On Tuesday we went to Miyajima Island! Officially called Itsukushima, it is nicknamed Miyajima (shrine island) as it is famous for its floating torii gate and shrine built over a tidal inlet. It is also regarded one of the top 3 scenic views of Japan. Definitely a highlight of the trip, it was so pretty!!
From Hiroshima we caught a local tram which takes just under an hour and then a 10 minute ferry ride across the Seto Inland Sea to the island. The first thing you see on the island are all the wild deer! They just roam about the island, sleep in the sun and try to eat your shopping bags and maps. Very cute and very photogenic.
The tide was out so we were able to walk out and under the torii gate. We noticed that it seemed to be tradition to throw a coin up and try to get it to land on top of the gate. After quite a few tries (Joel less than me) we got our coins up there!
After a lunch of oysters (the island’s speciality) and soba noodles, we went up Mount Misen. The mountain is a very important Buddhist location, not to mention the amazing views! It was a very hazy day so the view was a bit obscured, but still beautiful!

Joel and a friend on Miyajima.

We were lucky to get a low tide so we could go right out to the gate.

The mighty torii!

Joel found some critters in the mud.

We didn’t stop for ice cream but what a cutie little shop!

The view from the cable car station on Mount Misen.

Waiting to catch the ferry back to the mainland.