Day 5, Miyajima

We woke up in Hiroshima early enough to have a short excursion before checking out of our hostel. I had read about a temple with a hillside trail going up into the forest behind it, and it was quite near to where we were staying, so we went for a look.

You can see the beginning of the trail which involved passing through many red Torii gates.

It was the first rain we saw of the trip, but it was quite atmospheric walking through the forest with the sounds of water dripping around us, and birds singing. It's amazing how quickly we felt the whole city was left behind. It felt very soon as though we were miles away from any civilisation at all. I think perhaps the rain sounds helped mask the sound of city traffic.

This shrine was at the top of our trail, overlooking the city, although much of it was shrouded in mist. You can see a skyscraper to the left in the distance. This shrine was dedicated to peace.

This photo was taken from the very bottom of our forest trail. On the horizon, just to the left of the red flag, you can see the pointed top of the shrine.

Ive seen a lot of these in Japan, decorative cabbages! These were outside Hiroshime train station.

Our journey to Miyajima took us on this train, with hand holds that reminded me of spaghetti hoops!

And then we hopped on the ferry across to the island. (And Duxburys, for the record, we didn't pay the ferryman before he got us to the other side- not specifically anyway, the ferry was included in our rail pass!)

One of Miyajimas special features-deer! Very friendly deer that appear to have no fear of humans whatsoever, and in fact are very interest in food...

...as we discovered as we sat down for a snack! They started with polite interest, then more came over, and they got a bit shovey, first with each other, and then with us! When we didn't allow them our food, they pinched a leaflet I had put on the bench, and as I wrestled that back another went in for my luggage label! They knew defeat when we started to walk away though, and went on to search for new victims!

Other Torii gate (you will be starting to see how these are everywhere in Japan!). This one is very famous, as it is huge, and stands in the water. It looks very impressive as you arrive by boat.

We decided to talk a walk through the lovely parks of Miyajima. There is a peak called Mt Misen which you can walk up, or get the cable car part way. We weighed up the options, and decided to get a ride up! 

*Artistic representation. This is not the real cable car*

From the top of the cable car, or ropeway as they call it here, we still have a 100 or so metres to ascend to the summit, which made for a serene and interesting walk.

The were various temples up the mountain (how on earth did they build them!!?), including a 'lovers' temple, where you could light a candle with your beloved. Aww.

                            

Buddhas flanked the pathways, sporting interesting garments. I'm not quite sure exactly what the rules are for who gets to put things on them, and what they mean. But it's definitely a thing that happens a lot!

The path was a very well made one, with steps leading up under huge boulders.

And finally to the top! The view came in and out of focus as the clouds drifted around.

At times we could see right down to the mainland and other islands.

Back at the bottom of the mountain, we saw this lovely sign.

And returned to the grand Torii gate, which you could now walk up to at low tide.

This shows just how tall it stands. 

It's feet were covered in barnacles.

The Main Street through Miyajima, lined with souvenir shops, cake shops and oyster shops!

We found only one open restaurant on the Main Street, as the island goes extremely quiet at dusk as the day trippers go back to the mainland.

          

We headed back through town, taking in the much more peaceful views of the gate without the many other tourists!

      

Then back to our traditional style room for the night. We also used the public bath facility (Ie hot tub) in the hotel, which is divided into men's and women's, and you must go in naked! A bit of a scary experience, but I guess ill never see those three Japanese women again!