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The island itself has been worshiped more than 1200 years ago |
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The enormous red torii (horned gate) towering above the entrance to Miyajima is perhaps the most easily recognized structure in Japan. Officially considered to be one of Japan's three most beautiful spots, Miyajima has also been designated as a World Heritage Site. If you come to western Japan you won't want to miss it. |
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Located about half an hour by train and/or ferry away from Hiroshima, Miyajima is home to Ｉtsukushima Shrine, a Shinto structure that has been in continuous existence since the year 593. Ｉtsukushima is known as the “floating shrine”, as it is built on pylons and seems to float on the waters of the Seto Inland Sea at high tide. Open to the public, this shrine has explanatory materials available in English and its open-air vermilion corridors can be strolled through and enjoyed at one's leisure. |
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There are also two Buddhist temples（Daishou-in and Daigan-ji）and a five-story pagoda on the island, a history and folklore house, a traditional crafts center and several ryokans, making Miyajima a destination with a variety of cultural attractions. You can have a bath for \300 per person to relax and refresh yourself during your travels, and you can treat yourself to inexpensive Japanese-style food at a number of different restaurants. While in Miyajima you should definitely try the local delicacy, momiji-manju, which is a sort of shortbread baked in the shape of a maple leaf and injected with tasty fillings such as sweet beanpaste, delicious cheese and chocolate. |
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A mountainous island, Miyajima has several kilometers of hiking trails if one is so inclined. But most tourists take the Miyajima ropeway to the top of Mt. Misen where there is a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea. At the top of the mountain one can also frequently see the monkeys that inhabit the island as well. Lower altitudes offer a tranquil beach at Tsutsumigaura and deer that are completely adapted to human presence. Be careful that they don't steal your food! |
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In addition to the many shops and restaurants that line the main road, Miyajima has a small aquarium building with a variety of fish. If you tour the building around the time of the penguin show, you may have the good fortune to meet one of the formal-looking fellows in the hall. Petting a penguin is a rare opportunity for anyone and a special delight for children. |
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If you visit Miyajima in the autumn you will be treated to the vibrant colors and patterns made by the Japanese maple trees that abound in Momijidani Park. These maples have leaves that are smaller than the western variety, and are prized for the wide variety of hues that they turn when the weather starts to become cold. Seeing a maple leaf display in autumn is one of the most memorable sights in Japan, as they are fully as beautiful as the famed cherry blossoms that appear in spring. (Miyajima also has a lot of these as well!) But this park, multi-leveled and riven with streams and brooks, makes for a cool and peaceful stroll no matter what time of year you visit.
Click here for a map and further details about this fascinating island:
http://www.hiroshima-cdas.or.jp/miyajima/english/illust/map1.htm. |
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