Miyajima

There are a lot of deer in Miyajima

Miyajima, home of Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage Site, floats on the Seto Inland Sea, known as the “Mediterranean of Japan” due to its warm climate. The gateway to Miyajima is “Miyajimaguchi”, which is approximately 25 minutes by JR train from Hiroshima, the central city of the Chugoku District. From there, you can take a ferry to reach Miyajima. After sailing across a rushing sea for about five minutes, standing on the deck and feeling the sea breeze, a large vermillion Torii gate that stands over the sea will come into view. This gate is the gateway to the sacred area.

 

Note: The experience of the shrine is based on the water tides. Be aware when visiting!

At low tide: Visitors can walk up to the gate.

The best way to enjoy this island is by an overnight stay at a ryokan. A good way to watch the illuminated temple by night is with a 30 minute cruise which can be made at one’s ryokan or at the tourist information desk.

The entire island of Miyajima is the precinct of the shrine, and it is believed that God resides in the island itself, making the island an object of faith. Enshrined within Itsukushima Shrine are three goddesses of Japanese mythology. In Japanese mythology, many goddesses are related to water. The appearance of the shrine suspended over the sea is graceful and beautiful, as may be expected of a shrine wherein goddesses lie. A corridor that seems to extend endlessly is a world of dazzling, beautiful colors. The sight of the sea over the row of pillars and the salty smell of the ocean will remind you that the shrine stands over the sea.

Itsukushima Shrine

 

The best season to visit Miyajima is the fall, when trees are ablaze with autumn colors, which peak in mid to late November. In particular, Momijidani Park, located at the base of Mount Misen, situated to the south of Itsukushima Shrine and the central part of the island, is one of the most famous spots for fall colors. The scenery of autumn colors painting everything in vermillion, orange, and yellow is like a picture, and you can experience the sensation of diving into colors.

Hours: 6:30-18:00

Fees: 300 yen (definitely worth it)

Senjokaku Hall (Tokyokuni Shrine)

For 100 yen it is a lovely place to visit. This temple is the size of 1000 tatami mats and is a sparse temple with amazing views.

Opening hours: 8:30-16:30, Fee 100 yen

 

Daisho-in Temple

This temple, located at the base of Mount Misen was one of the first temples to start the practice of Buddhism. An interesting Buddhist ritual can be performed when walking up the temple’s steps. Along the stairs is a row of spinning metal wheels that are inscribed with sutra (Buddhist scriptures). Turning the inscriptions as one walks up is believed to have the same effect as reading them. So, without any knowledge of Japanese, you can benefit from the blessings that the reading of sutra is believed to entail.

From the Daisho-in temple ground, a hiking trail leads to the summit of Mount Misen. The ascent takes about 1.5 hours.

Hours: 8:00-17:00, Fees: Free

 Mount Misen

Of particular interest are the Misen Hondo (Misen Main

Reikado Hall

Hall) and the Reikado (Hall of the Spiritual Flame). The latter protects a flame, which Kobo Daishi is said to have lit when he began worshiping on the mountain. It has been burning ever since, and was also used to light the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima’s Peace Park. The sacred flame lit by Kobo Daishi, a distinguished priest of the Middle Ages, continues to burn here, and you can freely drink the sacred water boiled on this flame, which is said to cure all kinds of diseases.

 

Trails

The best views are from the Daisho-in Course and it is not as steep as the other courses.

The Momijidani course, while the shortest, also the steepest, leading through the forest and takes up to 2 hours to reach the summit.

Momijidani Course

Time needed: 2 hours and about 2.5 km of walking. You walk along the Momiji River. Most beautiful are the momiji leaves. Also there are huge rocks, with the two most important called ‘Sakura Rock’ and ‘Screen Rock’.

 

Daisho-in Course

You walk from the Daishoin to Shiroita Falls to the Summit and is about 3 km long. Time required is around 2 hours. You will also find the Takinomiya Shrine along the way. There are more than 2000 stone steps to the summit, so it is best to travel downwards instead of up.

 

Omoto Course

Omoto Park – Komaga Bayashi Bunkiten – Summit:

Approximately 3.2 km

Approximate time required: from 90 minutes to 2 hours or 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes

This is the route from Omoto Park where 100 year old large fir trees and Symplocos grow as you go through Komaga Forest, the second largest forest in Misen.

Observe the natural felsenmeer. There is a giant rock called the Fuji Rock, and the Iwaya Taishi where Kobo Taishi secluded himself.

 

Momijimanju

A local dish is Momijimanju and is shown on the picture. It is a must try.

 

 

Maps

http://visit-miyajima-japan.com/en/prepare-your-stay/e-brochure-et-e-cartes.html