Miyajima (21. Jan.)

From Iwakuni to Miyajima.

I made it to Miyajima Station and took a pit-stop. Then I noticed something and decided to capture it in photo:

See something missing?

Here's a hint: Where's the soap?

Yes, it is sometimes difficult to find soap in public restrooms, 'cause they are nonexistent. Thank GOD for hand-sanitizer.

The squaters + handle bar for an extra help.

The Western-style toilets.

Always happy to see them.

This is where we're going.

Can't really miss it.

The ferry station.

Didn't think I'd see Spanish,

Who knew?

To the ferry!

Inside said ferry.

Nice scene as we're pulling out to sea.

Can you see that orange Shinto gate (torii)? That's where we're going.

A little clearer now.

The O-torii Gate.

Oh snap. It's closed today.

It'll be open tomorrow, but do I really want to come all the way back here with my carry-on and drag it all the way to the aquarium . . . ?

No.

Oh, well this is something I don't see everyday.

Japanese tourists + inquisitive deer.

Deer as far as the eye can see.

And not shy either!

Note: Be careful with your papers; the deer will eat any paper you have on your hands. I know, one came to me and started eating my map!

Rickshaw rides, anyone?

Entrance

About ready to venture in.

Beach with deer prints in the sand.

Now, I'm on this side of the gate.

You can get an idea of the size of this thing when looking at the people on the bottom.

This is low tide. During high tide, it looks like both this gate and the shrine behind it are floating on the water. Must be lovely.

Itsukushima Shrine.

Going in.

So free.

Peaceful

I can't stop looking at that. I love the Five-storied Pagoda's architecture.

You can see the foundations of the shrine.

A ceremony is going on.

Who goes there?!

Looking into the shrine where the ceremony is being held.

Lots of people wanting their photo moments.

Including yours truly.

Again, isn't it cool?

Another bridge, yay!

But it's closed off, boo.

Looking back at the exit.

Follow this back to where I started (before wandering through the shrine).

Looking back to where I came out of the shrine.

Just look at the detail!

Oh, now you tell me.

You two agree with this?

My main struggle the entire trip.

But they made it so cute.

Goodbye Miyajima, and thanks for the maple-shaped bars!

There's way more to this place, but I was running out of time. I'd definitely recommend this place. I really liked it.

Now it's the end of Day 3.

Iwakuni (21. Jan.)

New day, new adventure. Today, I'm off to Iwakuni--then I ended up going to Miyajima as well, but Miyajima will be on the next post.

Part of the breakfast buffet at my hotel.

There were quite a few people there that morning,

When you're done, deposit your plates, cups, chopsticks, and silverware here.

A taxi.

Now you know how one looks like in Japan (at least in Hiroshima).

On my way to Hiroshima Station to get on a train to Iwakuni.

On my way there, I started to see these signs on some of the train stations:

This is very convenient and good to know!

So, arrived at Iwakuni Station (not Shin-Iwakuni, where the Shinkansen goes) and took a bus to the most popular sight in Iwakuni: Kintaikyo ("Kintai Bridge")

It is really hard to miss.

Some info.

To the right, you can see Iwakuni Castle on the top of that hill.

To the left, you can see the ropeway/cablecar station at the top of the hill.

Kintai Kyo.

You will see that I can't get enough of this bridge.

Good to know.

Did I mention that I love bridges?

Let's get as many angles as I can.

I was going to do the bridge and the castle, but this notice let me know this was not an option. Again, I was there January 21st.

If you were here, you'd probably do the same.

I guess they set this foundation 1st, before they made the bridge?

Close-up of the station and castle.

These steps were a little tricky coming down. They weren't at my pace. I almost slipped at one point.

At the other side of the bridge . . .

Oh, good to know.

Map of the area.

Hmm, I guess it hasn't been cleaned in a while.

But boy, do they love water fountains!

Still don't believe me?

What about now?

I feel like I'm seeing a 3-D comic when I see these trees.

I mean that as a really cool thing.

Blossoms peeping out a little early.

Reminded me of Autumn.

Trees standing like soldiers.

A museum to the left and the cable car/ropeway station on the right.

A shrine entrance.

More to the actual shrine.

A samurai.

I wish I knew the stories about this place.

Streetcar bus!

Too bad I didn't ride it back to Iwakuni Station, 'cause I didn't know it went there.

You live and learn.

I'm so glad something is in English, as I'm completely illiterate in Japanese.

End of Day 3, Part 1.

Off to Miyajima for Part 2