Hiroshima, on the southern end of Honshu

After Kochi we sailed back to the island of Honshu (the largest Japanese island) to visit Hiroshima. Most of the tours centered around the atomic bomb devastation and their Peace Park. We were more interested in their famous Floating Shrine called the Itsukushima. This is located on a nearby island just a 15 minute ferry ride away. Paula and I took a cab to the ferry terminal, bought our tickets and were soon on our way. This ferry carries a couple hundred people . Once we got close to the island we were able to see the famous floatingTori gate that represents the Itsukushima Shrine. It was about 45 minute walk from the ferry terminal, along the shoreline and thru a busy shopping area. We approached the shrine and enjoyed the magnificent view of this huge gate set on concrete pillars that appears to be floating during high tide. During low tide people can walk right out to the gate if they’re don’t mind getting covered in mud-we passed on that fun. Along the waterfront there were wild deer everywhere. We were warned not to feed them because they get very aggressive and the males have antlers. Any deer can bite if teased or if they think they should be getting snacks. No, I did not feed them. We then enjoyed some cold drinks and ice cream to offset the very hot temperatures and high humidity. Back to the ferry and a bus ride home to the ship with many interesting harbor views.Read more