Since ancient times, Shimizu thrived as a harbor town due to its good natural harbor. In addition, five post stations of Tōkaidō were located in Shimizu: (Kanbara-juku, Okitsu-juku, Ejiri-juku, and Yui-shuku, all of which brought prosperity to the area during the Edo period. After the Meiji Restoration, an Imperial decree in July 1899 established Shimizu as an open port for trading with the United States and the United Kingdom. Shimizu became an international trade port for the export of green tea, as well as housing a major fishery and affiliated industries.