Nihon-sankei Aki no Miyajima Attractions The three most scenic spots in Japan
Since ancient times, Miyajima has been revered as a sacred place. Many inns from from the Edo period still remain today. After visiting the temples and shrines, enjoy walking through the strees or even what might be the true essence of Miyajima, the primeval mountain forest.
Built in the sea, Itsukushima Shrine is used to worship the guardian deity of the sea. The shrine is known for its unique construction, which displays the artistic beauty of the Shinden style of architecture. First built in 593, it was remodeled into its current form by Taira-no-Kiyomori in 1168. The Itsukushima Shrine complex is composed of a main shrine, several other encircling shrines, a Noh drama stage, and music rooms. All these structures are connected by corridors with a total length of about 300 meters. In December 1996 Itsukushima Shrine was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
MAP A1－1 Miyajima-cho Hatsukaichi-city HIROSHIMA
U R Lhttp://visit-miyajima-japan.com/en/
As the headquarters of the Omuro Branch of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, Daishoin is the most distinguished temple of Miyajima and as an administrative entity was in charge of all the Itsukushima Shirine rituals prior to the Meiji Restoration in1868. Fodo-myo-o, or the Immovable King, is believed to be an incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai, or the Cosmic Buddha. His image is characterized by a fierce face showing his determination to destroy evil. Hideyoshi Toyotomi, one of the three great 16th-century unifiers of Japan, prayed to this image for safety at sea and victory in battle.
MAP B210 Miyajima-cho Hatsukaichi-city HIROSHIMA
U R Lhttp://galilei.ne.jp/daisyoin (Japanese text only)
Situated next to the exit of Itsukushima Shrine, this temple was in charge of the repairs of Itsukushima Shrine until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Although Priest Ryokai and Priest Enkai are known to have contributed to the prosperity of the temple, the founder of this temple is not known. Known as one of the three most famous Benzaiten Temples, Daiganji Temple is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of eloquence, music, wisdom and wealth. The image of Benzaiten is opened for public viewing only once a year on June 17th. Additionally, the statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, in this temple is said to have been made by Kobo Daishi, who is the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism.
MAP C3 Miyajima-cho Hatsukaichi-city HIROSHIMA
Miyajima ropeway, which connects Momijidani Park with Shishiiwa on Mt. Misen, operates two types of aerial rope systems, both a circulatory and a reversible system. As the gondola proceeds over the primeval forest, passengers can enjoy a wonderful view of the Seto Inland Sea and on a clear day the faraway mountain ranges of Shikoku.
MAP DMomijidani Park Miyajima-cho Hatsukaichi-city HIROSHIMA
U R Lhttp://miyajima-ropeway.info/en
Covered with pristine, primeval forests, Mt. Misen, the highest mountain on Miyajima, rises 535 meters above sea level. The panoramic view from the top of the mountain is magnificent. Mt. Misen has long been considered sacred and has various spiritual sites related to Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The Eternal Flame in the Reikado Hall, which was lit by Kobo Daishi, is said to have been burning over 1200 years.
MAP EMt.Misen Miyajima-cho Hatsukaichi-city HIROSHIMA
Momijidani Park, which extends along the quietly flowing Momijidani River, is refreshing and turns a brilliant green in the spring. It has a constant, cool breeze in the summer. In autumn when the maple leaves turn red it is like the entire mountain is aflame.
MAP FMomijidani Park Miyajima-cho Hatsukaichi-city HIROSHIMA
Offering many restaurants, souvenir shops, and various trial workshops, Omotesando, meaning "the main approach road to the shrine," is the best shopping street in Miyajima.
MAP GMiyajima-cho Hatsukaichi-city HIROSHIMA
The secret to the old Machiya-Dori main street's charm lies in all of its traditional architecture.
MAP HMiyajima-cho Hatsukaichi-city HIROSHIMA
Displays include the finless porpoise, oyster aquacultures, and over 350 Seto Inland Sea animal species.
MAP I10−3 Miyajima-cho Hatsukaichi-city HIROSHIMA
U R Lhttp://http://www.miyajima-aqua.jp/english
This Seaside Park features white sand and green trees. Frequently used for outdoor recreational activities, this is also a popular summertime swimming spot.
MAP J1195 Miyajima-cho Hatsukaichi-city HIROSHIMA
About 10 min. from Ono IC or Hatsukaichi IC
About 22 min. from Hiroshima port
About 45 min. from Motoyasubashi Pier.(World Heritage Sea Route)
10 minutes by car from Oono IC or Hatsukaichi IC, and 10 minutes by ferry.
5 minutes walk from JR Miyajima-guchi station and 10 minutes by ferry.
1 minute walk from Hiroden Miyajima-guchi station and 10 minutes by ferry.
Miyajima is said to be a sacred island and a short hike will bring visitors to its untouched primeval forest. There are 3 hiking courses: Daigen, Daisho-in, and Momiji-dani to Misen, the highest mountain on Miyajima. The observatory on the peak, with its beautiful island view, is another popular activity.
The pagoda almost looks as though it was built on top of a light pink cloud.
A popular parent and child river otter pair from the Miyajima Public Aquarium, visitors can observe their comical behavior.
A large camphor tree on Mt. Misen's Omoto Hiking Course. Though there is a large hollow in the tree trunk the young saplings in bud are a reminder of the power of nature.
The View from Mt. Misen
The view from the peak of Mt. Misen is very popular with international visitors.