Adventure Takes Us to a Small Island in Hiroshima, Miyajima

We arrived at a very soggy and wet Hiroshima and almost dreaded our day on Miyajima Island.


After we left the dock, a light mist cloaked what laid behind us as well as ahead.


The briny scent, the crisp breeze and dark platforms on the surface of the calm ocean occupied our mind as we away sight for land.


Suddenly, as the mist part, the sharp orange color of the Otorii stood out and served as a guiding beacon for our vessel to come home.


Veiled mountains stood as the backdrop for our destination and the town below was dwarfed by nature's beauty.


I was anxious explore this mystical island but it was official:

It was love at first sight.

When I think about magical locations that inspire legends or sites that held history for centuries, Miyajima is one such place.

The trails follow the natural contour of the island's coast and all along the way there is always something to catch your eye.

Miyajima island is a real manifestation of what a modern day society should be in relation to nature.  Nature is still very vast and beautiful but substantially dwarfed man and their occupation on this magical island.

Ikutsushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also designated by the Japanese government as a National Treasure or noted for it's historical, artistic and traditional significance and value to Japanese Culture.

Senjokaku or Hokoku Shrine is one of the oldest wooden structures of Japan built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.  The five storied Pagoda was built in 1406 and predates the wooden shrine.