During our last trip to mainland Japan back in June 2018, we visited 7 cities including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Fukuoka. After our time exploring Hiroshima, we grabbed the tram all the way down to Miyajima. There are faster ways to arrive, but we loved the tram. Miyajima was the place I was most excited about visiting in all of Japan! Most people do a day trip while visiting Hiroshima, but I wanted to spend a good amount of time exploring the island, so we booked a room for a night at Guesthouse Kikugawa.
After arriving at Miyajimaguchi station we walked down to the ferry terminal. Ferries are constantly running back and forth because the ride only takes 10 minutes. Once we arrived on the island we dropped off our suitcases at our guesthouse and then went straight to the Miyajima Brewery for a quick lunch. Afterward, we walked towards the floating torii where we saw some of the cute deer that roam the island, walked down to the torii and then explored the famous Itsukushima Shrine.
^^ the entrance to our guesthouse ^^
^ stumbled upon a cute bride + groom both times we visited the shrine ^
Itsukushima Shrine
^^ can you spot the bride and groom? there was a traditional wedding going on at the shrine ^^
^ we bought our last ema and left our wishes for our next chapter at the Itsukushima Shrine ^
^^ shared a strawberry shaved ice and Momiji Manju (maple leaf shaped pastry) filled with ice cream ^^
Miyajima Ropeway
Asia loves their ropeways… my husband, on the other hand, does not! Haha, but I make him go on them anyway, he’s a trooper! The ropeway goes up Mt. Misen, the highest peak of Miyajima Island which is known as a holy mountain. From the gondola, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Seto Inland Sea and Miyajima’s forest. There are 2 observatories, plus a few shrines and temples.
This is the Kiezu-no-Reikado Hall that holds the eternal flame, a holy fire that has been burning for 1,200 years. “It is said that holy water boiled with this fireworks for all sorts of diseases. It was also used as the pilot light for the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park”, according to the Miyajima Ropeway website. This spot is also designated as a lover’s sanctuary!
I have way too many photos from our time in Miyajima. So I will be separating them into two posts because this one is getting a bit too long.
See more from our trip: Dotonbori Street | Kiyomizudera Temple | Exploring Kobe + Cafe Freundlieb | Nunobiki Herb Garden | Himeji Castle | Kobe Chinatown | Ikuta Shrine | Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park | Hiroshima Castle + Gokoku Shrine | Miyajima Pt. 2 | Fukuoka Castle Ruins + Ohori Park | Nanzoin Temple + Tochoji Temple + Kushida Shrine |