Miyajima (Shrine Island)

Today (Wednesday) we went to Miyajima or the Island of Shrines. The island is sacred and is covered by forest which is untouched and undeveloped. The island is one of the three main world heritage sites in Japan. There are no births or deaths allowed on the island. (we did go past a garage full of ambulances ready to whisk away any woman about to go into labour or anyone looking a little ill!)

Mount Misen is the highest peak on the island and we took a cable car to the top. (500 m or about 1500ft)

Forest stream

cable car

At the summit of Mount Misen is a sanctuary for monkeys. I had to lock my handbag in a locker at the cable car station because the monkeys are rather keen on handbags (something the monkeys have in common with Victoria Beckham and the other accessory loving celebs.) Luckily they are not interested in cameras other than posing for pictures of course (something else they have in common with Posh Spice!)

At the sea front on the island is a very large shrine which is built out on stilts over the sea.

In the background behind the shrine you'll also see the 5 story pagoda.

In front of the shrine is the world famous floating Tori (gate.) There is a picture below of me with the Tori in the background.
monkeys are not the only inhabitants of the island. Wild deer are allowed a free run of the island and the younger ones seem to make the most of this by wandering around the shops and the ferry terminal. There was an interesting sign at the ferry terminal warning about recent deer and tourist related accidents. I will add a photo of the sign when we get home when I will dedicate a whole post to the unique signs of Japan!