The Third Phase: Lost in Translation, Part Three

After leaving Kawane we took the bus back down the gravelly river valley to the train station and headed north to Mishima for two nights. Mishima is a garden city built on lava flows from Mt Fuji several thousands of years ago and is known for its natural beauty, historic shrine and rich cultural heritage. The ancient lava flow fertilized the valley while the fractured geology offer natural springs to crisscross the town with rivers and canals.

One of several education placards along the canals

Boardwalks along canals with Cherry blossoms about to burst

The fresh water also provides habitat for the city's most famous culinary dish - grilled eel. Unlike preconceptions it is not at all slimy, but more like firm white fish, traditionally grilled and served with a semi-sweet sauce.

Very fresh freshwater eel before grilling.

Grilled Eel

After lunch our destination was Taisha Shrine, which is not just a historic relic for tourists, but actively part of the community. While exploring the shrine we participated in incense burning, barefoot mindfulness, and offerings along with other community members. We also found many traditional rituals still take place not for tourist consumption.

One of several shrines in the compound

Young wedding couple and attendants in procession to temple for ceremony

Parents bowing at start of ceremony by priest

At 45 miles away, Mishima is the closest city to the mountain and thus an attraction for viewing. However, Mt Fuji is only visible only 60 - 80 days/year and mostly November - February. Shu told us the week before it was overcast and rainy and his group was unable to see anything. We were very fortunate indeed to have such spectacular weather during our train transits and from the Sky Walk bridge in Mishima. We could not only view the mountain, but all the way to the pacific ocean.

400 m (more than 1300') Skywalk bridge

Mt Fuji from Bridge

After a full day of transiting from Kawane, walking canals, dining on eel, paying our respects at the shrine and finally walking the bridge across the valley to view Mt Fuji, our day was not done. It was Brynne's birthday!

Robin loves birthdays and from Seattle packed a beauty pageant tiara and sash for a proper fete during dinner. All cheered the youngest member leaving her twenties behind and joining her siblings in the next decade.

Queen for a day!

Afterward the younger members of the tour joined us as Shu searched for a bar to continue the celebration. He found a karaoke bar which fit the bill perfectly as the "kids" love singing (mostly out of tune), until the owner wanted to charge us $5/person to enter his empty bar. Having negotiated in Asia I told Shu to say it was too much and walk away. The group protested until the owner came out and dropped it to $2/person. I said we'd accept as long as Shu got in for free. Mission accomplished.

One of the surprises at the bar, was our normally calm zen master Shu was encouraged by the group to sing. He took the mic and out of the blue came this strong voice blasting out an english song in good tune. We all laughed and gaped in shock.