Monday 7th April The ultimate cherry blossom in Miyajima

 There are few more iconic views of Japan than the famous red Tori gates and cherry blossom and we will seeing lots of it today, so this blog will be full of pictures!

After an excellent breakfast we head out of Hiroshima on a local train to catch the ferry to the island of Miyajima. Staying in the city of Hiroshima, the dropping of the atomic bomb here is ever present in my mind and it's quite harrowing to be able to see how the city is set amongst the surrounding hills ( the reason for the Americans choosing this city was that its circle of hills would contain the blast from the bomb)

It's a beautiful day though, so for the time being, I concentrate on the present, knowing that tomorrow's visit to the Memorial Museum will give us proper time to focus on the events of the past.

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It's not long before the famous red gate comes into,view and we dock on the quayside, along with lots of other visitors. We all make our way along the tree lined waterside path to the Itsukushima Shrine, where there are lots of photo opportunities!

There are crowds of tourists all trying to catch the perfect view of the red gates and we see some people in traditional dress, especially the  girls in beautiful kimonos, which we learn can be hired for the day!

Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine, which was begun in the late 600's and registered as a National Treasure in 1996. As well as being a tourist attraction, it is a special shrine for members of the Shinto religion, and we see many of the visitors pausing to offer their prayers along the way. There is a great sense of reverence for the site, people are respectful, there is not a scrap of litter, and even in the toilets a lady comes in and cleans it from top to bottom once it has been used.


I've already spotted several banks of cherry blossom trees along the hillside, so pausing for a coffee and biscuits to fortify us- being very taken with the Tori gate stencil on our cappuccino -


We venture up the steep stone steps leading up the hillside


but not before one posed photo! A lovely lady  called June, from Newcastle, in our party made sure to relieve Trev of his hat, map and other 'bits and bob's' before her husband took the pic!

It's a steep and winding path, but our efforts are rewarded near the top and we spend time taking in the wonderful views. 





I'm especially pleased to capture this shot of the Tori gate through the blossom ( hope you can zoom in to see it) we have travelled a long way in the hope of capturing moments like these and it has certainly been worth it!

We retrace our steps and wander along the seafront in the warm sunshine


There are a few people in the water, but as the site is considered a sacred area, no signs of sunbathers or families playing games on the beach.
Another walk up the other side of the hill brings us to a glade of cherry trees where the famous tame deer are making a nuisance of themselves foraging for food from tourists.



There is a little traditional wooden building 
 on top of the hill, initially the only space available is sitting cross legged or kneeling at the traditional low table . This lovely Japanese couple, seeing our difficulty in working out how to navigate the small space and sit comfortably, kindly offer us their 'normal' table and then show us how its  done!
 
The smallest glass for beer we 've ever had ( Trev's sunglasses for comparison in the background!)

Walking back down the hill, we come across the neatest building site we've ever seen - there is one man doing the work, another supervising him, a third sweeping up any debris that dares to spoil the site and a fourth with whistle and flag making sure that no-one crosses the path of the beautifully clean digger that is being used!


Back at our hotel after a long day, we take a moment to enjoy the views of this very modern city. 





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