Istukushima Shrine
After we were in Hiroshima, we took the local train and then the ferry to Miyajima to visit the Istukushima Shrine , in particular, the Grand Tori. It was very easy to get too. We knew this was on the list when we saw the pictures. it is just gorgeous...unfortunately, the whole day we were there, it was just pouring! Waiting for the ferry to Miyajima While on Miyajima, we were staying at ryokan, a traditional Japanese guest house. This guest house was a larger one, but still had the traditional room and dinner experience. Once we dropped off our luggage, we quickly walked down to the Grand Torii. This is another UNESCO heritage site. The trees around the island are quite beautiful and never cut leaving the island feeling like a wilderness preserve. This was also our first encounter with deer on our trip. It was rather startling! These encounters did prepare for us Nara where the deer are even more eager to make friends! ...