Shikonononono
On Day 2, the sun was shining, and the temperatures remained high. Taking a boat from Peace Memorial Park offers a scenic ride to one of Hiroshima's second most iconic sights. Miyajima is known for its iconic floating tori gate, “friendly” deer, and stunning shrines. This area is a popular tourist destination, so allow extra time for travel. I recommend avoiding bookings on long weekends.
Besides this, Miyajima is fun; wild deer wander around, and these deer are said to be a little more fearless than the bowing deer of Nara. I had a little wrestle with one who decided that the contents of a friend’s bag were deer snacks. To my surprise, the deer made a noise I never expected.… similar to a crying sound. Unfortunately, the contents of the bag would have simply made the deer sick. Tourists on the island are feeding deer food that is unhealthy for them. I witnessed a deer rip a coffee out of another tourist’s hands. Coffee cravings are real!
I had fun witnessing a deer trying to break into a closing shop! the deer alone make the trip fun and chaotic. You can never predict what they will do, so your trip will be full of the mystery of not knowing if the deer will head butt you in the face and demand your lunch money.
The numerous shrines and temples scattered across this island offer days of exploration, and you can book a hotel here. These hotels tend to get reserved quickly, and their prices can be quite alarming. I would also give a heads-up to those like myself who can’t eat fish or seafood. You will struggle to find anything substantial on the island. I ended up finding an all-you-can-drink lemon Sourz bar back in Hiroshima. On a day when the Yakiniku is also included this would make for one hell of a night.
There are many places to buy souvenirs on the island and I was over the moon to finally get my hands on a Japanese silk Happi. So far this is my favorite thing I have bought in Japan.
The island features a ropeway that takes visitors to the first observation point. It is often busy, so be sure to allow enough time. I was advised to book in advance, but it seems that this isn't necessary. After this point, the rest of the temples are a long hike and you need to ensure you bring your water.
I have Cough Variant Asthma, and even the first observation point was a bit challenging for my breathing. So traveling further was out of the cards. But the views even at this point are rewarding. You will be treated with a beautiful paranoic view.
Miyajima is worth visiting, but I don’t need to go back. The exploration of Japan continues. I hope to share my experiences, and that through my blogs and images, wherever you may be, it inspires or comfort you as you read.
I have still been fighting the homesick feeling. Whilst Japan is full of so many things I want to do and see, I cannot help but wish I had a special someone with me. Travelling is fun but I think with programs like these. Those who move with family or who have companions certainly have an easier time.
However, this journey also holds value as it helps me discover what I truly want and understand myself better. I have plans for a grand state tour in the future! Even the negatives are teaching us something. As I get closer to another birthday I realise more things I would like to achieve in my life. And I am thankful for this opportunity to understand myself. I recently found I love the feeling of helping people cook and sharing recipes. I love planning trips and the excitement of learning about a new to-be-explored place.
Even the faff of hotel bookings is fun! In my next blog I will cover the Atomic Bomb Musuem.
