Miyajima Island off Hiroshima

We woke early to catch the 45 minute ferry from Hiroshima over to Miyajima alighting to friendly local deer. A short walk to ‘Otorri’, the Great Torri Gate, built from 600 year old camphor trees, that appears to float at high tide like Itsukushima Shrine it accompanies, which is lit up at night. The Gate was renovated in 2022. We caught the 2 part ropeway up Mount Misen to the observatory overlooking Setouchi art islands - a beautiful view. It was then a challenging downhill walk back to the village via the magnificent Daisho-in Temple (C9) with over 500 hatted Buddha statues in temple colours. Mist sprays provided an eerie atmosphere then a breeze turned blossom petals into snow flakes. There was a cave with 88 Buddhist icons - astounding!Read more