Miyajima Island

Awoke to a stunning day and wonderful views from our hotel looking across the Seto inland sea. Wall to wall glass in our breakfast room on level 22 gave stunning views in every direction. 

We took a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island (regarded as an ‘Island of Gods’). Beautiful island views and many passing boats. Here we wandered along the beach to the giant Torii Gate, (recognised worldwide for being built over the sea and seeming to float on the water). 

The cherry blossoms were out and a few just starting to have green leaves appear which happens straight after the flowers. So shows they were just past peak bloom. 

The island also has many Japanese deer wandering around they are viewed as being messengers from God. 

It was extremely busy with people everywhere, as spring break for schools and we also spotted several bridal parties.

We visited the Itsukushima Shrine a Shinto shrine. An interesting building with long corridors with bare wooden plank floors, vermillion pillars with open sides which made it light and breezy to walk along. The tide comes in surrounding the building. It’s build up a bit on piles. 

The pagoda in the background is Buddhist.

Next up was a ropeway trip up Mt Misen for the views. This involved a 700m climb uphill (or free bus shuttle every 20 mins) to the place to get on the ropeway, which had long queues of people. In groups of 6 per cab we rode up the ropeway (circulating type) over the forested mountain. You could see red camelias and cherry blossom trees amongst the canopy. To the second station where we got out and joined another queue to go up further on a second rope way (funicular type). From there it is a 30 minute walk to the summit but we were out of time for that. Then all in reverse to go down. Great views at the top but it was a mad rush to get down, then walking right back through the town to reach our booked ferry departing from terminal 3. We were all achy and worn out from being on our feet all day. So back at our hotel the group headed to the bar for a drink and a rest. A bit of a break back in our rooms then a buffet dinner on L23 complete with city views.