UWC Day 127 – Shimizu, Japan – Rejoining the Ship and Mt. Fuji

A sleep deprived, but beautiful day looking for Mt. Fuji.

Photo Gallery: https://pics.mattichan.com/-uwc127

Rejoining the Ship

Didn’t wake up, since I was already awake, but got to the private shuttle right at 5am and got in for our 3 hour transfer. I proceeded to promptly pass right out in the cat.

We got to Shimizu and our driver couldn’t find the port. I ended up having to Google Map our location and show them the way to get to the port.

We finally got there and waited for them to clear us and let us back on the ship. Just made it back on to throw everything in my room then run down to the theatre to catch my excursion.

Nihondaira Overlook

Got on the bus and tried to go to sleep since we had about an hour to the overlook. Unfortunately it was a full bus so they packed everyone in, and the guy next to me decided he needed to have a very loud conversation with his friend and that everyone in the bus needed to hear what they were talking about.

Overlook Entrance Path

As we got off the bus, we started down some switchbacks to the overlook and there were a ton of gardens and flowers planted that were beautiful.

Views of Mt. Fuji

From the overlook, had some ok views of Mt. Fuji. Still hazy and it was actually pretty hot too so there was a little bit of heat distortion as well.

Tower

The tower itself was also fairly interesting with a museum and some interesting architecture inside. As we were getting back to the bus, I noticed another tower off to the side so went over there as well to look at the views. As a quick pit stop, grabbed a Sakura soda as well from the little convenience store / gift shop in the parking lot.

People. The Worst.

Got back to the bus to find that my stuff was moved to the seat pocket and someone was sitting in my seat. As I got to my seat I said “that’s my seat and stuff”. The guy had come late and been split up from his wife so had told her to sit in my seat now. He asked combatively “well do you want her to move?”.

I replied that every single bus tour we’ve been on so far on this cruise you sit somewhere and then that’s your seat for the day…” partly because its a seat, who cares enough to move around, but also it helps the tour guide figure out of were missing anyone and WHO is missing.

He responded that this was a different kind of bus tour…cause you know…he’s more important that literally everyone else on the bus and the rules and convention don’t apply to him.

He wouldn’t even tell me where his wife was sitting before but told me “you can sit there” which was someone else’s seat. So when that person came on and was confused why i was in his seat I explained that they had taken my seat and I wasn’t even sure where to sit.

I was pretty close to fighting back, but I was so tired I didn’t want to bother and I’m done with some of these people. The level of entitlement and thought that they matter more than other people as we travel around the world is freaking astounding.

The additional irony is that if they had asked nicely, I probably would’ve been totally fine switching with her, but they just stole the seat AND moved my stuff which is obnoxious as heck (and also caused all sorts of confusion for our guide…we did almost leave someone behind, cause she couldn’t figure out if we had everyone with the seat changes).

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

The bus ride to the next parking lot was a little bit of a joke. We basically just drove from one parking lot to the other side of the tower (we could’ve walked), but from there, we took the tram across the valley to the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Before the tram, people would go from the other side (facing the ocean) and walk up all the stairs to get to the shrine.

For us, we got a nice tram ride over the valley to the shrine instead. The shrine still had some pretty steep steps which made it kind of fun and a workout. Pretty interesting, just a couple different sections all separated by lots of tall steps.

Beauty in Nature

Lovely trees all over the place and really helps you remember that we’re in nature and built things in nature, and shrines seem to be buil in places where it’s particularly beautiful (like forests, waterfalls etc.).

Around the Shrine

Lots of interesting pieces around the shrine, and a little bit of a photography playground. Was pretty tired or would’ve spent more time and had more fun up there.

Tram Station

Starting to head back across the tram I went to the tram station and found a little Cafe and some lookout telescopes (that look like baymax or a robot to me 😀). Briefly contemplated sitting for some food and drink but decided to get back to the side with the bus to squat over there instead.

Flag

Right as I was about to leave I noticed the sun behind the flag so spent a bit watching and photographing the sun behind the sun flag. Good times.

Gift Shop

Back at the other side of the tram station, stopped at the gift shop to find that they had fresh orange juice and ice cream. Bought a cup for some orange juice (it was so so good), and then had some ice cream which hit the spot since it was SO hot.

End of Tour

We took the bus back to Port and on the way, our guide taught us a little bit of Japanese which was hilarious. Mostly I wanted to get back and away from some of the people.

The guide did tell us that Shimizu is known for their seafood and to go to the market after the tour was over.

Out and Around Port

Contemplated just sleeping once we got back, but chatting with Nate over text I found there was a mall area and food right next to the port so headed over to just check out Uniqlo real quick.

Unfortunately, everything was super cheap so I ended up spending more time there and buying a bunch of stuff 🙃. As I waited for Nate and mom’s tours to finish I walked around the food court and ended up finding a couple of gems.

First, got some wagyu beef with rice and while the dish was fantastic, the way they did carryout was equally entertaining for me. I saw them place the container in the middle of a cut up piece of clothes then just pick up the two sides and tie a bow, and voila there was a nice carrying container of food.

Waited for Nate and we ate whole enjoying the breeze and view.

Next, we went wandering down the market, saw some cute merch and Nate bought some stuff. Then we got a little more food. I found a fishcake store and got a corn and cheese one (SO freaking good). We also got some sushi and some musubi to split. Very cheap and very delicious.

We split up after that. I went back to the ship while Nate went to Uniqlo to buy stuff for himself (and made it back to the shop before all aboard time).

Took a shower then proceeded to pass out pretty hard till dinner.

Dinner

Woke up just in time for dinner and grabbed some food, but mostly wanted to catch up with Shangam since we had been off for so many days. Another full day, but needed some rest!

Vibe Check

2 parts joy

2 parts anger – People.

1 part disgust – People.

Feedback

Leave a comment or question if you have any thoughts! Anything you want to know about as we go around the world? Any things you want to share as feedback, or any images that particularly spoke to you. I’ll try to read all of them as time permits!

UWC Day 127 – Shimizu, Japan – Rejoining the Ship and Mt. Fuji

Rejoining the Ship