We had activated our JR Pass to get to Hiroshima so being typical Kiwi’s, we wanted to get our money’s worth. We could travel anywhere on the JR train line and it even covered some ferry crossings.
With this in mind, we set off to visit Miyajima Island which was a train and ferry ride – perfect. It is only a 10-minute ferry ride with JR West Ferry.
Miyajima (officially known as Itsukushima) means “shrine island”. It is only 30 square kilometres and has a permanent population of 2,000. The Islanders work hard to preserve the forests and clearly respect nature. Tourism is their main source of income. It is ranked as the 3rd best places to visit in Japan so an early start to beat the crowds is imperative.
Other things that Miyajima is renown for throughout Japan is their spectacular maple trees (it would look amazing in autumn), Momiji pastries filled with jam or custard (with maple-leaf emblems) as well as chocolates and cheese.
Deer are thought of as sacred because they are considered messengers of the gods. They walk the streets of the town, not afraid of the tourists or hundreds of clicking cameras!
We rode the ropeway and climbed the summit of Mt Misen. We were treated to some spectacular views back towards Hiroshima.
Click on the link below to read more about Miyajima Island:
Follow us on social media:
Blog:
Facebook:
Instagram:
Pinterest:
Music by Soundcloud:
www.iksonmusic.wordpress.com
AloJapan.com