Itsukushima Shrine is located on Miyajima Island (a 15 minute ferry boat ride from Hiroshima). Miyajima island (宮島) is one of the three most beautiful areas in Japan, and a picture of the floating torii gate is a staple for any guidebook or Japanese travel website.
Itsukushima Shrine was built in 593 and expanded to its current size in 1168. It is said to be the oldest shrine of its kind in the world. It is unique in that, as the tide goes in and out, the torii gate and shrine buildings themselves are partially submerged in water, creating the effect that all the buildings are floating in the sea. The torii gate is also said to be the oldest gate of its kind in the world.
Miyajima Island reminded me a lot of Catalina Island in California. It had that same small-town touristy feel (minus all the golf cart driving seniors). Miyajima is mostly a few streets with lots of gift shops (there weren't too many restaurants). There are mountain paths that you can hike to see the scenic views. I took a rain check due to the pouring rain (no pun intended). There is literally NOTHING to do on the island past 7 o'clock at night.
The ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that we stayed in was sub-par. The food was pleasing to the eye but not to the pallette (I felt sick after eating both dinner and breakfast). Also, the bath was not impressive either. Oh well, you get what the Bings' pay for.
The weather was cloudy with lots of rain when we were in Miyajima, but the beauty of the scenery still comes through in the pictures below. I can only imagine how nice the beach would be in the summer for a bonfire with friends, and how beautiful the multi-colored leaves must be in the fall.
B.E.W.
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