September 10, 2025
This remote island located in Hiroshima Bay, is one of Japan's best kept secrets.
Also known as Itsukushima, Miyajima Island is famous for its towering tori gate , a massive wooden shrine and UNESCO World Heritage Site standing 55 feet tall and painted in vibrant vermillion. At high tide, the red gate appears to rise from the water, creating one of Japan's most iconic and magical views. I was lucky enough to arrive at high tide. The right photo is from fellow cruiser yesterday, for scale sense, at low tide. Both are impressive sights! I spent the day on my own trekking all over the island and I kept running into fellow Shipmates, so never feel truly alone. On my ride down the Ropeway & the walk back down into town, I chatted with a lovely newlywed couple, on their honeymoon, who were sightseeing at a quick pace thru Japan. Sadly I never asked their names, but they were currently living & working in Switzerland. They treated me to the lovely maple leaf shaped Momiji Manju Cookie below and I promised them a shout out! Hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip and have a long, loving action packed life together!
While I was there I got to witness a game / contest of young males - who competed to climb up onto swinging rig above the water to retrieve what looked to be a large melon. There was a parade into the water and lots of fan fare and cheering while game was going. Appeared to be partially religious, as they paraded with monks and it was done from Temple steps? No one appeared clear on details but was fun to watch, regardless.
