Our info on this port reads as follows. Widely regarded as one of Japan’s most beautiful ports, Shimizu affords peerless views of Mount Fuji on a clear day and claims the scenic Miho-no-Matsubara pine forest as a backdrop (both are UNESCO World Heritage sites). The port’s temperate climate and rich culture—heavily connected to the surrounding Shizuoka region—have made it one of the country’s prime sightseeing destinations. A few of the main attractions include Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government, Sumpu Castle (built in 1586) and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, where warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ushered in the Edo period, held his coming-of-age ceremony. Tokugawa shoguns ruled Japan for 250 years, until 1867. The broader region offers plenty in the way of picturesque coastal landscapes, tea plantations and a wealth of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, while the port itself—famed in the 1900s for its tea exports—is today best known for its prodigious tuna haul, the biggest in Japan, samples of which can be enjoyed in many of the port’s fantastic restaurants along with other local delicacies such as sakura shrimp and shirasu (whitebait).
Our captain had a difficult time docking the Westerdam this morning. Very high gusting winds caused him to leave port and wait about a half an hour before coming back in and trying again. He really did not want us to have abandon this stop but he was close. In the end he was able to tie up but had to leave both the bow and stern thrusters on to keep us safely docked. This delay led to a bit of confusion in the World Stage where the tours meet, yes we had a tour booked for this morning. It all worked out in the end but I could see that there were some unhappy guests and in cases this would be understandable. The excursion people need to communicate better when something like this happens as people were coming in from different doors so there was no consistent line. Anyway we move on because for us this did not really effect us, we got scanned, stickered and out within about 15 minutes. We took the tour to get as close to the elusive Mount Fuji as possible. I say elusive as Mt Fuji was shy today or at least that is how our wonderful guide Hiro put it. Our tour read as follows:
In 2013, Mt Fuji was designated a "sacred place and source of artistic inspiration" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the tallest mountain in Japan at 12,388 feet and dominates the landscape of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
A one-hour coach ride brings you to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, located in the southwestern foothills of Mt Fuji. Constructed in the early 1600s, the shrine, the inner and outer shrines, and the tower gate remain. In springtime, the grounds are awash with color from the blossoms of 500 cherry trees.
You'll stop at the Mt Fuji World Heritage Centre -- a museum and visitor center dedicated to Mt Fuji. The central building sports a cladding of wood lattice in the shape of an inverted cone. From the top floor, take in the magnificent view of Mt Fuji.
Well as mentioned Mt. Fuji was shy for most of the day but by the time we returned and had a fantastic Sushi lunch at about 3:30 the shy Mt. Fuji did indeed show herself and she was fantastic. Sorry for the several pics of this incredible volcano.
Lunch was relatively close to the ship where there was a fantastic shopping mall with many stores and restaurants, one could spend a good amount of time here browsing, people watching and sampling some great food. Best sushi I’ve had and this was in a mall restaurant, wow.
We had another wonderful send off from a local group, lots of fun and as we took our lines in to sail away they had a few minutes of fireworks. A great sunset and sail away as we all enjoyed a beautiful sunset and saying goodbye to the beloved Mount Fuji.
Some pics from our day, hope you enjoy…
Mt. Fuji on a sunny day
Green tea fields
Mt. Fuji Heritage Centre
At the top where you gets beautiful close views of Mt. Fuji, who is shy today. Lol
They were having an equinox festival today.
At the shrine.
Wash before you enter.
There barrels are for Saki.
Mt. Fuji water.
No comments:
Post a Comment