We left on a tram for an hour to the Miyajima Ferry Port to take a ferry to the beautiful island of Miyajima, the scene of one of the very best views in Japan; the vermillion tori of Itsukushima-ninja, which seems to float on the waves at high tide.
Trains were very clean and even had a conductor on board.
Japanese young ladies are very fashionable!
Taking the ferry to the island.
A wonderful haven – at high tide.
This new church high up on the mountain honors all kinds of religions!
At high tide, boats go under the O-Torii Grand Gate for good luck
The gate is 16 meters tall. The circumference of each main pillar is about 10 meters. It is one of the biggest woods torii gates in Japan.
High tide and one woman stripped to her bathing suit and went swimming.
The Shinden style shrine was first built in the latter half of the sixth century and remodeled in 1168. It was designated in 1996 as a Unesco World Heritage site.
After visiting the shrine, we took two Miyajima Ropeway gondolas to the top of Mount Misen and enjoyed the scenery from the summit over the Inland Sea.
Monet, Pat and our tour guide Kim.
Nanette, tour leader, Jan and Kathy
Mt.Misen is the highest mountain on the island and rises 535 meters above sea level.
We visited the Daisho-in Shingon Temple, decorated with prayer wheels and Buddhist images.
Henjyokutsu Cave: Contain the sand and the principal Buddhist icons of the 88 temples of the prestigious pilgrimage route on Shikoku.
See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil.
Beautiful old wood carvings
Dai-hannyakyo Sutras: it is believed that touching these sutras will bring you enormous fortune.
It was low tide when we came back from the mountain and could walk to the gate
Fishermen drop coins in the water when going through the gate, and later these men collect them!
Another fabulous day with beautiful weather. It just keep getting better!
Only one more day, and we will go back to reality.