Miyajima Island Miyajimacho, Hiroshima

Miyajima Island, officially known as Itsukushima, is a picturesque is a small island in Hiroshima Bay located less than an hour from Hiroshima. It is known for it's “floating” Torii Gate, which appears to be floating on the water during high tide1. This sight is considered one of Japan’s three best views1.

The island is home to the Itsukushima Shrine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and dates back to the 6th century2. You can also explore Mount Misen, which offers beautiful panoramic views. It is filled with natural beauty, forests, and friendly deer roaming around.

If you visit Japan this is definitely one for your travel list, but if visiting in the summer be sure to get there early as it does get busy and hot.

In the evening we went back to Hiroshima and found a great Italian restaurant by the river and a pub where we had some drinks and did a little dancing.