Hiroshima - Miyajima sights

Not only did we eat in Hiroshima, but Joe and I saw some beautiful sights!  We were blessed to have planned our trip in the middle of fall.  We haven't seen the leaves change colors for 3 years and were starting to miss it!  Hiroshima was in the middle of fall and it was spectacular.

We had two full days in Hiroshima.  The first day we went to Miyajima Island.  The second (Saturday) was spent at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Park.

Miyajima Island is also known as the "shrine island" and is a Unesco World Heritage Sight.  It has one of the most photographed sites in Japan - a great floating torii gate at Itsukushima-jinja (shrine).

We took a few streetcars and a ferry to get to the island.  Every day in Hiroshima was beautiful!  You can see the floating torii gate in the distance.

There was a traditional Japanese wedding happening at Itsukushima-jinja.  Apparently the waiting list to be married there is years long!

This was one of the most unique shinto shrines we have visited, because it is totally situated on the water.

While enjoying the sights, we were interviewed for an article in JAL airlines magazine.  Maybe we'll be in the next issue!  (It's too bad we only fly ANA!)

We then made our way to Mt Misen, to take the ropeway to the top of the island.

Love the Japanese signage!

Japanese Maple Leaves

Beautiful fall!

We couldn't get enough!

The leaves were stunning!

A ropeway took us almost to the top of Mt. Misen  (Hiroshima in the background).

We had to climb the rest of the way!  I thought we were at the top, but not quite.  This temple is where Kobo Daishi mediated for 100 days following his return from China in the 9th century.  It is said that he lit this flame 1200 years ago -- and it's still burning.

Interesting rocks

At the top!  Looking back at Hiroshima.

Looking into the Seto Inland Sea, and the many mountainous islands that populate it.

We started our trek down Mt. Misen when it was lunchtime.

When we made it to the bottom, we were almost at low tide - Itsukushima-jinja  looks very different when the water has gone out. 

You could also walk out to the torii gate.

We had conger eel and oysters for lunch - both Hiroshima specialties. Every preparation was delightful!  We spent the rest of the afternoon shopping and enjoying the rest of the sights.

On the ferry heading back to Hiroshima, looking back at the torii gate.

We took the streetcars back to our hotel, and along the way we spoke a little English with a few of the schoolgirls on their way home from school.  Their English was great and they were on their way to the Aerosmith concert.

Hiroshima streetcars