Recently, we have lots of tourists from abroad, especially from Taiwan for the chartered flight service tour. A couple of weeks ago, we went to Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport to say “Welcome to Shizuoka” to the visitors coming out of the gate.
Today, I introduce something we found at the airport.

At 8:00 in the morning, we got to the airport to meet visitors from Taiwan at 9:30. Plenty of time to go. We went up to the third floor to have a unique breakfast as we’d found a newspaper article saying about “Asarah” in the airport.

“Asarah” means a ramen noodle in the morning, which was brought out and spread largely from Fujieda City. Noodles in the morning ? Yeah, it not so bad, actually.

I ordered Asarah at the counter without any question. First, a sip of soup. Made of some seafood. It tasted so good and light for the morning ! Airplanes through the window might make it better.＾＾

A few minutes before 9:00, we began to prepare small souvenirs for the guests and after 10:15, we finished all welcome services by waving to the tour buses. More than 120 visitors ! Thanks for Mt. Fuji, maybe.＾＾
We were supposed to take the direct shuttle bus to Shizuoka Station, but we had still much time for the next bus. Now, what should we do ? Then, we hit upon an awesome idea. A well known temple was nearby ! And an observation deck was on its way.

In a few minutes, we got to the deck, where many photographers had already flocked around with expensive looking cameras in their hands. I felt a sense of tension. No wonder, because a Korean Airline was about to land. Happily, we could also see a China Airline taking off.
Now, we headed toward the temple, passing through, yeah, the forest of cedars. My eyes got more and more allergic causing intense itch. Damn it all !

After a few moments, we reached there, “Sekiunin Temple”. Holly cow ! I couldn’t understand why I had never been there before. See the large gate ? Good trail underneath.
Sekiunin Temple was established about 550 years ago, in Muromachi Period. This temple, unfortunately, is said to have caught fire three times so far. Some of them were rebuilt in Edo Era. Carvings of Hondo main hall have been designated as a cultural treasure of Makinohara City.

When we left there, we saw a group of tour, maybe from Korea, in front of the gate, guided by a lady. Was they on the Korean Airline I saw from the deck ?

Now, you know “How to spend time around the airport”, right ?＾＾

Have a good day !

Sekiunin Temple
Access from the airport ： 5 minutes on foot
Admission ： Free ( Open 7 days a week )

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

So, in 20 minutes, I was at Rengeji Temple, #23 on the map. I parked the bicycle in front of the gateway and walked up the stairs to find the Hondo main hall. A little bit tired by that time for too much pedaling and walking.＾＾；
Rengeji Temple was established in 704, the oldest temple in Morimachi, and is, as I told you last time, very famous for Japanese bush clovers. You can enjoy various species from April through October. I passed the main hall and kept on the pathway to the back in the bush. On my way, I found a large temple bell which everybody seemingly could strike. I tried once. Low and heavy sound reverberated as if telling the end of the day through the town.

Beside Rengeji Temple is Morimachi Town Museum of History and Folklore. Originally, this hall was a Public Office, built in 1885. Now, they display hundreds of historical materials such as agricultural equipment, livingware, and unearthed objects from local ruins. I went on in it. An old man came to me to show around. What was most impressive to me was a huge trunk of about 2000 years ago that had been uncovered from the ground, already carbonized, hard as stone. Could it happen in the natural circumstances ? He was also wondering why.

I was so hurried as to take only 15 min to see around. Actually, I should have taken much time to inspect the details but, you know……＞＜。

Now, to the station ! Ten past three. 20 minutes to go. I rushed for the river, making a detour. Why ? Because I wanted to see the original trees of Jiro Gaki persimmon, #26 on the map. Jiro Gaki is one of the most popular species of sweet persimmons found originating from this town, Morimachi. It is also known as a King of persimmons and you can find them sold in supermarkets or internet in this season.

After all, I reached Enshu Mori Station at 15:45. The station clerk waved at me with a big smile. As you can see from the illustrated map, there are lots of sightseeing spots more in Morimachi. Physically strong visitors should go as far as Acty Mori, #32 on the map where you can experience Japanese traditional crafts. Or you can see Kawasemi Lake, another name for Otagawa Dam, further than #15. It would be nice to hike around the dam on a fine day.＾＾

I took a train for the day and fell a deep sleep in the seat.

Next time, I’ll report again from Tenhama Line.

Have a good day !＾＾

Rengeji Temple
Access from Enshu Mori Station →　15 minutes on foot
Admission ： Free

Morimachi Town Museum of History and Folklore
Admission ： Free
Hours ： 9:30 – 16:30 closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Year-end & New Year holidays

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