The Best View of Mount Fuji from the Sea! Guide to the Suruga Bay Ferry and Mount Fuji Shimizu Port Cruise
Suruga Bay is located in the center of Shizuoka Prefecture. Known as Japan’s deepest bay, the majestic view of Mount Fuji rising from its waters is truly a breathtaking sight.Here, we provide a comprehensive guide to enjoying Suruga Bay to the fullest with its two major maritime transportation options: the “Suruga Bay Ferry” and the “Mt. Fuji Shimizu Port Cruise”! We’ve covered everything you need to know to make the most of your voyage, from the scenic highlights visible from each vessel to how to purchase tickets. Why not experience a special, moving journey—one you can only encounter from the prime seats at sea—while feeling the sea breeze?
Table of Contents
Open Table of Contents
- Enjoy water transportation in Shizuoka City!
- ① Suruga Bay Ferry
- Mt. Fuji at sunset, and even dolphins! Breathtaking views from the Suruga Bay Ferry
- Even first-time ferry passengers can feel at ease with our comprehensive onboard facilities!
- Recommended food to enjoy on the ferry!
- ② Mount Fuji Shimizu Port Cruise
- There are so many ways to enjoy the Shimizu Port Cruise!
- Scenery you can only see on a Shimizu Port cruise
- A Special Experience! Events You'll Want to Check Out on the Shimizu Port Cruise
- Have Shimizu Port all to yourself! The ultimate private charter cruise to enjoy with your loved ones
- Direct service from JR Shimizu Station to Miho Matsubara! Water Bus
- Even when Mount Fuji is hidden, it still steals the show! Immerse yourself in the charm of this port town
- Summary
Enjoy water transportation in Shizuoka City!
Located in central Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka City is also a “coastal city” that has developed alongside Shimizu Port since ancient times.
While traveling by Shinkansen or highway is convenient, to fully experience the charm of this city, be sure to venture out “onto the sea.”
From the open sea, you can gaze upon Mount Fuji, the vibrant scenery of the port town, and the dynamic Suruga Bay.
An overwhelming panorama awaits you—one you could never see from land.
In this special feature, we introduce the “Suruga Bay Ferry” and the “Mt. Fuji Shimizu Port Cruise,” which will make such a special experience a reality.
Let’s set out on a new journey through Shizuoka, starting from the sea!
① Suruga Bay Ferry
The Suruga Bay Ferry is a car ferry that operates a maritime route connecting Shimizu Port in Shizuoka City and Toi Port on the Izu Peninsula.
This route is actually designated as Shizuoka Prefectural Road 223, making it a very convenient means of transportation that connects Shimizu and Izu without using land routes.
The journey takes about 90 minutes, and you can bring your car, motorcycle, and even your pets on board.
You can leave your car or motorcycle in the spacious ship’s hold and enjoy the voyage with complete peace of mind.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counters at each port on the day of departure.
If you plan to bring your car, we recommend making a reservation in advance, as space is limited.
Mt. Fuji at sunset, and even dolphins! Breathtaking views from the Suruga Bay Ferry
From the deck, you can leisurely enjoy some of Japan’s most breathtaking views, including Mount Fuji, the Southern Alps, and the Miho Pine Grove.
Of course, the sweeping panoramic views during the day are a highlight, but another charm of this cruise is that every trip offers a different experience, such as the sunset that paints the sea golden.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot wild dolphins.
The spacious deck features a photo spot for “Prefectural Road 223,” and we highly recommend taking a commemorative photo while feeling the sea breeze.
Please enjoy the ever-changing spectacular views from both inside and outside the ship to your heart’s content.
- View of Mount Fuji
- Designated as "Prefectural Road 223"—a designation rare even on a national scale—the coastal road is a prime viewing spot that truly deserves to be called "the best seat in the house for viewing Mount Fuji from the sea." Crossing Suruga Bay, Japan’s deepest bay, it captivates visitors with its picturesque beauty.
- Sunset
- A magical moment when the sun sinks toward the horizon, bathing Suruga Bay in a vivid golden glow. The romantic sight of Mount Fuji’s silhouette outlined by the setting sun, where sky and sea merge as one, is a must-see. Come and immerse yourself in this extraordinary atmosphere.
- Night view
- The sea at night, enveloped in silence, feels like a whole other world. The sparkling night view of the port town spreading out before you beautifully caps off your journey.
Even first-time ferry passengers can feel at ease with our comprehensive onboard facilities!
The Suruga Bay Ferry is equipped with a full range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable 90-minute voyage.
Whether you’re a first-time passenger, traveling with children, or part of a group, everyone can relax and feel at ease.
- Concession stand
- In addition to Suruga Bay Ferry’s original merchandise, we offer a wide selection of snacks and drinks, making it convenient whether you’re feeling a little peckish on board or want to relax with a warm drink after enjoying the sea breeze. Sweets made with local ingredients and Mount Fuji-themed items are incredibly popular as souvenirs!
- Comfortable seats
- The standard cabins feature numerous comfortable, face-to-face seating arrangements. Large windows offer views of Suruga Bay, allowing you to relax and enjoy your cruise. A particularly welcome feature is that seats are also located in areas with minimal motion, such as the center of the ship, ensuring a comfortable experience even for those sensitive to motion.
- Rest Area
- This area is designed for those who want to take off their shoes and relax or lie down and rest. The spacious interior is equipped with stuffed animals and other amenities to ensure children can play safely and enjoy themselves, making it a comfortable choice for families.
- Special Room
- For those seeking a more luxurious cruise experience, we recommend upgrading to a special cabin (for an additional fee). These cabins offer a serene atmosphere that sets them apart from standard cabins, along with a higher level of comfort. You can enjoy panoramic views of Suruga Bay from the comfortable reclining seats, and the inclusion of complimentary drinks is another attractive feature.
- Private Room
- The Private Cabin (for a fee) is a private space with a capacity of 8 people. Since it is a completely separate room, you can enjoy conversations and recreational activities with your group without worrying about others around you. It is convenient for large groups, such as friends or family traveling together, when using the ferry. Advance reservations are required.
- Restroom
- Restrooms are available on every deck of the ship, so even first-time ferry passengers and those traveling with small children can rest assured. The restrooms are designed to minimize the effects of motion, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
Enjoy an even more special experience with our Premium Lounge Plan, which includes a meal
For a truly luxurious cruise experience, head to the exclusive private room on the third floor. This completely private room, which can accommodate up to eight guests, offers unobstructed views of Suruga Bay.
There are two plans to choose from: "TAKECHIYO," which includes a meal and ferry-exclusive beverages, and "IEYASU," a premium option available for an additional fee. (Reservations must be made at least one week in advance.)
We recommend this option for those who want to make their time with loved ones even more special.
Recommended food to enjoy on the ferry!
One of the joys of a cruise is enjoying delicious food on board!
The shops and food stalls on the Suruga Bay Ferry offer a wide selection of limited-edition gourmet items inspired by Shizuoka and Suruga Bay—perfect for a snack during your journey or as souvenirs.
Enjoying local sweets and drinks while taking in the beautiful scenery is truly a special experience! Here’s a look at some of Suruga Bay Ferry’s popular onboard treats.
- 223 (Fujisan) Baum
- This original Baumkuchen is named after Prefectural Route 223. Characterized by its moist texture and refined, subtle sweetness, it is a collaborative product with "Yataro," a familiar brand at Jiro. Available exclusively on board, it makes the perfect souvenir to commemorate your ferry ride or as a gift for friends and family.
- 223 (Fujimi) Yaki
- These large hexagonal "ohan-yaki" pastries are modeled after the signs for Prefectural Route 223. With a fragrant, crispy exterior and a filling packed with delicately sweet red bean paste, they are a favorite among people of all ages. Enjoy them with a warm drink for a soothing treat that warms both body and soul.
- Suruga Bay Gelato No. 223
- This is a collaboration product with "Nanaya," known for its matcha gelato. It features a distinctive blue color inspired by Suruga Bay and is available exclusively on board. The salted milk flavor, made with salt derived from Suruga Bay deep-sea water, is popular for its perfectly balanced sweetness. Capture it in a photo with Mount Fuji in the background, and you’ll have the perfect Instagram-worthy souvenir of your trip.
- Gelato (Vanilla Milk / Matcha / Strawberry Milk / Fresh Chocolate)
- These treats are known for their smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and come with a Suruga Bay Ferry original cookie. With a variety of classic flavors available, there’s something to suit every taste. While they’re perfect for hot summer days, enjoying them on a cold day in the warm cabin of the ferry is an especially delightful experience.
- Grated yam rice crackers
- If you’re looking for a snack, we recommend “Tororo Arare.” Created in collaboration with “Chojaya”—a shop founded in 1596 and famous for its “tororo soup”—these crispy rice crackers showcase the rich flavor of yam and offer a delightful crunchy texture. With just the right amount of saltiness and a toasty aroma from salt derived from deep-sea water in Suruga Bay, they’re perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea during your break!
- Original Blend Coffee (223 Blend)
- Suruga Bay Ferry’s original blend of hot coffee adds an extra touch of charm to your cruise. We invite you to savor this luxurious cup of coffee as a special memento of your journey. Drip bags are also available for purchase as souvenirs.
Suruga Bay Ferry: Basic Information
Address: 149 Shimazaki-cho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Fare: Adults 2,000 yen (tax included) / Children 1,000 yen (tax included)
*Please check the official website for information on special cabins, car transport fees, and discount coupons.
Schedules (Departing from Shimizu Port): 1st Departure (7:40 AM), 2nd Departure (11:20 AM), 3rd Departure (2:40 PM)
*Please check the official website for the latest schedule.
② Mount Fuji Shimizu Port Cruise
- The view from the deck
A sightseeing boat that tours Shimizu Port, one of Japan’s three most beautiful ports.
You can enjoy the unique scenery of a port town—including large ships passing by, factories, container terminals, and a Ferris wheel—as well as the natural beauty of Mount Fuji (a World Heritage Site), Nihondaira, Miho no Matsubara, and the Izu Peninsula.
The main course is a 40-minute cruise around Shimizu Port. You can relax at the face-to-face table seating inside the ship or enjoy the scenery from the 360-degree panoramic deck, experiencing the unique pleasures of a boat trip.
Tickets can be purchased at the Shimizu Port (Hinode Pier) ticket counter on the day of your cruise, or you can make a reservation in advance.
There are so many ways to enjoy the Shimizu Port Cruise!
- Yurikamome Seagull Feeding Experience
- Sunset Cruise
- Dolphin
While the view from Shimizu Port—one of Japan’s three most beautiful ports—is truly exceptional, did you know there are sights and experiences you can only encounter from the “best seats in the house” aboard a boat?
On the 40-minute regular sightseeing cruise that circles Shimizu Port, you can enjoy scenic views that seem straight out of a ukiyo-e painting. You can experience the thrill of possibly encountering wild dolphins, as well as feeding the black-tailed gulls that visit from November through March.We also host fun themed cruises, such as seasonal fireworks viewing cruises and sunset cruises. With the sea breeze on your face and the sound of the waves all around you, there are plenty of dramatic experiences to enjoy that you simply can’t get from land.
Scenery you can only see on a Shimizu Port cruise
With Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as your backdrop, enjoy a panoramic view of the lively atmosphere of this port town and its beautiful coastline!
If you’re lucky, you might even spot wild dolphins—enjoy the unique scenery that only a Shimizu Port Cruise can offer, filled with extraordinary experiences.
- Mount Fuji and Miho Pine Grove
- It’s no exaggeration to say that the view of Mount Fuji and Miho no Matsubara is the highlight of the Shimizu Port Cruise. From the water, you can admire these two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: “Mount Fuji” and “Miho no Matsubara.” The “green” of Miho no Matsubara stands out beautifully against the deep-blue sea, while the “white” and “blue” of Mount Fuji soar high into the sky. This scene is as beautiful as a painting, and you’re sure to be moved time and time again.
- Numerous containers and Mount Fuji
- A unique contrast where the majesty of Mount Fuji meets the bustling energy of an international trade port. Particularly eye-catching are the rows of colorful containers neatly stacked along the quay. The interplay between these containers and Mount Fuji towering behind them creates a beauty unique to Shimizu Port—a sight you simply won’t find anywhere else.
You’ll likely find yourself so captivated by the succession of photogenic scenes created by this mysterious harmony that you’ll forget to even press the shutter button. 
- The colorful harbor townscape
- One of the greatest joys of a cruise is discovering the charm of Shimizu Port, which looks completely different from the land. As the ship sets sail, you’ll see a vibrant array of colorful buildings stretching out across the blue sea—including a giant Ferris wheel and the Espal Dream Plaza shopping complex. The lively cityscape, resembling a spread-out palette of colors, is truly striking. Viewed from the water, this bustling port town takes on a charming, miniature-like quality! It’s a scene you’ll instinctively want to capture with your camera.
- If you're lucky, you might even see dolphins!
- Suruga Bay boasts the deepest waters in Japan. If you’re lucky, you might even see adorable wild dolphins swimming right up to your boat. You’re sure to be charmed by the sight of them popping their heads up from the sparkling water or swimming happily together as a family!
A Special Experience! Events You'll Want to Check Out on the Shimizu Port Cruise
With Mount Fuji and the setting sun as a backdrop, a variety of events are held throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience the wonders of each season.
You can enjoy special moments—such as fireworks and the first sunrise of the year—that can only be experienced at that particular time and place.
- Fireworks Viewing Cruise
- A special experience where you can watch the fireworks lighting up the night sky over Shimizu Port from a vantage point with unobstructed views. The greatest appeal of a fireworks cruise is the overwhelming scale of the display as it fills the sky above you, while you feel the vibrations of the booming sounds resonate through your entire body. The magical blend of the sea and sky creates a gradient that offers a view you simply cannot experience from land.
- Sunset Cruise
- Twilight at Shimizu Port, as the sun slowly sets.
One of the unique privileges of a sunset cruise is the opportunity to admire the majestic “Golden Fuji” from a prime vantage point while listening to the sound of the waves.
The magical moment when the sky’s gradient shifts from crimson to pale purple, gently enveloping the ship, is sure to become a memory that lasts a lifetime. 
- New Year's Day Sunrise Cruise
- This special cruise offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the sun rising over the horizon of Suruga Bay. Welcoming the sunrise amidst the crisp winter air, accompanied by the sound of the waves, is a truly majestic experience. Escape the crowds and welcome the start of the new year on the tranquil waters.
- Feeding the Yurikamome
- One of the highlights of a winter cruise in Shimizu Port is the chance to interact with the Yurikamome seagulls. Out of nowhere, their pure white wings appear, and they soar through the sky, flying alongside the ship.
If you gently hold out some food, they’ll deftly take it—right right in front of you. Listen to the flapping of their wings and feel the vibrant energy of the wild. 
We also offer great value combo tickets that let you enjoy nearby attractions!
We’re offering great value combo tickets that let you enjoy nearby attractions together—including a special package that combines “Chibi Maruko-chan Land” with a Shimizu Port cruise!
Not only does this save you the hassle of buying tickets separately, but you’ll also have more money to spend on souvenirs and local cuisine—a great perk. Be sure to take advantage of these deals!
〈Image credit: ©S.P/N.A〉
The best seats on the water with a view of Mount Fuji! The "Funaben Cruise" is available for groups of 15 or more
A luxurious onboard lunch plan available exclusively for groups of 15 or more by reservation only.
We offer a variety of carefully curated menus, ranging from simple “rice ball bento boxes” to the “Suruga’s Treasure Box Course,” which features an abundance of local seafood specialties such as “sakura shrimp” and “shirasu.” Why not treat yourself to a special moment savoring the flavors of Shizuoka City while gazing at the majestic Mount Fuji?
Have Shimizu Port all to yourself! The ultimate private charter cruise to enjoy with your loved ones
- Example of a chartered cruise ship: The Bay Promenade Sightseeing Boat
If you're looking to create memories that will last a lifetime—whether for a wedding after-party or an anniversary celebration—we highly recommend a private charter cruise.
You can enjoy the entire luxury cruise ship as your own private space, allowing you to share the best moments with your loved ones to your heart’s content without worrying about others around you.
In addition to a buffet featuring seasonal delicacies and all-you-can-drink packages, we can accommodate custom requests, such as surprises enhanced by our state-of-the-art sound system.
Please enjoy the truly extraordinary, out-of-the-ordinary experience that only a private charter can provide.
Direct service from JR Shimizu Station to Miho Matsubara! Water Bus
In addition to the Mt. Fuji Shimizu Port Cruise, there are also water buses connecting major attractions around Shimizu Port.
It connects three locations—"Hinode" in front of the entertainment facility "S-Pulse Dream Plaza," "Ejiri" in front of JR Shimizu Station and the "Kashi no Ichi" fish market, and "Miho" in front of "Miho no Matsubara"—making it a very convenient mode of transportation.
■ Hinode
A 2-minute walk from the giant Ferris wheel at "Espal Dream Plaza."
Enjoy events, dining, and entertainment to your heart’s content, including “Chibi Maruko-chan Land”—a must-visit for fans of the series! There’s plenty to keep you entertained all day long.
■ Ejiri
The "Ejiri Pier," located within walking distance of JR Shimizu Station, is the perfect starting point for Shimizu Port cruises.
Right in front of you lies the “Shimizu Fish Market Kashi no Ichi,” known as the kitchen of Shimizu Port, where you can enjoy a bowl of tuna rice topped with the freshest tuna before or after your cruise.
■Miho
Access to the World Heritage Site "Miho Matsubara" is surprisingly smooth when using the water bus!
Even routes that take a bit of time by land are a breeze when you cross the sea.
Even when Mount Fuji is hidden, it still steals the show! Immerse yourself in the charm of this port town
Even if Mount Fuji is hidden by clouds, there is no shortage of sights to see at Shimizu Port.
Spreading out before you is a dynamic landscape unique to this historic port town, lined with shipyards dating back to the Meiji era and massive cold storage warehouses.
Colorful containers and the “Dream Sky” Ferris wheel add a splash of color to the sea, and on days after rain or when the sky is overcast, the sea shimmers fantastically in the reflections.
The sheer scale of the massive ship hulls and the intricate details of the factories offer a sense of grandeur that can never be fully appreciated from land.
It is precisely because the waters of Shimizu Port are so calm that you can rediscover the beauty of this “working port” as time flows gently by.
Unfazed by the weather, the port’s breathtaking scenery, which changes its expression from moment to moment, is highly recommended for photography enthusiasts and those who find industrial architecture captivating.
Mt. Fuji Shimizu Port Cruise: Basic Information
Address: 1-410-3 Minatomachi, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Admission: Adults 2,000 yen (tax included) / Elementary school students 1,000 yen (tax included)
*Please check the official website for group discounts and other information.
Departure Times: 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM
*Please check the official website for water bus schedules and other timetables.
Summary
- Suruga Bay Ferry
- Shimizu Port Cruise
In this special feature, we’ve introduced two ways to enjoy marine transportation: the “Suruga Bay Ferry” and the “Mt. Fuji Shimizu Port Cruise.”
The majestic view of Mount Fuji, best enjoyed from the prime seats at sea—a sight completely different from what you see from land—and the vibrant streets of Shimizu are sure to create unforgettable travel memories.
After enjoying the views from the sea, be sure to check out the unique cuisine and sightseeing spots that Shizuoka City has to offer.
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