Miyajimi, or actually Itsuku-shima, is considered one of the three most
beautiful spots in Japan.The floating torii may also be one of Japan's
most famous sites.
The island itself is sacred, the realm of a goddess - once forbidden
to those without noble blood.
It's amazing to have this kind of place in your backyard... just minutes
away from Hiroshima...
Approaching the port from the ferry, the torii appears on the
right side. As tourists, we all clamor to this side of the deck to take
pictures. I was lucky to stake out a spot early and get a couple good shots.
I just wish I had an optical zoom.
Aya, in the park right outside the ferry port. The deer is only one of many...
... as you can see. Aya said that I should be properly initiated by
feeding the deer; you can see the stand selling shika-sembe right
behind me.
Yes, I was mobbed by these guys, though it was amazingly fun - my size
let me stay safe.
Aya has a nice little story to go along with this incident, but I'll
let her share... and yes, she took this pic.
Ritual cleaning of the hands as we enter Itsukushima-jinja, Aya first...
... then me. The water was very cool, and just "felt" clean. (pic by Aya).
The entire shrine is built on stilts, standing over the waters of the
sea. Remember, as the island is sacred, commoners were not allowed to set
foot on it.
In a better season, the whole shrine is flooded; we went on a day where
it was more a muddy bog, but the water was there on this pier...
pic by another Japanese tourist, with whom we exchanged shooting/posing...
There are baby deer in this picture, right outside the exit of the shrine...
Walking toward the Aquarium, I noticed this view of the torii through the small park. I just had to take this shot.
The Miyajima Ropeway, that was to take us near the top of Mt. Misen and the Monkey Park there. It was actually Aya's idea to go up ...
... but her fear of heights took over and we turned around at the half-way station.
Getting back on the ground, we made our way down and ended up coming
across this creek.