I have been to Japan umpteenth time so this time round, I thought of doing a road trip specially to pay tribute to Mount Fuji. 😊
As such, I decided on a road trip covering Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefecture with a relaxed scenic driving itinerary.
As always, excitement can only commence upon entering the departure hall. 😊
Pampering myself at the SilverKris Lounge prior to departure.
Time to depart for the Land of the Rising Sun.
Tender sliced beef stir-fried with wide, silky rice noodles in a rich, savoury black bean sauce, Relish the deliciously flavourful experience, highlighted by the signature wok hei char.
Safe arrival into Nagoya Airport as scheduled. 🙏
Chanced upon this medal presentation podium at the arrival hall in conjunction with the 20th Asian Games.
Here I am to receive my medal achievement! 😅
After much fun, proceeded on to Times Rent A Car to pick up my rental car.
Gotten myself a Mazda 2 for the next 9 days of road trip. Taking a leisure drive to Yamanashi (driving distance about 290km) thereafter.
Stopping by at the first rest stop at Okazaki Service Area while enroute from Nagoya Airport to Yamanashi.
This service area is huge and houses a food court, retail shops, supermarket and lots of snacks store too.
I just couldn’t resist stopping myself at this Tora Bakery Shop as their breads looks simply inviting that I had to do something about it. 🤣
I had to limit myself to their top 3 popular items. Well, I am glad I did so, else I would be missing out big time!
Followed by chilling out at Starbucks for their Citrus Clear Coffee.
Making another pit stop at Suraga Bay Numazu Service Area to freshen up before continuing with the rest of the journey.
Scenic view taken from the Suraga Bay Numazu Service Area Observation Deck.
Did you see what I see?
This is exactly what you get to see in the restroom. 😱
Finally, I made it to my destination at The Noborisaka Village after a long drive. This will be my humble abode for the next 3 nights.
I love the extremely big, clean, spacious and well laid-out room. It even comes with a walk-in wardrobe.
There is also a nice lounge area located on Level 2 of the hotel.
After check-in, decided to slow things down a little by spending time doing grocery shopping at The Big Fujiyoshida, a two-floor Aeon supermarket with indoor parking, known for its overall good pricing and bulk purchases.
Ending the night with a good dinner at Gyu-Kaku.
A nice dinner to end the night with.
Had another good surprise to see a nice fireworks on a beautiful night out. So blessed!
Waking up to a nice cool, bright Day 2 morning.
The magnificent Mount Fuji under a bright blue sky with low-lying clouds drifting along its slopes as seen from the hotel that I am staying. This is the main reason for me staying in this hotel. 😊
This should be the ideal sight to catch. 😊
You can also view Fujisan while in the comfort at the lounge area too.
Starting the morning with a good brekkie at Nakau.
After a hearty breakfast, venture off to Chureito Pagoda.
Entrance to the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine and the base of the Sakuya-hime stairs in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture.
The grand red torii gate adorned with a sacred shimenawa rope at the base of the stone staircase leading up toward the Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park.
The main hall area of Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine.
After climbing 398 stone steps, you will get to see this striking red five-story Chureito Pagoda.
Panoramic view of Fujiyoshida city as seen from the observation deck area near the Chureito Pagoda.
The iconic Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background though it is obscured by clouds.
Well, if you are patient enough, you can wait for the clouds to be cleared slowly like what I did. 😅
This is what it should have been. 🙂
Next up, took a slow relaxed Fuji Five Lakes scenic drive.
Adjourn over to 7-Eleven to try out their Chicken Kebab sandwich. It is really delicious.
Not forgetting their smoothie too. Importantly is to enjoy the entire process of the smoothie making.
Step 1 : you need to purchase the type of smoothie that you like. In my case, I chose the mixed fruit smoothie.
Step 2 : scan the QR code on the cup cover at the machine, remove the cup cover and place it on the machine.
Step 3 : the machine will send it for blending.
Step 4 : once the machine completes the task of blending, you may then proceed to collect it.
Tada! Your smoothie is ready for enjoyment. It tastes really good and definitely more value for money compared to Boost for sure. 😉
Try it in your next Japan trip. You will not be disappointed. I say one, don’t say bojio hor! 😉
Caught hold of another 7-Eleven outlet along the way. Can you spot the difference between the two? Yes, this one has no brand colour. It’s purely in black and white instead of the usual orange, green and red colour. Strangely interesting! 😱
Detoured to Watahan Super Centre Fujikawaguchiko, this is the fun part of doing a road trip.
It is a traditional home centre with a fresh supermarket, pet shop services, a dog run, and recycling stations.
1st stop being Lake Kawaguchiko. Due to the shy nature of Fujisan, I did not manage to catch hold of her. 😞
Decided to have a quick lunch at The Spice Hut.
Comes with chicken curry, vegetable mix, tandoori chicken, sheek kebab, rice, naan, salad, dessert and a drink.
Moving on next to Oishi Park that features a 350 metre lakeside walking path (also known as Flower Road, Hanakaido) with over 90 varieties of seasonal flowers and direct panoramic views of Mount Fuji across Lake Kawaguchi.
Patches of pink and white cosmos flowers blooming.
Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), a tall ornamental grass with dense, feathery plumes and long narrow green leaves.
Rows of fluffy, round kochia plants (Bassia Scoparia), also known as summer cypress or firebush, transitioning into their vibrant autumn red colours.
Managed to catch a quick glimpse of Fujisan prior to leaving Oishi Park.
Catching hold of the magnificent Mount Fuji near to Momiji tunnel area.
Snapping a close up shot. Isn’t it beautiful?
Another beautiful shot of Mount Fuji at Lake Saiko.
This is another great shot taken from Lake Shojiko.
What a perfect shot should look like. 😉
Unfortunately, I am not able to see her again at Lake Motosuko under an overcast sky.
Made my way to Forest Mall Fujikawaguchiko, an open-air strip mall…..
…..featuring a large parking lot with a clear view of Mount Fuji.
Final stop of the day : Kawaguchiko Shopping Centre Bell, a classic, multi-level local community known for its local vibe.
Proceeded for first round dinner at Sushiro right next to Kawaguchiko Shopping Centre Bell.
This is quickly followed by round 2 dinner at Sukiya which is right beside Sushiro.
Definitely satisfying to end the night with. 😊
Waking up to a cloudy Day 3 morning.
No sight of Fujisan this morning as it has been totally covered by the clouds. 😂
Kickstart the morning with a simple breakfast at Café Gusto.
Here comes my food…😉
Made a visit to Shingen-Mochi Factory Theme Park thereafter.
Did a factory tour to see the process and production of Shingen Mochi.
It’s always nice to deepen and gain knowledge from such educational visit.
Shingen Mochi is a famous soft rice cake confection from Yamanashi Prefecture dusted with roasted soybean flour (kinako) and drizzled with brown sugar syrup (kuromitsu).
Best part of it is to pick up their local snacks & souvenirs from the confectionery store to mark the end of the visit. 👍
Next, made a visit to Mitake Shosenkyo Gorge, widely regarded as Japan’s most beautiful ravine, famous for its stunning granite cliffs, unique rock formations, and vibrant autumn foliage.
A decorative bronze statue of a relaxed man sitting on a wooden bench next to a giant model wine display right outside Shosenkyo Yamanashi Wine Kingdom shop.
Shogyokudo, a small shrine and power spot located near the top of Senga Water Fall.
Love the rhythm of the water sound which is extremely therapeutic.
This gorge is designated as a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty and offers a peaceful yet dramatic landscape blending roaring waters with deeply forested mountain slopes.
Uki-ishi (Floating Stone), a famous granite rock formation located along the walking trail in Mitake Shosenkyo Gorge.
Kakuenho, a striking 180-metre-tall granite rock peak located in Mitake Shosenkyo Gorge. The beauty of the boulder is amazing. Don’t you think it looks like word carving?
The rock may seem connected but there is actually a gap in between and the rocks are not connected at all. How interesting mother nature can be!
After spending a good time leisurely exploring the trail, it’s time to head back to Mori Shop & Café Restaurant for a light late lunch at Hanasenryo Hoto Restaurant.
Enjoying their local region specialty “Hoto” noodle soup with mushrooms. The noodle shaped is likened to that of our 板面 and he noodle texture is really doughy-ly good. A must try when you are in Fujikawaguchiko.
Only in Yamanashi, you will find a lot of standalone Chateraise shops as Chateraise originates from here.
Enjoying their fresh apple pie right at its hometown. 😊
Decided to spend the rest of the day doing retail therapy at Aeon Mall Kofu Showa, the largest regional shopping and entertainment complex in Yamanashi Prefecture.
This is a large 3-level indoor shopping destination with retail, fashion, dining, food court and houses TOHO Cinemas Kofu, a 9-screen multiplex, and the Rakuichi-Rakuza amusement/arcade centre.
Starting with a quick tummy warming at Mister Donut upon arrival. 😅
Had our dinner at Food Forest Food Court before calling it a night.
Interesting find, Muscat Flavour Yakult, only available in Yamanashi (Limited Special).
Greeted with a sunny Day 4 morning.
She decides to appear again. Yay!
After checking out from the hotel, headed over to Roadside Station Ito Marine Town.
Ito Marine Town is a vibrant, multi-functional seaside michi-no-eki (roadside station) situated along National Highway 135 in Ito, Shizuoka, featuring colourful, resort-style architecture.
Here you can find bazaars, souvenirs, seaside dining, relaxation, spa, marina & cruises.
Adjourning for lunch at Izuchu-Banban Shokudo.
After a satisfying meal, continue on to spend time at the marine town.
Colourful pathway and decorative dome monument decorated for Halloween.
A compact three-wheeled pink & blue electric tuk-tuk.
You can also get to enjoy a complimentary hot spring foot bath here too.
After spending a good time at Ito Marine Town, it’s time to head over to Jodasaki Coast.
Jogasaki Coast in Ito is a dramatic, rocky volcanic coastline on the eastern Izu Peninsula. There are a couple of sightseeing activities that can keep you occupied here too.
A lighthouse featuring a free public observation deck offering panoramic 360-degree views of Sagami Bay and Oshima Island.
A thrilling 23 metre long and 48 metre high pedestrian bridge suspended over rocky cliffs and crashing waves.
It’s really amazing to see such sights. Highly recommended place to visit if you are ever in Ito Peninsula.
Moving on next to Mount Omuro.
You may ascend using the Mount Omuro Climbing Chairlifts, a scenic open-air chairlift system taking visitors to the summit.
It will take about 6 mins for the chairlift to ascend up the summit.
Mount Omuro is a 580 metre high dormant volcanic cone on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture.
It is famous for its smooth, inverted-bowl shape and 360-degree summit views.
You may do a summit crater walk via the walking trail looping the rim to experience the 360-degree panoramic view from the top.
Another scenic view spot at the top of the summit.
Breathtaking panoramic views from the top.
Red torii gate of Mount Omuro Sengen Shrine located at the summit.
Time to descend back via chair lift and taking in more scenic views while descending.
Made my way to my next hotel at Shuzenji Onsen Hotel Takitei.
This Japanese style tatami room will be my next 2 nights accommodation.
Thereafter, drove down to Izunokuni city in search for dinner.
Decided to have Coco’s for dinner as I have not dine there before. I always think that it is similar to Coco Ichibanya but I was so wrong. It is similar to that of Denny’s, Bikkuri Donkey, Saizeriya and Café Gusto instead.
Glad that I tried it. Else I would be missing out big time again. The food is delicious and prices are reasonable. Definitely a gem not to be missed.
Ending the night by spending time at Apita Ohito, a popular shopping centre located in Izunokuni city featuring a supermarket, specialty shops and some dining outlets.
Day 5 morning, great view as seen from my hotel room.
We will be doing a couple of sightseeing activities for the day.
First visit will be to Kawazu Seven Falls.
You may follow the clearly indicated directional signs from the parking lot.
The Secret of the birth of Kawazu Seven Falls
The Izu Tobu Volcano Group is a group of over 100 monogenetic volcanoes (small volcanoes which are formed by a single eruption) is distributed around eastern half of the Izu Peninsula and the off-shore Sagami sea. One of the crater in this volcano group called “Noboriominami” volcano erupted approximately 25,000 years ago. The lava from this volcano formed a lot of waterfalls including Kawazu Seven Falls. Odaru falls, about 30m high, is the highest among Seven Falls.
The bronze statue of the dancer and student from Yasunari Kawabata’s famous 1926 short story “The Izu Dancer” (Izu no Odoriko), located next to Shokei-daru Fall.
A rare suspension bridge with a tower on one side to place the bridge at a higher position.
Managed to catch hold of another suspension bridge near Ebi-daru Fall.
Definitely a good workout by walking the trail in search of the seven falls.
Chanced upon Bake Cafe Niche (near Shirahama beach) and decided to stop over for lunch.
It is a cozy, quiet and casual café known for its handcrafted decoration & friendly atmosphere.
The set includes a main, side and a drink & costs ¥1,210 per set. Value for money and importantly, you get to experience the deliciously home cooked meal type of food quality. 😋😋😋
Second visit will be the historic Perry Road canal in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, featuring traditional wooden architecture and iconic namako-kabe (lattice-patterned) walls.
Perry Road is a 500 metre paved walking path along a canal where Commodore Perry and his crew historically marched.
It features traditional buildings, weeping willows, stone bridges, and distinctive white-jointed tile walls.
30-Pounder Carronade located along the Perry Road canal.
Shimoda Port, a historic harbour in the city of Shimoda, known for the arrival of Commodore Perry’s Black Ships in 1854.
The view looks across the calm blue water toward green, cone-shaped coastal hills characteristic of the Izu Peninsula.
In 1853 Commodore Matthew C.Perry sailed into Uraga in Tokyo Bay and asked that Japan open itself to foreign trade. Next March 1854, he returned to Japan with a squadron of nine ships (3 steam ships) to press his demands. Two ships were dispatched to Shimoda to investigate whether it could supply the water, charcoal and other materials needed by the American vessels. After the conclusion of the Treaty of Kanagawa, seven ships entered the port of Shimoda. This monument was established to commemorate the landing of Perry and the sailors of his squadron at this point. The pedestal of the monument is topped by a bust of Perry and the anchor was a present from the U.S. Navy. The monument was designed by Tokujiro Murata.
Enjoying cheap and good teriyaki burger from Aeon MaxValu Express.
Third visit will be to take a cruise for the Dogashima Cave Tour.
Getting ready to board the cruise to commence the tour.
The Dogashima Marine sightseeing boat allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of Dogashima’s coast. A thrilling course that takes you to a complex coastal inlet, snaking around the small islands that dot the ocean.
Last visit will be to Koibito Misaki (Lover’s Cape). The cape offers panoramic views of Suruga Bay and, on clear days, a distant view of Mount Fuji.
What better way than to end the night with a simple meal at Hama Sushi. 😊
Day 6, we will be leaving Izu for Shizuoka.
Stopping by Aeon MaxValu Express for a quick morning recharge.
Made a slight detour at Tokyo Rusk Izu Factory for another educational visit while enroute to Shizuoka.
Learning about the factory production process of Tokyo Rusk in action.
There is a huge merchandise shop, a market store selling vegetables, fresh produce and a car display showroom which you can enjoy.
There is also a huge children playroom for families with kids to hangout too.
You may also take a break at the TR-Chocolate Café to enjoy their Gelato.
Since I am here, might as well go all out for their Gelato buffet. 😅
There are 4 flavours of the Gelato (milk chocolate, yogurt, mango yogurt and vanilla) which you can choose from the Gelato dispensing machine.
Followed by choosing your desired various Tokyo Rusk toppings to go with your Gelato.
Lastly, drizzle your favourite sauce as a finishing touch.
Adjourning to Starbucks along the journey to Roadside Station Fuji.
Finally I found it here. The Soupuccino is a savory, cappuccino-style soup line exclusively served by Starbucks Japan. Instead of coffee, it features a warm, rich soup base topped with fluffy, meticulously frothed steamed milk.
This roadside station is located along the Fuji-Yui Bypass of National Route 1 in Gokanjima, Fuji City. It was the first roadside station built in Shizuoka Prefecture, and it offers a glorious view of Mount Fuji. It is divided into inbound and outbound sides; the inbound side features a restaurant that has items like rice bowls using Suruga Bay’s sakura shrimp, and vendors of souvenirs. On the outbound side, there is a restaurant offering noodles and such.
Settled for lunch at Mount Fuji Ofukuro Shokudo, a popular local restaurant located inside Roadside Station Fuji.
A noodle dish featuring Suruga Bay Sakura shrimp where you can choose between soba or udon, and serve it hot, cold or as a zaru style (dipping style). I had mine with soba in cold style. 😋
A creative collaboration dish featuring a rich, velvety gravy with shrimp and crab flavor, topped with a signature Sakura shrimp kakiage (tempura fritter) bound in egg.
After which, you may proceed to walk up to Level 2 viewing deck to catch a nice view of Mount Fuji.
Sadly, I did not manage to catch it as it can only be visible on a clear bright day. The black marking on the floor is to guide visitor on where to catch hold of Mount Fuji.
Checking in to Sun Palace Hotel Shizuoka for my next 3 nights abode.
Room is neat and tidy with a decent space as expected of a typical hotel in a city.
As usual, doing my recce around the hotel vicinity to familiarize with the environment and the dining options available.
Thankfully, the JR Shizuoka Station is just one street away from the hotel and that gives me the comfort of knowing that “civilization” is within reach. 😅
Chilling out at my all-time favourite Doutor Café inside JR Shizuoka Station.
The Aoba Oden Street is decorated with red lanterns and other decorations in a unified style from the entrance to the back of the passageway, creating a dazzling and photogenic scene. Many local residents and tourists visit here to enjoy local delicacies such as Shizuoka Oden and hence its name.
A historic 56-year-old retro izakaya and drinking alley located near JR Shizuoka Station.
Found this new 100 Yen Lemon Shop, similar to Daiso, Can Do, Seria, etc. However, this shop literally charges 100 Yen inclusive of taxes unlike the rest.
Finishing up the night with a simple dinner at Yakiniku Like.
Day 7, we will be doing a couple of sightseeing activity. 😊
Savouring a hearty breakfast at Komeda’s Coffee.
Boneless juicy chicken eaten with fresh squeezed lemon.
An unbelievable match betwwen tartar sauce & cheese.
First activity for the day, did another educational visit tour at Meiji Naruhodo Factory Tokai.
Getting ready for the presentation on the history of Meiji and their product segment catering to the different age group followed by a guided tour of the manufacturing facility.
Unfortunately, photography is strictly prohibited for this tour.
Put this in your next Shizuoka agenda if you can. Great for kids too!
Moving on next to Nagashima Dam.
The stone monument for Sesso Lake located next to the Nagashima Dam.
Nagashima Dam and the water fountain (aeration facility) operating in Sessoko Lake in Kawanehon Town, Shizuoka Prefecture.
This 109 metre tall, 308 metre wide dam is the largest multi-purpose gravity concrete dam completed in 2002 along the Oi River water system.
You can see the Nagashima Dam releasing water up close.
The Oigawa River is known for its emerald-green and cobalt-blue water.
Managed to catch hold of the ED90 series Account Based Ticketing-system electric locomotive operated by the Oigawa Railway on the Ikawa Line.
Final activity for the day will be to visit Okuoikojo Station, an unmanned station on a cliff. Yes, you heard it right!
If you are driving there, you need to navigate your GPS to the Okuoikojo Station Parking Lot as you will not be able to drive onto the station platform or bridge. You may be pleased to know that parking is free here.
From the parking lot, simply follow the marked trail to reach the Okuoikojo Station and the observatory.
The rainbow bridge that linked station and the cliff.
Sign for Okuoikojo Station, an unmanned scenic railway station on the Oigawa Railway Ikawa Line, built on a small peninsula-like ridge surrounded by Lake Nagashima.
Watching the Oigawa Railway diesel locomotive (DD20 type) approaching the station.
You can spot a bell tower (known as the Happy Happy Bell or lover’s bell) and romantic signboards tied to love and relationship milestones.
The text in English reads:
• Happy² Bell (Happy Happy Bell)
• “This place is a playground for the wind fairies. The forest will show you where it is.”
• “This bell is a treasure carrying happiness left behind by the fairies.”
• “When you touch this sound, you will mysteriously feel full of energy.”
• “But if you ring it too much, the fairies might get angry and stir up the wind?”
You can even take a break and chill at the Lake Station Café after the hike.
Scenic view taken from the Lake Station Café of the train travelling on the rainbow bridge.
The train is now preparing to depart from the station.
Having a good time watching the train departing slowly from the station.
Stunning view seen from the station observatory deck on the opposite end. It’s really amazing! Thus, it is often called a “mystery station floating on a lake”, it is connected by the red Oku-Oi Rainbow Bridge, which features both a rail track and a pedestrian walkway.
While on the way back, chanced upon Jolly Pasta and decided to stop for a quick bite.
Spending the rest of the evening at Aeon Central Square.
Came across Tenjinya, a well-known regional chain famous for local Shizuoka Oden.
Having supper at Torikizoku before calling it a night.
Last task for the day. 😅
Day 8, our last day in Shizuoka hence we are slowing things down and spending a leisure morning taking in the sights iShizuoka Station.
Enjoying a nice bowl of Ichiran ramen for breakfast.
Getting our morning fix at Doutor Café thereafter.
The stone torii gate of Ogushi Shrine located in Konyacho, Aoi Ward.
One of the oldest shrines in Shizuoka with roots as an ancient shikinaisha (officially listed shrine) in Suruga Province, later serving as a guardian shrine for Sunpu Castle.
Soaking in to the bazaar sales environment held inside the Ogushi Shrine courtyard area.
Ohako-za, a wooden trailer-style rental space located at Sumpu Horino Terrace. A box-style mobile/rental space used for pop-up shops, food sales, product displays, and collaborative events.
For now, you can just chill inside to have a rest and enjoy the free wifi.
A full-scale plastic model sprue monument of the Tokugawa Ieyasu Armor Plastic Model Monument (known as the “Tokugawa Ieyasu Departure Kit”), located at the north end of Jodaibashi Bridge near the entrance to Sumpu Castle Park.
Sumpu Castle Park occupies the historic grounds of Sumpu Castle, originally built in the late 16th century and later expanded by the retired shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu as his final residence.
Statue of Takechiyo (young Tokugawa Ieyasu) and the Statue of Imagawa Yoshimoto located at the north exit square of JR Shizuoka Station.
This is a commemorative colour manhole cover featuring Chibi Maruko-chan and her grandfather Tomozo, released in 2023 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Shizuoka City’s sewer system.
This is a commemorative Chibi Maruko-chan manhole cover featuring Maruko and her best friend Tamae Honami (Tama-chan) holding hands.
This is an official Poke Lid (Pokemon manhole cover, or pokefuta) featuring Staraptor and Ivysaur.
Another decorative manhole cover featuring the city’s official flower, the Tachi Aoi (hollyhock).
Shizuoka City fire hydrant manhole cover featuring a traditional matoi (an Edo-period firemen’s standard pole) flanked by swallows, a blue water symbol, and the Japanese text for fire hydrant.
Shizuoka City gate valve cover featuring an illustration of Sumpu Castle.
Interesting stuff that can be found along the way. 😅
Heading off to Shimizu Fish Market (Kashi-no-Ichi) for our lunch next.
Ichiba-kan market hall featuring around 20 direct-sales wholesalers and shops selling fresh fish, shellfish, local specialties like sakura ebi (cherry shrimp) and shirasu (whitebait), plus processed seafood and casual dining spots.
Maguro-kan (Tuna Pavilion) building where you can find restaurants for your freah tuna meals.
Decided on Ryoshimeshi Kishiya, a seafood and tuna rice bowl restaurant located in the Maguro-kan building of the Shimizu Port Uogashi (Kashi no Ichi) market area.
Three types of tuna (bigeye tuna, dragonfly tuna, wild tuna), lean and fatty cuts, three types of fresh fish of the day, raw sakura shrimp and whole shrimp.
Daito Shrine, located on the rooftop deck of the Shimizu Fish Market Kashi-no-Ichi (Ichiba-kan).
Chibi Maruko-chan special photo panel for the Suruga Bay Ferry, located on the 2nd floor deck of the Shimizu Fish Market Kashi-no-Ichi Ichiba-kan right above the Shimizu Port boarding area.
At Suruga Bay Ferry where ferry ship Fuji painted with “GOLD ROAD” markings docked at Shimizu Port.
Beautiful waterfront view near Kashi-no-ichi and Shimizu Port.
Drove over to Mochimune Harbour, a historic fishing port known for its whitebait (shirasu) fishing fleets.
Hazy view of Mount Fuji from Mochimune Harbour.
This is what you should be seeing on a clear day. 😉
Joining in the fun by watching the locals fishing at the port.
Lastly, swinging over to Mochimune beach before calling it a day.
Mochimune beach is seen covered with pebbles rather than sand as we are used to seeing. 😎
Taking a light dinner at Yoshinoya to satisfying the craving for their new dish which is only available from 3pm to 4am.
Oh my, the thick cut pork is darn solid! 👍👍👍😋😋😋
This is quickly followed up by spicing things up at 毛小帥麻辣湯.
I have to admit that their 麻辣湯 is of standard. 👍
One for the road supper to mark the end of my final night in Shizuoka in McDonald’s.
Trying out their new menu item, Puripuri Ebi Purio. The mini prawn cutlet is really good.
Day 9, time to leave Shizuoka for Nagoya. As I will be catching a morning flight the next day, I have decided to stay over at the airport hotel for the night so as to avoid the morning rush.
Having a nice breakfast at Tully’s Coffee after hotel check-out.
Final fix at Doutor Café before leaving Shizuoka for Nagoya.
Settled for early lunch at Ippudo. Interestingly, the last time I had Ippudo in Japan was exactly 10 years ago back in 2016 when I was in Fukuoka.
Stopping by at Kariya Highway Oasis while enroute to Nagoya Airport for the return of rental car.
Kariya Highway Oasis, a popular service area and leisure complex located along the Isewangan Expressway in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture and it features a prominent giant Ferris wheel and various shops.
There is also an outdoor event space and parking area for visitors to spend a day out.
There is also a supermarket where you can stock up on your groceries.
Not forgetting a big retail store where you can snap up last minute souvenirs as well.
They even have a huge dining options leaving you spoilt for choice as well.
Love the mini Kariya Highway Oasis Ferris Wheel model on the dining table.
Finally had a chance to have our tempura fix at Tendon Tenya here. 👍
After a fun time exploring Kariya Highway Oasis, continuing on with our last lap journey to the car rental for the car return before checking in to the airport hotel.
We will be staying over at Comfort Hotel Central International Airport which is a 10 mins short walk from Nagoya Airport Terminal 1.
Pretty decent and spacious for an overnight stay.
Beautiful scenic view of the Tsu Airport Line Centrair Port.
Taking the free Tokoname shutter from the hotel to Aeon Mall Tokoname to spend the rest of the evening.
Boarding the free shutter bus ride. 😊
AEON Mall Tokoname offers a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Definitely able to keep me occupied for the entire night. 😄
Saw a huge 7 metre-tall giant Maneki-neko (lucky cat) statue named Otafuku located inside the Aeon Mall Tokoname. 😱
One for the road dinner at Food Forest food court on Level 2 of the mall.
After much struggle and dilemma, have narrowed down the first option to Tonkichi.
Followed closely by 福恩麻辣湯.
Shiok is all I can say. 😅
Day 10, time flies before we knew it. It’s time for homecoming.
Enjoying a simple, delicious amd well-balanced complimentary breakfast from the hotel before making our way to the departure hall.
Bringing home loads of memories and prized items!!! 😅
Ninjas invading the departure hall. 😄
Relaxing in Plaza Premium Lounge prior to boarding.
Bidding goodbye to the Land of the Rising Sun. See you back next year.
Cheers to homecoming. 🥂
Chargrilled marinated chicken skewers served with a spicy rich peanut sauce, cucumbers and onions.
Dried cured Spanish ham garnished with cherry tomatoes, rucola and shaved Parmesan cheese drizzled of aged balsamic dressing.
Nagoya’s popular grilled soya-glazed river eel on steamed warm rice, garnished with shredded egg and sansho pepper powder, and served with assorted pickles.
It has been a great trip as always. We will now look forward to our next trip to Korea in 9 day’s time. Till then and hope you enjoy the read thus far. 🙏