From Hiroshima we caught a ferry (also covered by the Japan Rail Pass) to the very touristy Miyajima Island. But ... we were tourists, and it is a beautiful place. A shrine was first built here in the 6th century, though it has been destroyed many times over the centuries, and the current shrine was started in the mid 16th century. Apparently pilgrims approaching the shrine would enter, on a boat, through the enormous tori gates. These are so impressive; we saw it at both high and low tide.
A small township has built up around the temple, it is a beautiful little seaside town with lots of expensive tourist shops, all selling the same thing, but once you go back a few streets it starts to feel a bit more "real" - narrow streets, small houses and the odd shop. In a desperate search for something to snack on we happened upon a small crowded supermarket and found the most fruit and vegies I had ever seen in one place (we didn't often see lots of fruit for sale) and bought the largest and juiciest apples ever!
There are also tame deer all over the place on Miyajima and they have no qualms about stealing your lunch or even the map in your hand!
We stayed the night here in a ryokan (traditional hotel) and it was great to have this experience - it included traditional dinner and breakfast - Erin and Charlie did so well eating their meals, Natalie and Rory had a little more trouble.
Unfortunately we had to leave the island earlier then planned as there was a typhoon on its way and all ferries were going to be cancelled. We had started walking through the beautiful forest making our way to the skyrail which takes you to the top of the mountain (this is what we had all been looking forward to) only to be called back by a loudspeaker system placed through the warning us that the last ferry was leaving. This led to a frantic search for rambling children, a mad and dash to the ferry port and a very crowded trip back to the mainland. It made me think of a scene out of a communist country - all these people being called and directed and issued instructions.
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