The holy island of Miyajima

Hiroshima does not have much to offer, however in its close vicinity there's one of Japan's must see - Miyajima (real name: Itsukushima), which in Japanese means the "Shrine Island" It's a small island, most famous for the giant Torii Gate which is located in the sea, and seems to be floating on the water. Miyajima has been considered a holy place in Japan for most of its history.

Miyajima is located less than one hour from Hiroshima, and it can be reached with the JR train, and then with a ferry - which is also covered with the JR pass.

On the ferry everyone was trying to position him/herself with a good view to the island and the Torii Gate, which with every minute was more and more visible.

After arrival to the island I realized that the island and its centre is full of crazy deer! They were everywhere, completely not afraid of people, provoking them, looking for food, or worst case scenario for papers. I had to nearly fight with one deer about my Lonely Planet ;-)

The walk to the Torii Gate took me a few minutes. The view on the Miyajima Torii Gate is considered one of Three Views of Japan - list of Japan's most celebrated scenic sights. It is also the most recognizable and celebrated feature of the Itsukushima shrine, located just some meters away. The gate was constructed in 1168, however the current one is in place only as of 1875.

I continued walking and arrived to the Itsukishima Shrine - a shinto shrine and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It wqas a large complex of halls and pathways on stilts, originally built in this way, so the commoners could visit it without defiling the island with their footprints.

I was lucky, because there was a high tide, so could see as both the Torii Gate and the temple give impression as they float in the water. Otherwise, with the low tide, the view is not as spectacular.

There was one more thing I wanted to see on the island - Daisho-in Temple - one of the most important temples of Shingon Buddhism.

The entrance looked "normal" - like many Japanese temples, also with two gods I've seen in many temples, on both sides of the gate.

But then it started - the temple and its surroundings was full of figures and monuments, some of them very special, not to say bizarre! It was something completely else from most of the temples I have seen so far. Highly recommended! :)

Since the day was super hot, but most importantly because I have to take it slow, and cannot visit every possible attraction, I skipped the Mont Misen - which would be too difficult for me to reach. Apparently it offers amazing views on the island and on the sea, however one needs to hike in order to get there. There's a ropeway which can shorten the trek to the top, but only shorten. Some distance still needs to be climbed, what was impossible for me. Next time :)

Instead of climbing, on the way back to the port I found these delicious cookies, filled with different fillings. It saved me from starvation, as didn't see anything else what I could eat ;-) What saved me totally from starvation on that day, was the Indian restaurant located just next to the Hiroshima station ;-)