Tags
Hiroshima, Itsukushima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Japan, miyajima Island, Photography, Torii, travel
My visit to Hiroshima was one of the highlights of my trip to Japan, especially to Itsukushima Island which is popularly known as Miyajima Island. As soon as I stepped from the ferry to the island I knew it was my happy place.
We arrived to the ferry terminal by coach however it is easy enough to take the train from Hiroshima station to Miyajimaguchi station which takes about 30 mins. Then onto the ferry which takes about 10 mins across to Miyajima Island. It was 10 mins of stunning beauty on a perfect day. As the ferry approached Miyajima Island, the great floating Torii came into sight…and what a beautiful sight it is.
Miyajima Island is one of the most scenic spots in Japan. It is a romantic and historical island where the Ituskushima Shrine, a World Heritage site, is located, along with many preserved shrines, temples and historical monuments.
The island originally takes its name because of Itsukushima shrine and subsequently Miyajima which literally means Shrine Island.
The floating torii was the entrance gate for this shrine, once accessed by boat directly to the shrines own pier. The shrine is, of course, very much an icon of Japan. At low tide you can walk out to its base.
The historic Torii Gate sits mystically on the sea. The floating Torii gate is one of the most popular photo attractions in Japan,
I had seen pictures of Miyajima but nothing could quite prepare me for the beauty of the actual experience. As we approached the gate from the shore, walking along the tourist shops and gently fighting off the perpetually hungry deer we were transfixed by the astonishing magnificence of the site. It is one of the world’s greatest spiritual artistic achievements
A visit to Miyajima provides many pleasures, cultural, religious, scenic, enjoyment of the “wild” deer on the island, beach time, hiking, eating, shopping, and tram/ropeway
The island is small yet magical with temples, pagodas, shrines and many nature tracks you can visit. The temples, pagodas, and shrines are lovely. The place is very special – you can easily spend the whole day there, or stay over and enjoy everything at your leisure.
There are loads of white tail deer around the island; you will see them outside the ferry terminal when you first arrive and along the way to the torii shrine and temples. Although they are wild, they are tame and friendly. It reminded me of the Nara Deer park.
Hiroshima is famous for oysters so of course we had to stop and try them along the way. Also, many of the restaurants serve oysters.
I totally loved our visit to this little island filled with history and beauty – the natural scenery and architecture together creates such an amazing blend of peace and tranquility. In contrast to the emotionally fraught experience of Hiroshima, it’s a tranquil and necessary balance
What a magnificent day on this sacred Island.
Wild Deer, Oysters Temples on this Japanese Island sound so magical .
Just wonderful. Daphne
Thanks Daphne. It is just so lovely and special.
Never been there… yet 😁
It looks really nice!
It really is thanks Edwin. Lyn
Beautiful presentation and what an awesome island.
Awesome, it certainly is. Loved it. Just another breathtaking place in Japan. Thanks. Lyn
Yes absolutely true Lyn. Welcome
Looks fantastic. Glad you found your happy place and that you knew it immediately.
Thanks. It was fantastic and it also felt fabulous. Lyn
What a beautiful post – thank you. And so amazing to see those tame deer mixing with the locals. I live near Richmond Park in London where there are lots of deer (owned by the queen as it’s a royal park) and they’re not friendly at all. They attack if you go near them!
Thank you. The deer are really cute and made me laugh so much. They stuck their heads in my bag, and nudged me and gently nipped me. One deer grabbed a drink box from a little girl in a stroller leaving just the straw in her mouth. It was so funny but of course the little girl didn’t think so. Such a fabulous day. Lyn
What a beautiful blog Lyn I so enjoyed your descriptions and wonderful photos of this amazing place. Thank you 💜💜
Thanks Leah. Gosh it was so gorgeous. I could easily stay for longer. It would be great to stay overnight and experience it when the thousands of tourists are gone. Lyn 💕💖
Indeed a magical island! Did you also watch the sunset on Miyajima? It is amazing!
I am sure it is. Just another reason for me to return. I would love to stay over on the island. Thanks Len. Lyn
I love the Asian scenery. It takes you back centuries. Fabulous images. Looks like a great time. God bless!
Yes there is hundreds of years of history wherever you go in Japan. It was a great day thanks
Looks so peaceful-as a spiritual place should. Ciao e buona Domenica, Cristina
Thanks Cristina it truly is very peaceful and beautiful. Ha ha it is Lunedi here. Lyn
So beautiful Lyn thanks for sharing
Thanks. Yes it truly is beautiful.
This island really does look like a special place and I can imagine its soothing effect after Hiroshima. That multi-tiered pagoda is amazing.
Thanks Caroline. The island is full of amazing. Loved it. Lyn
Looks like quite a beautiful place to see.
It surely is a beautiful place to spend time. Thanks. Lyn
Thank you for taking us along
My pleasure. Thanks for reading my blog. Lyn
Of course.
I could feel your love of this place coming out of your post Lyn.
How could you not love this island. Gorgeous. Thanks Sue. Lyn
I need to go. How beautiful. Went to a place like that in Kenya where the animals were roaming free.
Thanks Gail. I have no doubt that you will love Japan. It is top shelf in every way. Chat soon xx
Definitely looks magical – wish I had been there!
Very magical Kay. Thanks Lyn
Kindly follow back for likes, comments and traffic exchange. Thanks.
Even your photos have a tranquil feel. What an incredible place this must be. :)
Yes it is very special. I enjoyed the entire experience. Thanks. Lyn
We were there in 1985 in the rain and it still looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing Lyn. Allan
Miyajima was one of my most favourite places in Japan. Simply stunning. Thanks Allan. Lyn