Christina’s Journey Journal

Hiroshima – our amazing morning on Miyajima Island🍋 🦌

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Christina Ritchie

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From Himeji we made our way to Hiroshima via the bullet train and checked into the Grand Intelligence Hotel near the station. After a bite to eat at a popular restaurant called Caffe Ponte, and ice cream cones 🍦 that put all other ice cream cones to shame, we fell into bed!

Caffe Ponte in Hiroshima🍊🍋 where they have a gluten free menu!
Yes, they were as good as they look!🍦 Chocolate ice cream and lemon sorbet.

We were ready to go by 8:00 am, taking the train to the ferry station for the short ride to Miyajima Island.

I don’t know how this trip could get any better…but it just did. As we approached, the famous floating Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine came into view. During high tide it appears to float on the water, during low tide, roll up your pants and walk out to touch it (we did!)

The floating torii gate of Miyajima is known as the Otorii. It’s approximately 16 meters tall (52 feet) and was originally built in 1168. Otorii represents the transition between the physical and spiritual worlds in Shinto belief. Mount Misen is the highest peak on Miyajima Island, standing at 1,755 feet, with a history of pilgrimage dating back centuries. The mountain is sacred in Shinto belief. ⛰️

The deer greeted us upon arrival (don’t touch them!) and we hired rickshaw drivers to show us around.  Fun experience with our “drivers”, Keigo and Akimu.

The deer on Miyajima Island are a beloved and iconic feature of the landscape that roam freely around Itsukushima Shrine area. They’re friendly yet wild deer (in other words, don’t touch) that are considered sacred and believed to be messengers of the Shinto gods.
Window shopping 🦌
Ready for our rickshaw adventure!

After wading out to touch the torii and take pictures, we high tailed it back to the beach as the tide was starting to rise. We then toured Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Entering Itsukushima Shrine to go touch the floating torii.

Tip: Arrive early during low tide to touch the torii! By the time we were touched it, we were the only ones left in the sea and the tide was rising quickly.

The floating torii gate has been through several reconstructions over the centuries due to natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes, as well as wood decay. The current version we saw dates back to 1875, and is maybe the 6th version of the gate
While fairly shallow this early in the morning, the torii appears to hover above the water during high tide.
Touching the torii in the Seto Inland Sea.

Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the iconic floating torii gate, the stunning shrine was originally built in the 6th century and dedicated to the goddess of seas and storms, Benzaiten. Surrounded by a traditional Japanese gardens and set against the backdrop of Mount Misen, Itsukushima Shrine is a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The vibrant vermilion structures, exquisite craftsmanship, and picturesque setting made this one of my favorites (I have been saying that a lot!).

Sake wrapped in straw—a sacred offering to the gods.

Now, let’s talk about the food! Miyajima is famous for its delicious local specialties, particularly grilled oysters, everything lemon, and momiji manju—maple leaf-shaped cakes 🍁 filled with sweet red bean paste or custard. Strolling through the streets, we found charming vendors selling these treats, along with everything lemon.🍋

A lemon probiotic drink for me and a lemon sake for Jen! I am already craving another one 🍋

Part 2 in Hiroshima, and a much heavier topic, continues in the next post.

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