A 30 minutes train ride & 10 minutes on a ferry bring you from Hiroshima to the Miyajima Island (also called the Itsukushima Island).
The Floating Torii
When we approached the island, we got a first glimpse of this iconic gate, that seams to be floating on the water. In ancient times the entire island was considered sacred ground and common people were not allowed to set foot directly on the island. To preserve the purity of the island, the torii (Japanese gate) was constructed in the sea so that visitors would enter the island through this gate by boat, symbolizing their transition into a holy place.
Itsukushima Shrine
The shrine is built directly on the sea, with its iconic vermilion-colored torii gate appearing to float on the water at high tide. This remarkable feature, combined with the shrine’s intricate wooden structures and serene surroundings, creates a truly magical atmosphere.
Mount Misen: A sacred mountain
Mount Misen, the highest peak (535 meter) on Miyajima Island, is a sacred mountain revered by Shinto worshippers. The summit is home to the Omoto Shrine, a popular pilgrimage site offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. We did the hike and the views are absolutely fabulous.
Kieza-no Reikado Hall
It is renowned for its perpetual flame, which has been burning continuously for over 1,200 years (since 806!). The flame is said to have miraculous healing powers and is a popular pilgrimage site for those seeking spiritual solace and physical well-being. In recent years the eternal fire also became a symbol for lovers to pledge their eternal love. The day we visited it was our 17th wedding anniversary, a magical moment (& a temple full of smoke).
Low tide
During low tide, the island looks different. Everything that was floating on the sea earlier during the day is now steady built on the beach.
More pictures of this fantastic day, click on a pic & scroll:
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