HIROSHIMA
Cherry Blossoms in Miyajima on April 10, 2011
The best time to see cherry blossoms (sakura) and hanami has passed in my area, Hiroshima prefecture, but before my memory fades away, I would like to review my April 10th trip to Miyajima to enjoy hanami. Never heard of Miyajima before? I bet you have seen this torii at Itsukushima Shrine before, haven't you? Yes. It's in Miyajima.
Miyajima is a small island located in the inland sea of Japan in the northwest of Hiroshima Bay. I had to take a ferry to visit Miyajima from the Main Island (Honshu).
This is not the one I took to Miyajima, but my ferry was similar to this one. Ferries operate to Miyajima every 10 minutes, so I didn't have to wait much. By the way, Hiroshima Prefecture and Hiroshima Bay are known for their oyster production. Once the ferry starts on its way to Miyajima, you can spot lots of oyster rafts like these.
When the ferry approached close to Miyajima, I was able to see the torii at Itsukushima Shrine.
Once I arrived at Miyajima, wild deer welcomed me and other visitors.
This is the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can walk through the shrine, but I did that before so I went to see cherry blossoms (sakura). Itsukushima Shrine is a famous tourist attraction, but also it's a real Shinto shrine. So people can actually have weddings there. If you are lucky enough, you may encounter a Japanese-style wedding. The rest are photos I took at Miyajima. Enjoy!
This is Goju-no-to Pagoda.
There are many souvenir shops like this one.
This is a different view of Goju-no-to Pagoda.
Miyajima is a wonderful place to visit. If you ever have a chance to visit Western Japan, you should definitely visit Miyajima!
This post was originally written by Akira Obatake.
Tourists from all over the world at Peace Memorial Park in April 2011