After I had left Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, I headed for another world heritage site in Hiroshima, MIYAJIMA which is also a must-visit place! In addition, this place is known as one of the three most beautiful scenic spots in Japan. Let me share with you my first ever Miyajima experience.
I had two ways to go to Miyajima, an island in the Seto Inland Sea, from Peace Memorial Park. For those who are on a tight budget, you can go by streetcar (150yen) + train (400yen) + on foot (free)+ ferry(170yen). It cost me 720yen for a 80mins ride. Alternatively you can choose a 45mins ferry ride, but it costs 1900yen.
【From Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima: 80mins】
1. streetcar (Genbaku-dome mae → Hiroshima station) 2. JR train (Hiroshima st → Miyajimaguchi st) 3. 10mis walk from Miyajimaguchi st to ferry terminal *My fav restaurant UENO 4. Ferry boat
It took 10mins to reach the ferry terminal of Miyajima. I would recommend that you stand on the deck outside so that you can watch a ruby torii gate of Itsukushima Jinja, a shrine of beautiful splendors.
Upon landing on the island of Miyajima, I walked along the sea side (See the Map below). This street was so exquisite. Then you will soon hit one of the most beautiful spots of Miyajima, which is located near the entrance of Itsukushima shrine. First photo was taken there!
By the way,
Do you know why the red torii gate stands in the sea apart from a shrine?
The whole island of Miyajima has been an object of worship since old days. We Japanese have believed that deities reside in everything, in this case the island as a whole. Because Itsukushima shrine was for the sacred Miyajima, the gate functioned as the approach to the shrine was built in the sea.
Here we arrived at the entrance of Itsukushima shrine. At the gate where you pay for the admission fee (300yen), please check the time for low tide so that you can make an interesting tour later….
Welcome to Itsukushima shrine…..to be continued..
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My walking Map