I was looking forward to our visit to Miyajima Island, touted as “One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Spots.” To get there we took a ferry, which was about a ten minute trip. The ferry was packed with revelers all going to the island for a pleasant afternoon.
I sensed, on the ferry, that someone was watching me.
An iconic view greeted us as we arrived on Miyajima Island.
I was looking forward to this moment, when I would take my photo of this famous Torii gate. So was everyone else that just exited the ferry with us.
As I said, there were three couples on this excursion and each of us took a turn having our photos taken in front of this site. Call us tourists if you must.
Donna & John 
Di & John 
JoAnn & me
Deer are revered here and roam free. Here is one of them just taking it easy. Looks like he has all he can do to keep his, or is he a she, eyes open.
The island is a tourist mecca. Here is a little excursion boat just waiting to receive passengers.
Another Torii gate with another lion guardian. Shrines are everywhere and they are important. They are magnets drawing people from far and wide and the shrine on Miyajima is no exception.
Sometimes all you want to do is take a break and enjoy the view.
One way to get around is in a rickshaw.
The Itsukushima Shrine, originally built in 1168, sprawls along the waterfront and faces the vermillion gate that is the iconic symbol of this island.
Shrines, although ornate on their exteriors, are usually stark and simple on their interiors.
And no shrine is complete without a protective guardian standing eternal watch.
We were treated to another Shinto wedding, with the bride in traditional garb . . .
. . . and the Shinto priests keeping watch.
The Shrine had its saki barrels which bring donations and color to the setting.
The island, as the rest of Japan, has its share of mountains. You can take a ropeway to the top if you have the time. Here is a shot from the Shrine which incorporates a graceful bridge and latern into the photo.
Then, it was time for lunch and we were off to a little restaurant which was a favorite of Karoi. As we strolled over I snapped this picture of a young woman taking a picture.
We really liked lunch. Karoi referred to our meal as a Japanese pizza. It was something different and very good. It was a thin, flat dough layered with noodles, pulled pork, scallions and topped off with a tasty sauce. One was more than enough for JoAnn and me. Although I do not do pictures of food I am making an exception; here are two photos of lunch.
And, here is a photo of a cook working on preparing this terrific dish.
After lunch we took our time walking back to the ferry strolling down an interesting shopping street passing numerous shops, restaurants and bakeries as we went.
Looking for a place to eat. Check out this enticing display.
Before we knew it our visit to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island was over and we were back at the Quest. One group selfie to end the day was required.
