Miyajima: From Hiroshima’s Echoes to Japan’s Hidden Heart of Peace
[Music] Yesterday I stood in Hiroshima, a place where time feels frozen in silence. Today I am here on an island where time flows with the tide. This is Mijima, literally shrine island, a place so sacred for centuries no one was allowed to be born or died here. At its heart stands the old Tori gate, a 16 meter structure that looks like it floats at high tide, but is actually held in place by nothing but its own weight and a thousand years of clever design. Beyond the gate, there is a forest trail that leads to ancient temples, a hidden tea house, and views that stretch across the Setto Inland Sea. This is a story about tides, tranquility, and noticing what most people walk right past.
Just a day after the solemn reflections in Hiroshima, we embarked on a journey to Miyajima, Japan’s revered “Shrine Island,” seeking a different kind of peace. What we found was a place where ancient rhythms dictate daily life, and unexpected beauty hides around every corner.
Join us as we witness the iconic O-torii gate transform with the dramatic ebb and flow of the tides – from majestically floating at high tide to standing exposed, allowing us to walk right to its base at low tide. But our adventure didn’t stop there.
We stumbled upon a quiet, unassuming trail that led us on an incredible, unplanned hike up Mount Misen, Miyajima’s sacred peak. Through a serene, autumnal forest vibrant with reds and golds, past ancient temples, and even sharing a peaceful moment with a wild deer, we discovered breathtaking ocean views and a side of Miyajima few tourists ever see.
Our journey culminated in a cozy, hidden cafe – a true gem tucked away from the crowds – where a warm fire and a comforting bowl of Anagomeshi provided the perfect moment of reflection.
This isn’t just a travel vlog; it’s a story about finding tranquility, embracing the unexpected, and discovering the profound peace that can emerge, even in contrast to the echoes of the past. Come with us to experience the quiet magic of Miyajima.
AloJapan.com