Ferry to Miyajima

This morning we walked to the station and caught a train to Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station where we transferred to the ferry to Miyajima. We walked along the shoreline to the O-torii Gate which is about 16 metres in height and 24 metres wide. The giant, orange, gate is partially submerged at high tide and marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. We wandered about the island enjoying other sights especially the Daishoin Temple Complex which is located on the side of Mt Misen and has many temples, halls and statues. We particularly liked the paths lined with 500 Rakan statues with red knitted hats. Each statue represents a disciple of Shaka (Buddha) and each one is totally unique. While at Miyajima we tried a Momiji manju, the maple leaf shaped cheesecake which is a speciality specialty of the island and we witnessed one of the wild deer steal and eat a tourist's brochure. We returned to the O-torii Gate to see it at low tide before catching the ferry and train back to Hiroshima where the JR rail lady helped us book further train journeys on the ticket machine. We caught the street car back to some shops then walked back to the hotel.Read more