Miyajima translates as “shrine island” and is a small island reached by ten minute ferry from Hiroshima.
The tori, traditional Japanese gate, of Itsukushima Shinto Shrine sits in the sea, but can be reached at low tide and is one of the most photographed sites in Japan.
The island is visited by thousands during the day but with limited accommodation becomes very calm for those staying overnight. We stayed for two nights and enjoyed the peace while it lasted!
There are a number of Shinto and Buddhist shrines and temples. It is popular for weddings and birth marking ceremonies. However it is forbidden as a location for births and deaths as the whole island is designated as a shrine. With so many visitors and some elderly residents, we were not sure how this works in practice.
The centre of the island is mountainous, accessed by hiking trails, gondola or (as in our case) a combination.
Shilli-Fully Travels 