Miyajima

Approx. Time: 6 hours
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

One of Japan's three most scenic places is the beautiful island of Miyajima. A harmonious island surrounded by the sea and abundant nature. Itsukushima Shrine built in an elegant style dating from the Heian Era is located here. Built on wooden piers over the water. The shrine's torii (the huge T-shaped gate at the entrance to a Shinto shrine) is out at the head of a bay. Its orange paint, stunning against the blue water, has made this one of the most photographed places in Japan. To get the best pictures, be there when the tide's in. The shrine was constructed hundreds of years ago when the island was considered holy and commoners could approach it only by boat. Today travelers often find lodging on Miyajima while visiting Hiroshima. And don't leave the island without sampling the locally made crackers. Many national treasures and important cultural assets are also preserved on the island. Moreover, here you will find one of the most prominent aquariums in Japan. Mt. Misen rising 530 meters high and the ropeway which arrives at the summit where wild monkeys and deer live, provides a beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea.

Courtesy of Japan Tourism Board.

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