TOPICS

The end of June is the middle of the rainy season in Japan. 

I joined to Shu Hui-san, a photographer from Singapore to go to scenic spots around Shizuoka city to view Mt. Fuji. 

I just hoped that we could enjoy the great view in the rainy season.

On that day, the first place we visited was Miho-no-Matsubara(Miho Pine Grove), which is part of the designated Mt. Fuji World Heritage Site. About 30,000 pine trees extend 7 km along Miho Peninsula. The spectacular view of the sea, the pine grove and Mt. Fuji has been an inspiration for artists since ancient times. 

I knew that the goddess of the mountain was shy in June and it was so exciting when we found the misty but elegant view of Mt. Fuji!  She was there, waiting for us, smiling at us.  This is the picture I took.

Another picture from Miho is a long path with old pine trees on both sides, leading from the sea to Miho Shrine where the Ocean god is enshrined. The path is called “the God’s Approach”.     

The next place we visit was Nihondaira, a 300m high hill which is famous for its magnificent views of Mt. Fuji, Shimizu port, Suruga Bay and Miho Peninsula. 
The goddess was getting shy, but still giving us a mysterious smile.
The photo is from the Ocha-kaikan on Nihondaira where a view of Mt. Fuji can be seen over the green tea fields.

This is from Nippondaira Hotel. 
With its hilltop location, the hotel commands an amazing view of Mt. Fuji. It has some restaurants, a café and a souvenir shop.  It is a good place to have a break while enjoying the scenery.  

One of the good things about visiting here in the rainy season is the opportunity to see the colorful hydrangeas in full bloom♪ Shu Hui-san liked them very much!

After coming back to Shizuoka Station, we visited a Matcha(green tea) ice cream shop on Shu Hui-san’s request. The shop, called “Nanaya”, is popular for its Matcha ice cream, which comes in seven different varieties based on its density. I was very surprised to experience the difference! Apart from the Mathca ice cream, there are several other great tasting ice cream, such as the Hojicha(roast tea) flavor, Genmaicha(roast tea with popped brown rice) flavor, black sesame flavor and more!

After enjoying the ice cream we went back to the station, dropping by some shops on the way. We looked at some shops selling local specialties from Shizuoka such as green tea, wasabi and kamaboko(fish pastry cake).  

I really hope that Shu Hui-san enjoy this half-day tour around Shizuoka city. When she returned to Singapore she kindly emailed me to say she wants to visit again, the next time maybe in winter.  Yes, winter is a good season to take a picture of Mt. Fuji when the top is covered with a snow cap.

Thank you very much, Shu Hui-san! 

You are always welcome here. Mt. Fuji and Shizuoka are looking forward to your next visit!!

(By Hiro )
＊Not only Hiro but also other FUSION members can guide you through these places!