Today we had the most amazing day on a small island off the coast of Hiroshima called Itsukushima. Historically home to a recluse monk seeking enlightenment, the island was full of historic reminders of this amazing time, and deer.
First up, straight off the ferry, there were deer everywhere, and people crowding them for photos. In reality, I think the deer just wanted food, but Betty (my favourite deer) clearly wanted to be my friend.
People are told not to feed the deer outside of this one area, because they are wild animals, and there have been problems with them eating rubbish and getting really sick. I wrestled half a wrapper out of one deer's mouth, but it's obvious they are getting places they shouldn't.
The island is possibly most famous for a huge shrine built off the coast of the island. The shrine, along with the temples around it have water come right up to the edges of them, but never to them. The main shrine appears to almost float in the water, and was amazing to see both during the day and at night.
We were lucky to get there at one stage during the day at low tide, and were able to go right up to it and touch it.
Aside from the deer, the island had a heap of amazing attractions, we spent half the day just wandering around the mountain, with natural creeks and rivers. There is also a massive cable car that takes you to a lookout near the top of the mountain, which takes almost an hour. Mt Misen is over 500m tall.
The view was spectacular in all directions. Unfortunately this wasn't the summit though, and we had to climb an additional 200m to reach it, which was hard work, but totally worth it for the shrines and monuments there.
Another of the big attractions of the island is of course the temple built by the monk who sought enlightenment there. He lived on the island in the 800s, and lit a fire which has been burning for over 1200 years since then. The Misen Hondo Hall is where he spent 100 days meditating, and the Reikado Hall houses the eternal flame.
A special note also has to be given to the street food, which I didn't get a photo of, because I was too busy enjoying it all.
Last night we caught up with a friend we met in Tokyo, and she told us about a street set up in Hiroshima with an amazing light display. It was incredible. 5 blocks on both sides of the road, covered in light displays!
The street we went for dinner also had a pet turtle out the front of one of the restaurants. (Don't worry, we asked, and he was a friend, not food!!)
Tomorrow, Osaka! xx