Miyajima Island: A Nature and Cultural Jamboree
Miyajima Island is one of the most scenic places in Japan. Located off the coast of Hiroshima, it's one of the country's most important cultural destinations. The island features stunning natural beauty coupled with a rich cultural heritage. Miyajima offers a unique blend of nature and history that no traveler would want to miss in their journey to Japan.
A Glimpse of Miyajima
Miyajima, translated as "shrine island," is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea. It is easily accessible by ferry from Hiroshima; one arrives there feeling like one has entered another world of peace and serenity. The island is famous for the "floating" torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine, and lush forests covering the hillsides. But it is not just the sights that make Miyajima special; nature and culture are intertwined here in such a way that makes it an awe-inspiring yet calming atmosphere at one and the same time.
The Floating Torii Gate: A Symbol of Miyajima
Perhaps the most photographed object in Japan is the Itsukushima shrine, whose torii gate seems to float on the water at high tide. It is a great red structure that can be seen many times in photographs, and the gaudy structure seems inextricably linked with the island itself. The torii marks the entrance to the shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built in 1168, the shrine is dedicated to the Shinto gods of sea and storms. Its placement beside the water and impressive gate represents a spiritual relationship between the human world and the divine. On occasion, when the tide is strong, the open upper floor of the gate appears to rise above water, so it almost floats in the air, creating an exquisite vista that has drawn tourists for ages.
In low tide, visitors to Miyajima can walk out to the gate, getting close to such a massive structure and admiring its craftsmanship. Standing there, being peaceful, and taking in the beauty of this place with the sacredness that surrounds it is a great experience.
Itsukushima Shrine: Cultural Heritage
The Itsukushima Shrine is a historical shrine that has deep cultural and spiritual significance. The architecture of the shrine is Shinden-zukuri, which gives off elegant, curving styles. The buildings seem also to be floating on water, being supported by stilts that give the impression of being weightless.
Visitors inside the shrine may admire artifacts, including old paintings and calligraphy, and learn the history of the site. As an important religious site, the shrine has, for ages, been a focal point in religious activities with a connotation to the sea—a significant symbol in Japanese culture, for the people of that country have always associated the ocean as a source of life and mystery.
Walking around the shrine will give you a sense of reverence, and you can easily imagine why this place has served as a spiritual retreat for many. The stillness of this atmosphere is simply reflective of the island as a whole—a place where the beauty of nature and the depth of tradition come together.
Mount Misen: A Journey Into Nature
Beyond the shrine, Mount Misen, the island's highest peak, rises 535 meters above sea level. The mountain is quite beautiful as it offers a memorable view of the Seto Inland Sea with nearby islands. The mount is one of the main attractions that tourists would hike to look for thrill and nature lovers, who wish to experience nature.
There are a number of trails of different levels of difficulty, but the most popular approach is from the mountain base near the ferry terminal. The hike will take around 1-2 hours, depending on your walking pace, and it offers you a variety of scenic views along the trail. The trails pass through lush forests where you can hear the rustling of leaves and the calls of birds, creating an atmosphere of tranquility.
The panorama from the summit is breathtaking. From up there, you get to see some distant view of the Seto Inland Sea with thousands of small islands on the horizon. On a clear day, you can almost see up to the city of Hiroshima. It's an awe moment when you realize how vast and beautiful that landscape is.
It is possible to access the summit by cable car if the hike is too demanding. The cable car will take you half the way to the summit, and from the top of the cable car, you can walk for a little distance to reach the summit.
The Deer of Miyajima
However, as you walk around Miyajima, you will see wild deer running around on the island freely. The deer are considered to be representatives of Miyajima, and locals believe that they are messengers of the gods. This experience of seeing deer on the shrine's grounds, the streets, and hiking trails is unique.
The deer are very tame, and many of the visitors like posing in pictures with them or feeding them special deer crackers sold by local vendors. However, it is essential to keep in mind that these are wild animals, and visitors should be careful when dealing with them.
These deer add to the beauty and poetry of the island through being in resonance with nature and spirituality. Their peaceful life with humans tells us of the deep respect for nature that stands as the heart of Japanese culture.
Traditional Crafts and Local Cuisine
Apart from its natural beauty and historical sites, Miyajima is a great place to explore traditional Japanese crafts and taste local delicacies. People here are famous for producing momiji manju, that is, maple leaf-shaped cakes stuffed with sweet red bean paste. They sell these cakes all around the island, and they make a huge souvenir for tourists. These cakes are freshly baked, so warm and delicious.
Another local specialty is oysters, which abound in the waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Miyajima, with its long history of oyster farming, is a must-visit to taste fresh oysters that would be grilled on the spot in many of the island's restaurants. The oysters are tender and rich in flavor—a true taste of the sea.
Beyond the food, however, Miyajima has souvenir shops carrying all manner of local crafts—from hand-painted fans and fine carvings on wood to intricate textiles. All of them reflect the deep cultural traditions of the island and are perfect to remember your visit.
Conclusion
Miyajima Island brings together a harmonious coexistence of nature and culture. It is where the beautiful floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine is located, up to its majestic beauty. It also offers breathtaking hiking trails around Mount Misen or wandering around freely with some wild deer roaming the island. Whatever it is, Miyajima surely offers an unforgettable experience from ancient temples in the natural beauty, local traditions, and ongoing activities.
Miyajima Island is a refuge from the chaos of daily routines; connect with nature and experience Japan fully. Since the island is peaceful, it's much like its spiritual importance—an escape to solace and inspiration for any visitor to Miyajima. Do not merely pass through Japan when visiting Miyajima; instead, experience Japan in the midst of nature and tradition.
