Day 15: Miyajima, Castles, and Sacred Sites

Today we set out for Miyajima Island, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of Japan’s famed "Three Great Views"—a trio of locations considered the most scenic in the country. Miyajima is perhaps best known for its massive torii gate, which appears to float at high tide just offshore from Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine and gate together create one of the most iconic images of Japan, blending natural beauty and Shinto tradition into a breathtaking sight.

We crossed over to the island by ferry, the water calm under the morning sun. As we made our way towards the shrine, we were greeted by the island’s semi-wild deer, which roam freely and are considered sacred. They wandered casually among the visitors, adding to the island’s unique, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

After exploring the shrine and taking plenty of photos of the towering torii framed against the sky, we had a little free time to wander through the town. The streets were lined with charming shops selling everything from hand-carved wooden crafts to local delicacies. I picked up some locally brewed soy sauce, known for its deep, rich flavor, as a souvenir for my home cooking. Though the visit was brief, Miyajima’s combination of serenity and spiritual grandeur left a lasting impression.

In the afternoon, we returned to the mainland, and the rest of the day was at leisure. After grabbing a quick lunch, a few of us decided to walk to Hiroshima Castle. Originally built in the late 1500s, the castle was completely destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945, but it has since been meticulously reconstructed in traditional style.

We strolled through the castle grounds, taking in the moats, bridges, and the lush trees surrounding the keep. Inside, the rebuilt castle has been converted into a museum, offering displays of samurai armor, weapons, and historical artifacts detailing the region’s history. One of the highlights was reaching the top floor, where we were able to walk out onto a viewing platform that circled the castle. From there, we got a 360-degree view over Hiroshima—a city that, despite its tragic past, now thrives with life and resilience.

Later that evening, after a light dinner, we returned to the hotel to pack and prepare for the next leg of the journey: onward to Kurashiki, a city known for its preserved canals and historic charm.



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