Shrine Island

While officially named Itsukushima, the island is more commonly referred to as Miyajima, Japanese for "shrine-island". This is because the island is so closely related to its shrine, Itsukushima Shrine.

Such a beautiful spot and much quieter at this time of year, although I can see why it's of popular. The floating torii gate is lovely & the deer are a lot less demanding than the ones at Nara. The shrine, like the gate is built over water and the walk through is great with lots of opportunities to take pictures, although in high season I imagine you would be shoulder to shoulder with other tourists. For me it was worth braving the cold and the rain to benefit from the quiet - shrines are just not the same when busy! There is so much to do here, well worth another visit!

We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.
Jawaharial Nehru