, also known as the Shimizu Water Bus, is a sightseeing boat and ferry service based in Shimizu Port, Shizuoka City. Shimizu Port is considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful ports. This cruise is a long-time favorite for both tourists and locals because it offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji right from the water.The boat stops at three main locations: Hinode (next to the S-Pulse Dream Plaza shopping mall), Ejiri (near JR Shimizu Station), and Miho. It’s not just a way to get around; it’s like a “floating walkway” where you can enjoy the sea breeze and iconic Shizuoka scenery.
Highlights of Mt. Fuji Shimizu Minato Cruise
The biggest highlight is the incredible panoramic view of Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Seeing Mt. Fuji from the sea is a completely different experience than seeing it from land, as there is nothing to block your view. The snow-capped mountain is especially breathtaking during the winter when the air is clear.
The boats feature open decks for the best views, as well as climate-controlled indoor cabins so you can stay comfortable in any weather. Depending on the timing, you might also see massive container ships, luxury cruise liners, or the famous deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu docked in the port.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot wild dolphins swimming along the boat’s wake!
How to Enjoy Your Visit
A popular route is to board at Ejiri (near the station) and head across the water to Miho. The trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once you’re on deck, you can enjoy the 360-degree views and even try feeding the seagulls that often fly alongside the boat (bird food is usually available for purchase).
After arriving at Miho, it’s a classic sightseeing plan to walk to the famous Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove to see the Hagoromo-no-Matsu (associated with the Legend of the Angel’s Robe). Afterward, you can take the water bus to Hinode to enjoy shopping and dining at S-Pulse Dream Plaza.
For those who want to explore at their own pace, a 1-day free pass is available for unlimited rides. The late afternoon trips are highly recommended for couples, as you can see Mt. Fuji glowing in the sunset alongside the harbor lights.
Basic Information
・Name: Mt. Fuji Shimizu Minato Cruise / Shimizu Water Bus
・Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Schedules vary by season and pier)
・Closed: Open daily (Cancellations may occur due to weather or maintenance)
・Price: 1 Section: Adults 600 yen / Children 300 yen
2 Sections: Adults 1,100 yen / Children 550 yen
1-Day Pass: Adults 1,500 yen / Children 750 yen
・Parking: Paid parking available near each pier (e.g., S-Pulse Dream Plaza)
Access
・Addresses:
Hinode: 10-80 Hinode-cho, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City
Ejiri: 149 Shimazaki-cho, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City
Miho: Miho, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City
・By Car: 10–15 minutes from the Shimizu IC on the Tomei Expressway.
・By public transport: * Ejiri: 3-minute walk from the Minato Exit of JR Shimizu Station.
Hinode: 20-minute walk from Shin-Shimizu Station (or use the free shuttle bus).
Nearby Ryokan
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