NCL Spirit Tokyo to Keelung -- November 2 to 15, 2025
Shimzu, November 3, 2025 (Monday)
After a restful night on board the Spirit, we arrived at Shimizu, again. We were here in May with a huge celebration in port that whole day. It is a lot quieter this time around but they still had some vendors setting up in port. We are quite familiar with this port and intended to explore on our own without a chartered bus. For those who wanted to come with us for the day, they will have to follow closely so they won't miss a turn. This is a good time to try out if we have a group that is alert and cooperative. To make it easier, we divided the big group into smaller ones just so our group leaders can easily get them on and off the bus and train. It worked out really well and we had a good day in port.
Waking up to the sight of Mt. Fuji even when we were still on the ship.
We had an early start, so instead of breakfast at the buffet, we had a full breakfast at the 24-hour eatery Local.
With a good cup of coffee!
Getting closer to Shimizu port.
We were ones of the first to get off the ship.
Waiting for the rest of our group to get off.
Most members in our group got off and ready to explore.
To avoid the crowds, we went straight to the shuttle bus stop which was to the left of the terminal building. A bus was already waiting there so there was no problem getting on. I was told that the city provides free shuttle buses to the Shimizu JR train station and the New Shimizu local train station when the ship has 2000+ passengers. I was a little worried that they won't provide the service on this day because Spirit is right around that number. Fortunately, they did and had the shuttle runs right when we got off. (In the past, their shuttles did not start until after 10:00). I was ready to take everyone on the 20-minute walk in case shuttles were not available.
It was just a short ride because we needed to get off at the first stop, Shin-Shimizu local train station. Some people may miss this stop because it stopped before the tiny train station. It's like just a stop by the roadside, but we managed to get off and cross the street to the train station. Those of us who have the Suica cards were able to just scan the pass to get on but some had to purchase tickets to take this local train. The staff was very helpful though. He was able to get everybody their needed tickets.
If I remember correctly, this local train stopped at every stop and took about thirty minutes or a little longer. It was fun because it wasn't crowded and we could see the small towns along the way. We rode from the start of the route to the very end, which was Shin Shizuoka. Easy ride.
Colorfully decorated train.
Arrived at Shin Shizuoka station.
After we waited for everybody (some had to use the restrooms at the train station, some came on the next train because they had to get tickets delaying their boarding of our train), we walked to the Sumpu Castle Park which is about 10-minute away. We were fortunate to have good weather on this day, very pleasant for a short walk.
Tokugawa Ieyasu Model Kit Monument on our way to the Castle.
Shizuoka is famous for making toy model kits, this is one of their samples.
Beautiful Sumpu Castle
It was quite busy at Sumpu Castle with a special activity inside the park. There were many vendors setting up for the day and seemed like they are expecting a lot of people.
One of the vendors.
The ruins is still being excavated but this was closed on this day.
The moat outside the castle.
The Shizuoka Prefecture Government Building behind us was our next destination.
Visitors can get in and go up to the 21st floor for the view of Mt. Fuji and the city.
Painting of Mt. Fuji.
Here at the observation deck, one can see Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
We were definitely lucky to be able to see this view. We had been here twice before and both times the top of the mountain was covered by thick clouds.
After the observation deck, we walked back to the train station...
and took the train back to Shimizu.
From Shin Shimizu station, we walked to the Kashi-no-Ichi Fish Market for a wonderful lunch.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from which feature their local tuna and sakura shrimp. 
Several meat sets to choose from and they were all good!
After lunch, we separated into small groups to get back to port. Some decided on taking the free shuttles back from the JR Train Station which is near the fish market. Some decided to take the stroll back to port.
Walking on the well-paved path back to port.
There is an old shrine half way in between.
Back to Dream Plaza, where they have a mall with many entertainment and activities for all ages.
They also have many eateries here for those who want to stay near the port and shop for the day.
There are some famous department stores like UNIQLO in here.
Looking at the port from Dream Plaza.
Another model kit near the cruise terminal.
Interesting man holes.
Vendors were still at port.
The long line getting back on board.
The gangway had been lifted, ready to set sail!
Not as many people as our last time here, but there were still some locals there to see us off.
This is the best port that planned and organized all the activities well for all the ships coming into port.
Gorgeous!
My pork chop for dinner, delicious!
A more complete record of our day in video, please click here.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." -- John 15:5
