Donnashaw

On 10/26/2023 at 11:59 PM, Miaminice said:

2023 – Japan – Celebrity Millennium – Day 3 – Shimizu 

Early in the morning we were woken up by the sun shining into our stateroom - and of course the drive for exploration. We only had time until 2:30pm so we got up early and had breakfast at the Oceanview rather than taking our time in Blu. 

Since we had been to Shimizu on two previous cruises, we had only planned a short DIY tour with some fellow cruisers to the Kunozan Toshogu shrine. A shrine which had already left a positive and lasting impression on our first visit. Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu‘s resting place is overwhelmingly detailed and beautiful. So we took a taxi to the Nihondaira Ropeway and took the cable car to the shrine nestled into the hillside of Mount Kunozan after visiting the observatory deck close to the parking lot.

 

 

 

The details and colors of this shrine are magnificent. A real feast for the eye. See for yourselves…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had tentatively planned to visit Sumpu Castle, Tokugawa Ieyasu‘s birthplace, as well after the shrine but decided against it due to Millennium‘s early sailing time. So we took a taxi back to the port.

When we reached the ship, Birgit and I decided to walk over to the nearby S-Pulse Dream Plaza shopping center.

 

When we were almost there, an elderly lady who was with the Shimizu Volunteer Guides walked next to us and asked if we enjoyed the day and where we were from. When we told her that we are from Germany, she was delighted and spoke German to us. She had lived in Berlin for a while. Just like us she was on her way to have lunch at the shopping center and kindly offered to show us her favorite places and food. Happy about the insight B and I got some freshly prepared rice bowls and really enjoyed the local food. 

 

 

While having lunch, I looked at a walking tour map of Shimizu and we decided to visit a shrine which was only a 15 minute walk away. When we reached Minowa Inari Shrine we were approached by an elderly gentleman also introducing himself as one of the Shimizu Volunteer Guides. He kindly asked if he could show us around. An offer we gladly accepted. So the gentleman took us through the 83 Torii gates, explained that the shrine was dedicated to the god of rice and introduced us to the etiquette of visiting a Shinto Shrine. His friendliness and respectful pride was heartwarming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With big smiles on our faces and our hearts filled with gratitude we headed towards Myokeiji Temple, which was just around the corner. As soon as we entered the grounds of the Buddhist Temple, a lovely lady of the guides offered to show us around.

 

In very good English and a very kind and pleasant manner she explained some differences of Shintoism and Buddhism to us and seemed genuinely happy when we told her that we had been to Japan before and that we really liked the country and its people. Interacting with her was a pure joy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep it mind that these guides don’t do it for tips. Tipping is frowned upon in Japan. They do it because they take real pride in welcoming visitors to their country. On the way back we kept saying how privileged and happy we are to experience this.

 

 

Back on board we were invited to the helipad for sailaway. Unfortunately Mount Fuji covered himself with clouds when we left. However, despite Fuji san being a bit shy in the end, it was a great day in Shimizu. 

 

 

Since it was Chic Night, we dressed up for dinner later and had a nice dinner at Blu before turning in early (again).

 

Thank you for this. Can I ask how easy is it to get a taxi to take you here. It will be our first time. How much would we be looking at for a taxi to do this itinerary? We are just 2 people?