Monday, April 22, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Shimizu, Japan

View of Mt. Fuji from Shimizu, Japan

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Shimizu, Japan.

SHIMIZU, JAPAN
ONE OF JAPAN’S MOST SCENIC VIEWS OF MOUNT FUJI ON CLEAR DAYS

Feel your heart thumping at first sight of Japan’s most heavenly vision – Mount Fuji’s cone emerging through
the haze. With its summit dipped in pure white snow, the iconic volcano’s cone is one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world, and it is a picturesque backdrop for Shimizu.

Come ashore to this serene vision of beauty – whether you head straight for the siren call of the volcano’s slopes
or the sanctuary of gorgeous heritage-rich shrines and tranquil tea plantations – spine-tingling views of Japan’s tallest
mountain are never far away. A perfectly symmetrical spectacle is visible for miles around, Mount Fuji is an adored
national symbol of Japan.

Travel closer to its slopes to soak in the country’s finest panoramas. Or take in the views with a dash of local

culture at the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine – an elegant shrine that stands in thrall to the salt and pepper volcano
nearby. The Shiraito Waterfall World Heritage Site flows just beneath the volcano – visit to see the gloriously wide
curtain of water gushing through the thick vegetation.

Visit Kunozan Toshogu Shrine for another perspective or to soak up the tranquil site before swinging above on a
scenic ropeway. Located on the adjacent Mount Kuno – privileged views of the mountain and Suruga Bay will unroll
before you. Nihondaira Plateau is another option to soak in panoramic views of the bay and Mount Fuji

dominating behind.

S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA
A four-story shopping mall along the waterfront includes museums, movie theaters, a food court, and a Ferris wheel. The mall is named after the local soccer team, Shimizu S-Pulse, whose stadium is on the nearby Nihondaira plateau.

SIGHTS

  • Shimizu Sushi Museum
  • Kashi-no-Ichi Fish Market
  • Verkehr Museum
  • Lake Kawaguchi
  • Shiraito Waterfall
  • Nihondaira Plateau

Today’s Excursion – Views of Shimizu

We discovered the exquisite natural beauty of Shimizu during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Nihondaira Ropeway and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
The Nihondaira Ropeway is the gateway to the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. En route, we took in spectacular panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, Byobu-dani, and Jigoku-dani, or ‘Deep Valley’. We ascended the steps and visited the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Built at the request of the first Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, this shrine exhibits outstanding craftsmanship in its pillars, decorative roofs, and a strong gate.

A picturesque viewpoint is Miho no Matsubara, where we took a stroll through the pine tree forest en route to the black sandy beach, and marveled at views of Mt. Fuji.

Tonight’s dinner was in La Terrazza.

TONIGHT’S SHOW – CHRISTINE ANDREAS

Christine Andreas is a multiple-award-winning singer/actress/recording artist and a two-time Tony® Award nominee.

Her cabaret appearances internationally & in New York’s finest rooms and concerts from the White House to Carnegie Hall continue to “transform” & “electrify” audiences.

Her current obsession is her one-woman show PIAF: No Regrets.
Her onboard performance is a perfect mixture of gems from the American Songbook, Broadway Classics, Contemporary Pop, and an impeccable French repertoire. She has a tremendous vocal range, which is equaled by her lyric interpretation, and she is as comfortable delivering Irving Berlin as she is Billy Joel.

Christine’s Musical Director and pianist is her husband, award-winning theatrical composer, and a two-time Grammy nominee, Martin Silvestri. Besides conducting the ship’s orchestra from the piano, Mr. Silvestri interacts with Christine during the
performance and usually accompanies her vocally on one or two duets during the show. The fact that they are invited annually to join a segment of multiple World Cruises proves their popularity in the industry.

Check out today’s Chronicle.