Miyajima (宮島), also known as Itsukushima (厳島) is an island, located in the northwest of Hiroshima Bay.
The name Miyajima (宮島), means “Shrine Island” thanks to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is one of so-called Three Views of Japan, specified back in 1643.
Itsukushima has a number of temples, including Toyokuni Shrine with a five-storied pagoda, and Daiganji Temple – one of the three most famous Benzaiten temples of Japan.
The island is also famous for its upper hill side cherry blossoms and maple leaf autumn foliage.
Deer roam freely on the streets, not afraid of people, as the animals are thought of as sacred and messengers of the gods in the native Shinto religion.
Streets, lined with souvenir stores and food stalls, are very charming, typical of Japanese traditional small towns.
There is an hourly express passenger ferry between Miyajima and Hiroshima harbor.