Japan in the Spring - Shimizu

Shimizu has a lot of attractions but it is mainly known for its views of Mt. Fuji.  The mountain would magically appear out of nowhere and also disappear without notice - it is also stunningly beautfiul, no matter how many times one has looked at it.  This means it is the subject of pursuit by tourists - every time it is visible, everyone gawks, never mind what else the guide was pointing out.  

We were lucky to get many views of Mt. Fuji with different foregrounds.  And this post is mainly about this magical mountain, the symbol of Japan and worshipped as sacred.  I did not get iconic shots with reflections or with cherry trees in the foreground but being able to see it and capture shots of it was already a wonderful treat for me.  It rather reminded me of Mt. Rainier in Washington which also habitually appears and disappears, equally elusive and has a haunting presence over the Seattle skyline as does Mt. Fuji over the many cities in Japan from which it can be visible - sometimes.

First sighting from the ship - wish I had remembered that at sunset when I could have seen the sun hit the top right from the ship's deck, but I missed that, much to my regret...

Framed by cherry trees but no blossoms yet...

On the way to the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine - this is where climbers come to pray before their ascent.  It is known as the protector from natural disasters and easy childbirth.  At the temple, we were lucky to see a wedding, a bride to be with her family and a newborn baby in traditional costumes.  

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine

Bride and groom in traditional costumers (Photo credit: D. Quon)

And cherry trees in bloom!

A bride to be

A newborn at the shrine for a blessing

Wakutama Pond where climbers would traditionally wash before making the ascent

Our next stop was the splendid pine grove at Miho no Matsubara with its 33,000 pine trees and of course - its view of Fujisan!

Mt. Fuji from the beach at Miho no Matsubara - it was covered by haze when we were there so I was really grateful for the Dehaze feature in Lightroom!

I was also grateful for this serene gentleman sitting in the square at the pine grove

 - with all those prayer beads, no wonder he was serene...

The small Miho Shrine and its Tori Gate

The waterfront at Shimiu with its many modern silos and the obligatory ferris wheel

Shimizu was the last port before we made our final docking back at Yokohama.  It was a lovely two weeks in charming Japan, certainly a place I would return to, perhaps one autumn for its famously gorgeous fall colours.  Thank you for coming along on the trip.

Meanwhile, on to the next adventure...