The floating shrine

We woke up this morning dismayed because it was pouring with rain and we'd planned on going to Miyajima, a small island about one hour from Hiroshima city. Despite the rain we decided to go anyway as our Japan Rail Pass covered the costs of getting there (train and ferry) and we'd seen everything else worth seeing in the city itself.

As the ferry neared the shore of Miyajima, the weather gods smiled upon us and the rain ceased and blue sky and sun appeared! Miyajima is a really beautiful place and really worth a visit if you're ever in Hiroshima. The island is probably most famous for its giant torii gate, which appears to float on the water and has been voted one of the best three views in Japan. Miyajima is actually Japanese for 'shrine-island' and like the torii gate, the shrine's main buildings are built over water.

Perhaps the thing I enjoyed most about Miyajima today were the wild deer! They've become so accustomed to people that they wander around the same sites as the tourists and even sleep along the walking paths. There are signs everywhere reminding people that the deer are indeed wild (even though they act like domestic animals) and prohibit people from 'teasing, touching and feeding' them. Basically no one acknowledges these signs and people everywhere were patting the deer (including myself) and feeding them. As soon as someone threw them some food it resulting in a crazed feeding frenzy (much like seagulls) and the deer often became violent, standing on their hind legs 'boxing' each other.

After following the deer around and taking numerous photos we trekked up the foot of Mount Misen until we reached Miyajima Ropeway. We paid 1800Y each for a return trip on the gondola, which I was rather nervous about because I'm historically not a fan of gondolas. I'm happy to report that I didn't freak out and it was actually the least scary gondola I've ever been on! Unfortunately when we'd almost reached the top of Mount Misen, we were told that the winds were too strong and we had to turn back. It was a real shame because at the top of the mountain there is an observatory, many natural wonders and The Eternal Flame, which apparently has been burning for 1200 years and was used as the pilot light for the Flame of Peace at Hiroshima Peace Park. There was a silver lining however, as we received a full refund and still got to ride the ropeway most of the way!

Luckily we managed to get a spot on the free shuttle bus going back down the mountain and we then chose a lovely restaurant for lunch where we had udon noodle curry soup.

Shrine

Miyajima is famous for oysters 

Giant rice scoop - apparently the first ever rice scoop was handed down by the Gods on Miyajima 

A delicious fish stick with asparagus and wrapped in bacon

View looking back at the island whilst on the ferry