Day Trip to Miyajima Shrine

Back in 2017, right before I left Japan, I took the time to revisit one of my favorite places: Hiroshima. (Yes, this absolutely has to do with Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, which I ate all three days). I had originally visited Hiroshima on a high school exchange trip several years earlier, but didn't have the chance to go to one of Hiroshima's most popular nearby attractions: Miyajima Shrine.

Located on Itsukushima island a short train trip south, Miyajima is home to under 2,000 residents and over 500 deer. There's an aquarium, several shrines, a resort, botanical garden, and even a ropeway offering stunning panoramic views.

To get there, you'll take the JR San-yo line to Miyajimaguchi station and take a short ferry ride across to the island, which offers gorgeous views on clear days.

Wait in line to buy a ticket for a small fee like this.

Next, sit back and enjoy the journey! Have your camera ready for some great photos.

As you approach, you'll see the famous torii gate.

                                          

Once you're at the station, you'll notice some unique advertising about the local deer.

Note the clock at the top

Warning: watch out for mating season!

Fortunately, these are not the aggressive deer of Nara that leave children (and adults) scarred for life, which is probably because you're not allowed to feed or touch them.

Right outside the station, you'll find a helpful 3D map of the island so you can decide what to do first (but it's probably going to be the torii gate).

Head to the right to get to Itsukushima shrine a 5-minute walk away and enjoy the scenery on the way.

Stop and read more about Itsukushima shrine

There's a small shopping area where you can buy momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cake) and souvenirs.

Hiroshima is famous for its momiji manju

A sweet cake filled with red bean paste, shaped like a maple leaf

Remember this guy? He had his own gachapon at the time. Actually, he probably still does.

This one is something I dread in the school lunches: shishamo (here you can squeeze out the fish eggs).

The waters are so clear on a sunny day, I had a real treat.

Oh look, here are some deer! I couldn't resist taking a few pictures.

That's what I call striking a pose

Young lovers

This one was too cute to pass up.

Finally a glimpse of the torii gate! During the low tide you can actually walk right up to it. The red stands out against the blue sea strikingly.

Panoramic view of Miyajima torii gate

Want to get a little closer? Pay a visit to this unique shrine built over the water. It should only cost a few hundred yen (a couple of bucks). Plus, you'll get a beautiful omiyage (souvenir) to take home. Back then it cost 300 yen ($3 US), and since Japan doesn't have much inflation, it should still be quite reasonable now.

Itsukushima shrine

As you can see, the whole interior of the structure is a beautiful red. 

The way the shrine is laid out makes for some really great shots.

I happened to be lucky enough to catch a traditional Shinto wedding.

A traditional Shinto bride and groom

There's a long platform at the end where you can get a good angle of the main building.

But wait, there's more to check out! Stay tuned to follow me around more of Miyajima island.