Miyajima
Itsukushima Shrine
June 14th, 2019

From Hiroshima Station, we take San-yo Line (platform 1) to Miyajimaguchi Station in 28 minutes
Notice that we started early, arriving at 7:11 AM























Miyajima Island is a short ride, about 10 minutes using JR ferry.


























The torii of Itsukushima Shrine can be seen as the ferry approach the dock.
The torii gate appear "floating" on the high tide (mancho).




























The advantage of stating early, I witnessed these first graders going to school.
(The yellow cover of the school bags indicate that, in case they get lost)
























The three sisters, they were just waking up, ready to assault the tourists.





















































Appearing to float on the sea at high tide (mancho).


























It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was rebuilt in 1571 from various natural disasters.

























Itsukushima Shrine is considered to be one of Japan's greatest national treasures.




























On the way up to ROPEWAY, we found a beautiful bridge.





















































Another advantage of coming early, no tourists (priceless)

























The school field trip kids are playing near the small water fall.



























The first ropeway (gondolas) from Momijidani Station to Kayatani Station,
then we continue with the second ropeway to Shishiiwa Station.



























The view from the observatory deck.



























It's a chance for me to practice my Japanese, in turn they practice their English,
asking me when is my birthday.
























We decided to go to Reikado Hall just 20 minutes away,
this is some of the best trail.



























Another beautiful view along the trail of Mt. Misen

























At last we are here, not an easy walk.


























Reikado Hall (The Eternal Flame)
The holy fire that Kobo Daishi lit for his ascetic training has been
kept burning for over 1,200 years in this hall.
The hall has been dedicated as "Lover's Sanctuary" as the flame is
akin to the eternal fire of love.


















































This is a natural habitat for these deer.























































Must be "cool" (kakko ii) wearing glasses.

























These "dolls" were made from the ashes of the holy fire.



























We are heading back down, this time we are smart enough to take the bus to town.



























The rain starts arriving, it makes it difficult, but at least we are going down now.

























Apart from the torii gate, the Itsukushima Shrine has many
other well preserved buildings.

























Low tide (kancho)



















































When the tide draws back from the base of Itsukushima's torii gate
visitors wade through the mud to place coins
in cracks in the wood and make a wish.


























On the way home from Miyajimaguchi station to Hiroshima Station, we take the tram (Hiroden #2)
Time for us to relax and rest, it takes about 70 minutes.








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