Courtesy of Atsuko Kurata!
If your are keen on Japanese history, and I mean ancient history, it might be an excellent idea to combine tourism and study by visiting one of the few remaining funeral tumuli left in Japan by visiting the Miikeidaira Tumulus/三池平古墳 in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!
one easy way is to take the bus to the National Training Center from Bus Platform 4 on the west side of Shimizu JR Station (bear in mind there is only one every hour!) and go till the last stop!
And check the return schedule!
National Training Center in Shimizu Ku is a vast (by Japanese standards) training center especially dedicated to high level soccer teams from all over Japan!
You should be able to see the tumulus and find the right way to walk uo there!
The tumulus is not only visible but its surroundings are well equipped including washrooms!
Check the map before climbing the stairs!
now, do you understand why it is also called a “keyhole tomb”?
Plenty of indications!
As you climb the tumulus you will realize that you can benefit of vast views at the same time!
The tumulus!
Take your time and read the explanations both in Japanese and (somewhat quaint) English!
The Miikedaira Tumulus was built as a key-holed shaped mound tomb at the beginning of the 5th century A.D.
The total length/diameter of the tumulus is 68 meters.
The inner/underground structure reveals a type of tomb belonging to comparatively ancient times and the like of ones very few in Shizuoka prefecture and even in the entire West Japan.
Have a good look at the diagram!
Such tombs are not open to the public and even scientists and historians need a permission to inspect them.
These stones were brought here more than 1,500 years ago!
A sobering thought!
You will be able to admire a view extending as far as the Izu peninsula beyond the ocean!
Walk down the other side to discover what’s beyond!
Mind your steps!
Steeper than the front!
Well indicated again!
You will discover a very old Shinto Shrine dating back to the beginning of Edo Era!
What you see in the forefront under blue tarp is a sumo wrestling mound!
A sumo meet is held there every year in October!
This Shinto Shrine is called Toga Jinja!
The area is famous for its citrus fields and orchards!
Very expensive “dekopon” oranges!
A different type (I found more than half a dozen!) of oranges!
I did taste them (except the dekopon!) and they are about ripe enough!
beautiful, aren’t they?
A visit to combine history, tourism and gastronomy!
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Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,
Must-see tasting websites:
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-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery
Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents
HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City
SHIZUOKA GOURMET 