We took a day trip from Hiroshima to the island if Miyajima, a short ferry ride from Hiroshima. The island is only 30km around, and situated on the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. The Itsukushima-jinja Shrine together with the Misen forest has been regarded as a sacred area and designated a World Heritage Site. In addition to being one of the most scenic and sacred spots in Japan, it's also one of the most popular tourist attractions.
The most famous attraction on Miyajima is the shrine of Itsukushima-jinja, where the gate at sea is considered to be one of Japan's most beautiful views. During high-tide it looks like the shrine is floating out at sea; during low-tide you can actually walk out to the shrine.
After visiting the shrine, we took the 1.7km cable car ropeway to Mt. Misen, Miyajima's sacred mountain. From the top of the ropeway, you can hike an additional 30-40 minutes to the top of Mt. Misen. It is said that Buddhism was first practiced on Mt. Misen by Kobo Daishi, one of Japan's holiest religious persons.
On the path to the top of Mt. Misen you will find a temple called Reikado Hall, which holds the "Kiezu-no-hi" (The Eternal Flame). The holy fire which Kobo Daishi used as part of his religious training is burning even now after about 1200 years. Legend has it that if you drink tea made from the boiling water in the blackened iron pot which hangs over the fire, all your diseases will be cured. The flame was also used as the pilot light for the "Flame of Peace" of Hiroshima at Peace Memorial Park.
Top of Mt. Misen! Very beautiful 360 degree views. Proud that I was able to tackle the 40-minute hike to the top being 21 weeks pregnant! :)
The most famous attraction on Miyajima is the shrine of Itsukushima-jinja, where the gate at sea is considered to be one of Japan's most beautiful views. During high-tide it looks like the shrine is floating out at sea; during low-tide you can actually walk out to the shrine.
After visiting the shrine, we took the 1.7km cable car ropeway to Mt. Misen, Miyajima's sacred mountain. From the top of the ropeway, you can hike an additional 30-40 minutes to the top of Mt. Misen. It is said that Buddhism was first practiced on Mt. Misen by Kobo Daishi, one of Japan's holiest religious persons.
On the path to the top of Mt. Misen you will find a temple called Reikado Hall, which holds the "Kiezu-no-hi" (The Eternal Flame). The holy fire which Kobo Daishi used as part of his religious training is burning even now after about 1200 years. Legend has it that if you drink tea made from the boiling water in the blackened iron pot which hangs over the fire, all your diseases will be cured. The flame was also used as the pilot light for the "Flame of Peace" of Hiroshima at Peace Memorial Park.
Top of Mt. Misen! Very beautiful 360 degree views. Proud that I was able to tackle the 40-minute hike to the top being 21 weeks pregnant! :)
You were so lucky to have a nice weather there!
ReplyDeleteBefore rainy season in June and mid-July, enjoy traveling!
If you want to travel during rainy season, visit Hokaido! Because there is no rainy season in Hokkaido, also best season there:)
Breathtaking view from the top of Mt. Misen!!
ReplyDeleteso did try to make some tea?
ReplyDeleteNo, no tea - not quite sure how that works.
ReplyDelete