Shimizu, Japan

This seaport city is known for many things including its wonderful views of Mount Fuji when skies are clear. It was one of the last days of our remarkable journey and the weather gods smiled upon us. We had stunningly clear views of this magnificent mountain.

Entering Shimizu we were greeted by its new entertainment mall, with its big Ferris wheel.

Another thing Shimizu is known for is its fishing industry. We went down to its waterfront fishing market, which includes many wonderful small restaurants. We had a delicious sashimi lunch and then walked through the market with its dizzying array of fish–raw, smoked, marinated, filleted, whole and in every other manifestation. About 20 wholesalers have stalls here and sell their produce directly to the public, so it’s a very popular place to pick up dinner

The beautifully made molds of the restaurants’ dishes looked mouth-watering even after our wonderful lunch.

Kunozan Toshogu is a shrine dedicated to the famous 16th century leader Tokugawa Ieyasu who brought a long period of civil wars to an end and united all of Japan. His son built this shrine in his honor, which is rare for Japanese shrines. Most are dedicated to gods and goddesses.

The Nihondeira Plateau by Ropeway, or cable car, took us  up the mountain on a short, scenic ride to the shrine.

We looked down on a few of the early blooming cherry trees.

The shrine is known for its lacquered and gold gilt buildings and remarkable engravings.

At the top of the shrine is the mausoleum for the Shogun Toshogu.
Prayers are said at this Shinto Shrine. A monk was was chanting in this Pagoda and devotees made their obeisances.
On the left of the shrine are the big jars of sake which bring good luck and bounty. This is a mark of a Shinto shrine. You don’t find this in Buddhist temples.

Good night, Shimizu. Thanks for giving us such a wonderful day.

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