It was a beautiful morning. I visited Mishima City to see a staff of Mishima Tourist Association for the information about “Mishima Taisha Shrine Formal Visit Tour”.
Within 1 hr from Tokyo by Shinkansen Super-express, in the east part of Shizuoka, it is. The station itself is kind of a small park and I saw many people sitting on the bench around trees. Good to see. Beside JR Mishima Station is another station for Izu-hakone Railways bound for Shuzenji. Remember ? ＾＾

Mishima Tourist Association is just around the corner of the street. It won’t be difficult to find it only if you remember this picture. I stepped in it. A staff, actually the executive director, showed me in the office. You know what I did first, right ? Yes, brochures of foreign languages ! He arranged them for me. English, Korean, Chinese, good enough for you reading my report. ＾＾　　What is more, they also speak these languages ! So, be sure to visit and ask them whatever necessary before you get lost.

Today, I have 2 points that I’d like to report you. As I’ve told you at the beginning, “Mishima Taisha Shrine Formal Visit Tour” started in Aug, 2010 and they’ve been expecting more than 1100 customers by Feb, 2011. Actually, I was there to join the tour. It’s simple. You ask for the application form by phone, fill in it with necessary information and fax it to them. The tour will become effective with more than 5 customers. If it is confirmed, follow their instructions. Only ¥800 for 50 minute tour in Mishima Taisha Shrine and its Museum. Payment shall be done on the spot at Mishima Taisha Shrine. No extra payment. I have good news here. In case you, I mean someone who doesn’t understand Japanese, join it, a staff of Tourist Association will attend and help you as an interpreter. It’s definitely a good opportunity to understand Japanese culture, right ? Please see this page for further information. Or wait for my next update.＾＾

Next, I’ll show you a good-buy ticket, though valid only in Mishima, for the better tour. It’s called “Tsumamigui Ticket” which means “ticket for snack between meals”. Originally, it was made for Mishima Croquette that has drastically become famous as a B-class Groumet made from local potato. I’ll report it as well with Unagi the eel that represent the best of Mishima’s gourmet meal. This ticket come with a good post card as you can see from the picture. Ticket of ¥1100 for ¥1000. You can save ¥100 ! Available at only Mishima Tourist Association. But be sure that not all shops and restaurants accept payment with this ticket. You will have a map that shows affiliated stores.
Oh, yes, one more thing. They offer bicycles free of charge ! I mean, human power bicycles. They have electric as well, ¥500 for 3 hrs, ¥1000 for one day. It would become a really unforgettable tour to pedal around Mishima on a fine day.

Next time, I’ll report “Rakujuen Park”.

Bye for now !＾＾

Mishima Tourist Association
Access from JR Mishima Station ： 20 seconds on foot
Open hours ： 9:00 – 18:00 ／7 days a week
Mishima Taisha Shrine Formal Visit Tour

“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾