Shimizu Port Transportation Question(s)

[BabySarge]

Three of us have received permission to disembark in Shimizu to travel to Kyoto and then rejoin our ship two days later in Osaka and have figured out the best way to get to Kyoto is by train but that is where it gets a bit challenging for us.  From my research, it looks like we would need to take a local train from Shimizu Port to Shizuoka on the JR Line which really would not be ideal as one of us uses a mobility scooter (small and folds up but even so). Hence, my question is does anyone know if we can get a taxi to take us to the train station in Shizuoka (Shin-Shizuoka) from Shimizu Port?  

 

 

[Donald]

You need to understand that Japan is a nation of taxis - and very nice taxis too.

Many Japanese do not drive cars, preferring to take trains, taxis, and bicycles.

You will find taxis nearly everywhere - even in the smallest cities.

 

Next you need to understand that Rome2Rio website is your friend. Entering your starting point and ending point will instantly give you all transportation options with times and costs.

 

An easy to find taxi from Shimizu Port to Shin-Shizuoka Station will cost you between 4,000 and 5,000 yen, and take about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

[monkey@cruise]

6 hours ago, BabySarge said:

Three of us have received permission to disembark in Shimizu to travel to Kyoto and then rejoin our ship two days later in Osaka and have figured out the best way to get to Kyoto is by train but that is where it gets a bit challenging for us.  From my research, it looks like we would need to take a local train from Shimizu Port to Shizuoka on the JR Line which really would not be ideal as one of us uses a mobility scooter (small and folds up but even so). Hence, my question is does anyone know if we can get a taxi to take us to the train station in Shizuoka (Shin-Shizuoka) from Shimizu Port?  

** Taking the Bullet Train (Shinkansen) / local train
- You are allowed to drive your scooter on the main levels of each station, but not on the platform level where the trains are. You’re allowed to stay on your scooter while on the platform, but must be manually pushed for safety reasons.

- You have a very short time window to get on/off the train.

- Be sure to reserve seats with an oversized baggage area for scooter storage. 

- There might a height difference between the platform and the train, you need to contact station staff for scooter/wheelchair ramp.

https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/

Mobility scooters on Shinkansen
https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/_pdf/mobility_scooters.pdf

Seats with an oversized baggage area
https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/oversized-baggage/

It is a good idea to check with the local council in the area you are travelling to find out if you can take a mobility scooter with you on a taxi journey. If it is not possible, there are specialist disabled taxi companies who should be able to accommodate a scooter.
 

[BabySarge]

Many thanks for the information and links.  Fortunately, the scooter folds up to the size of a carry-on suitcase, only weighs 40 lbs., and has a pull handle plus DH who uses it can walk for short distances and climb a few stairs as long as there is a handrail.

[monkey@cruise]

2 hours ago, BabySarge said:

Many thanks for the information and links.  Fortunately, the scooter folds up to the size of a carry-on suitcase, only weighs 40 lbs., and has a pull handle plus DH who uses it can walk for short distances and climb a few stairs as long as there is a handrail.

Japan taxis are small. One of the safety rules is the battery.

 

You have two options from Shimizu cruise terminal to Shizuoka Station.

1. If ship provide FREE shuttle to Shimizu Station, or you taxi from cruise terminal, fare 1000 yen, 5min.   Ride the JR Tokaido Line (Direction Shimada) Platform 2, to Shizuoka station (3 stops, 10 mins fare 240 yen)  or Universal station code (STOP ID:CA14 to STOP ID:CA17). Both station have elevators access.

2. Taxi from cruise terminal to Shizuoka Station, not a highway through road with traffic lights, will takes 25 min ride, fare is 6000 yen.

 

Most Japan taxi drivers don't understand English, I usually print my destination address in Japanese, no need to Google translate.

Shimizu Station   清水駅
Shizuoka Station  静岡駅
Kyoto Station     京都駅

 

If affordable, ride the Green car (1st class) Shinkansen, lesser passengers per car and uncrowded. The travel time to Kyoto is 2 hrs. - 2.5 hrs.

Most temples have a lot of stairs without wheelchair ramps. Even the walking paths are generally gravel or rock and quite uneven. To add to that, the public transport system around Kyoto isn't as comprehensive as Tokyo, so for some of the temples and tourist areas you have to travel quite far from the train station or bus stop to even get to the place.

https://www.accessible-japan.com/wheelchair-accessible-travel-destinations-and-tourist-attractions-in-kyoto/

 

JR Tokaido Line train cars are  barrier-free.

[BabySarge]

Great information, thank you so much for sharing.  We are making arrangements for a private car, driver, and tour guide whilst in Kyoto due to DH's limitations.  

[monkey@cruise]

44 minutes ago, BabySarge said:

Great information, thank you so much for sharing.  We are making arrangements for a private car, driver, and tour guide whilst in Kyoto due to DH's limitations.  

I was in Kyoto several times, will visit again in August. If you stay at Hotel Granvia Kyoto in Kyoto station which is a mini city, all your amenities are indoor or underground, short walking distance.

 

Will your cruise ship dock at Kobe?  Returning from Kyoto to Kobe is easier than Osaka, Shin-Kobe station is 2 miles to cruise terminal. The Shin-Osaka station is large and complex, 10 miles from Osaka cruise terminal.  All Shinkansen stations have taxi stands, but you must know the nearest EXIT.