Miyajima

Miyajima, also called Itsukushima, is located in the southwest of Hiroshima Prefecture, and is listed as one of the "Three Views of Japan" along with Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture. There are world cultural heritage sites such as Itsukushima Shrine, Mishan, and many historic shrines and temples. When you come to Miyajima, you can see the Itsukushima Shrine built by the sea and the large vermilion torii that stands in the sea. This is a famous landscape of Miyajima. The elegant shrine of vermilion lacquer in the shrine combines with the blue of the sea in front of it and the emerald green of the virgin forest of Misan in the background, making people feel the beauty and splendor of the Heian period. In the sea about 200 meters in front of the shrine, there is a large red torii gate with a height of 16.6 meters, which is very eye-catching. In addition to Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima has many other temples worth visiting. To the west of Itsukushima Shrine is the Daiganji Temple, which is famous for housing Japan's three major Bensaiten (one of the seven gods of good fortune). On the hill to the left (northeast) of the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine, there are five-storied pagodas that combine Japanese and Chinese styles, and Senjokaku, which is said to have a thousand tatami in the main hall. About 10 minutes southwest from Itsukushima Shrine, there is a Daisho-in Temple, where you can see many Buddhist halls, mandalas and Buddha statues. Misan is the main peak of Miyajima. There are many rare plants that can only be seen in Miyajima growing in the virgin forest on the mountain. It is also a good place to get close to nature. It is wonderful to take the aerial cable car to climb the mountain and see the magnificent scenery of Miyajima from mid-air; hiking from the foot of the mountain is also unique, and you will encounter many cute deer along the way. Next to the end of the ropeway is the Shishi Rock Observatory, from which you can enjoy the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. Continue to walk to the top of the mountain, and the 360-degree viewing angle is even more fascinating. On a clear day, you can see the peaks of Shikoku in the distance. In addition, there are many shrines, Buddhist pavilions and other historical sites that can be visited on the top of Misan Mountain.