🌸 Noire Henro-san: Miyajima

The torii at Miyajima, up close and personal.

M

iyajima is a small island less than an hour away from the city of Hiroshima.

My hotel in Hiroshima is the perfect location for visiting both the city and the island. It had a laid back vibe where “digital nomads” set up virtual offices. I met two nomads from Germany and the Netherlands when I checked in.

I left early the next day to get to Miyajima island. Public transportation is very efficient here. The port is easily reached by tram.

It is a short walk to the ferry port. The ferry ride to Miyajima is about 10 minutes. Soon the boat docks at the ferry terminal.

Miyajima

While officially named Itsukushima, the island is more commonly referred to as Miyajima, Japanese for “shrine island”. This is because the island is so closely related to its key shrine, Itsukushima Shrine.

A giant stone torii gate welcomes visitors to the island.

The famous red torii gate in the sea dominates the landscape.

At high tide, it appears to float on the water. At very low tide, it is possible to walk to the gate.

Itsukushima Shrine

Like the big red torii gate, the shrine’s main buildings are built over water.

I did get a goshuin (stamp) for my stamp book from the monks here.

More of Miyajima

After visiting the shrine on the water, I walked around the island.

There is a central town area with restaurants, shops, hotels, residences, and a fire station.

A five-storied pagoda peeks over the town center. More of it was revealed as I got closer.

Senjokaku Hall is nearby.

The path leads to Momijidani Park. A bus takes visitors to the Miyajima ropeway entrance but I walked through the park woods. I saw a few hikers but most people ride to the staging area.

The mountain path leads to the Miyajima Ropeway which passes over the shrine area designated as a World Heritage Site.

There are three hiking trails that lead from the summit back to town.

The staging area is where people line up to reach the ropeway station. The waiting times can be long. Signs are posted as you climb the steps. They indicate the waiting times before reaching the station.

They also have information about the Mt Misen Observatory and history about the site.

I did not have time for all that today so I came back down.

I walked past the red torii again.

The town was getting a bit more crowded. Groups of schoolchildren filled the shops.

I tried a popular treat called momiji manju (filled with custard cream). Also, I bought flavored shaved ice, and grilled and fried oysters from various vendors along the way.

Oysters are farmed here and are a popular treat on the island. I tried them fried and grilled. Delicious!

Then, I earnestly made my way to the ferry terminal!

Be aware of the locals!

Deer have free reign on the island. They are friendly enough. Visitors interact with the animals but are warned not to feed them. However, they do get a bit aggressive and stealthy in an attempt to get food. A deer practically snatched some from my mouth while I was sitting on a bench… minding my own business!

Back in Hiroshima

It was a short walk from the tram to my hotel.

See you next time.

Baadaye and Mata Ne (またね)

Shirley J ♥️

These posts chronicle my post-pilgrimage walk in Japan where I walked the 1200 kilometer-long Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. Read my announcement here.

I am excited, and I am here, still walking. And just know this, I will return to tell the tale!