Miyajima – Come view the panorama from atop Mt. Misen, the huge Senjokaku Hall, and Itsukushima Shrine as few have seen it.
Mount Misen is a sacred mountain that has spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and you can hike all the way up or take a ropeway partway. You can also see the Itsukushima at low tide, when you can walk on the beach to the giant ‘floating torii’. This part is free, and you only pay to walk through the shrine itself. The shrine is one of the famous Three Views of Japan. At the entrance they post both the high and low tide times – if you can see both, you are very blessed.
Senjokaku, or the “Pavilion of 1000 Tatami Mats” was started by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a Buddhist library, but he died in 1598 before its completion, and Senjokaku was never finished. There are many very old paintings hung on all the walls. You will need to take off your shoes after paying the entrance fee to go in.
NB: From June 2019, for at least a year, the big torii gate will be undergoing renovations – it will be covered by scaffolding. For some, seeing the torii in the water is the highlight of the visit, so plan accordingly – and see it here if you can’t make it in time.
Hiroshima also has a number of very good sights – much more than just the Peace Park – so be sure to watch the Hiroshima Playlist:
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AloJapan.com