Miyajima Island
Miyajima island is a short train and ferry ride away from Hiroshima and it is such a lovely place.
It is home to the floating Torii gate (above), which belongs to the Itsukushima Shrine (below). The shrine also appears to float when the tide is in.
Above: A lady ties her O-mikuji fortune scroll to a railing at the shrine. I wonder if it foretold good or bad luck?
You can walk out the Torii gate when the tide is out.
The little town surrounding the shrine has some lovely shops and some lovely shopkeepers too. We met a fabulous 81-year-old lady (she looked about 30 years younger) who gave us some beautiful origami creations she had made, simply to wish us good fortune. Only in Japan. This is why I love the country so much.
I’m not sure what the ladies above were doing but their outfits were awesome. I thought maybe beekeepers? Probably something to do with the shrine.
Miyajima island is home to the world’s largest rice scoop, O-Shakushi. Hence why you will see lots of souvenirs incorporating rice scoops (above).
If you take a picnic though, beware - there are deer everywhere and they are not shy - they will eat anything you have, including luggage tags.
Although they do have their own beer - yes, that’s right - deer beer (below)!
Miyajima is also home to one of the best sweets Japan has to offer and this time it’s not French patisserie - Manju sweets. They are common all over the country, however, the Momiji Manju here are spongy and shaped like maple leaves with a maple flavour. The traditional filling is bean paste, but thankfully now (as opposed to 10 years ago) there are a plethora of other flavours to enjoy including green tea, custard and my personal favourite, chocolate.
There are a few factories in the town (below) which make them fresh. If you visit, make sure you grab a hot one as you can buy them individually - soooo good!
And yet again, more appetizing plastic food (below). Whoever makes all this must be quids in.
We also had the privilege to witness an entire wedding ceremony - but that’s for the next post. Stay tuned to experience the wonderful world of Japanese weddings.