Japan 11 - Miyajima (Itsukushima)

Thursday, 21 May 2026

The island of Miyajima (Island of Shrines) was our favorite place we visited while in Japan. More formally known as Itsukushima (Strict Island - no births or deaths allowed!), this island in the Inland Sea near Hiroshima is an UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan's holiest places.

We had to drop anchor offshore and take Zodiacs to the small pier at Miyajima.

As we walked to the Itsukushima Shrine, it was impossible to avoid interacting with the deer - they were everywhere. The deer are sacred, will eat anything that looks like it might be food, and take it directly from your hands or bag. Paper items (tickets, brochures) are particularly vulnerable.

An interesting sculpture along the road to the shrine.

The torii that marks the entrance to the shrine, flanked by the traditional guardian dogs.

The path is lined with stone lanterns.

The "floating" red torii is one of the most recognizable "icons" of Japan.

The tide was out when we visited the Itsukushima Shrine - imagine this with a foot or two of water in this courtyard - the shrine  would appear to float on the sea.

A view into the inner-most sanctum.

An enormous drum and oil lamps.

Looking out towards the torii.

Again, imagine this with even an inch or two of water over the ground.

After visiting the shrine, we walked through the town behind the shrine. A deer walks through the creek with water coming down from the mountain.

A moss-covered stone lantern along the road.

Momijidani Park.

As we returned from our walk in Momijidani Park, the tide had come in sufficiently to give us an glimpse of how different the shrine would have looked at this time.

Now the crimson torii really does seem to be floating on the sea.

More oyster farms as we cruise towards tomorrow's stop at Kurashiki.

Many bridges connect Japans main islands. Mostly we passed underneath bridges during the night, but not today. Between the many islands and bridges, the crew needs to be on their top game to navigate the Inland Sea.