Things to do in Japan : Miyajima 宮島

Miyajima 宮島 was on my list as it is one of the top most scenic sights in Japan. And finally I was able to tick one item off my bucket list. I visited Miyajima last month. September is not a good time to travel in Japan and it was raining when we visited Miyajima. But thankfully it didn’t rain all day!! We went to Hiroshima first and then transferred to a ferry to Miyajima. Miyajima is famous for natural spring water onsen 温泉 . Not to forget Itsukushima Shrine 厳島神社 that is a Shinto shrine best known for its “floating” torii gate. The shrine and its torii gate are unique as they are built over water, and seem floating in the sea during high tide. You should check high tide timings to get that perfect background for your pictures. Although during low tide the water drains out of the bay and you can walk to the torii gate and see the gate from up close. After sunset, the shrine and the torii gate are illuminated, and ryokan guests can enjoy an evening walk in yukata and geta sandals. Miyajima is also famous for Momiji manjū (もみじ饅頭) that are small cakes made in the shape of a maple leaf. Traditionally, they’re made with sweet bean paste, but cheese, chocolate and other variations are also available. Apart from these there is nothing much to do on the island. There is Momijidani Park 紅葉谷公園 famous for deer but you can see deer even when you go just out of the ferry terminal. We stayed at Iwaso 岩惣 that is a famous Japanese style inn or ryokan 旅館 to experience Japanese culture. The rooms had tatami floor and balconies. They had a nice onsen with indoor as well as outdoor baths. The food served there was really Japanese with a lot of tofu and eggplant dishes which was not upto my taste. But I am not complaining because that is what made my trip authentic!!

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T-shirt – Paul Frank ポールフランク, $16 on Sale, 2014;
Skirt – Uniqlo ユニクロ, $20, 2011, also worn here;
Shoes – Nike ナイキ, $121, 2008, also worn here;
Bag – Givenchy ジバンシィ, gift, 2014;
Earrings – Voyageur, $13, 2014, also worn here;
Watch – Marc Jacobs, マークジェイコブス gift, 2013, also worn here;
Sunglasses – Chanel シャネル, gift, 2014, also worn here;