In the Land Of The Rising Sun - Hiroshima - 2 May 2026

The final day of my visit to Japan dawned bright and sunny. I was happy to note that the weather forecast was a bit off on both the days of my stay in Hiroshima. While I had borrowed an umbrella from the accommodation as a precaution the previous day, it did not seem it necessary for this day. It would be a leisurely day with just the visit to Miyagami Island.

To reach the island that was nearly 25 km away Google maps suggested that I take a multi-modal option of bus cum train cum ferry, which is what I did. So methodical and brilliantly executed is the logistics to the island. When I arrived at the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal it was swarming with people, and I saw long queues head towards the embarkation points. I suspected that I would be consumed by the Golden week rush. I need not have worried. There was no unnecessary hurry, shoving or any indication that the site was experiencing heavy traffic. Everything was handled calmly and in an orderly manner. I passed through the gate paying the fare with the Suica card.

Two separate companies operate ferries between the mainland and the island, and they have a ferry departing almost every five minutes. The large ferries, that can accommodate vehicles too, are operated with clockwork precision, as are almost everything in this amazing country. Accommodation is on three decks with exits at both ends of the ferry. This avoids turning of the ferry. The ferry ride was a short one; just 10 minutes.

As I came out of the ferry terminal, I found a few deer in open and I was amazed. Then I heard announcements made that the deer in Miyagami are wild and that they should not be fed. Visitors are warned that the deer will try and dispossess visitors of their personal belongings. I did see a few instances of that as also those of visitors feeding the deer. However, they provided fantastic photo opportunities, especially for kids.

Miyajima is known for its forests and ancient temples. The major attractions are the Itsukushima Shrine and the giant, orange Great Torii Gate, which is partially submerged at high tide. The latter marks the entrance to the former, which was first built in the 12th century. There's plenty to do in the island for a full day. Miyajima is a romantic place, and some visitors stay overnight at one of the island's Ryokan.

Besides the main shrine and the torii gate, the Hokoku Shrine, Five-storied Pagoda, Tahoto (Two-storied Pagoda), Kiyomori Shrine as well as hiking to the sacred Mt Misen and walking paths can engage the full day visitor. However, the weather was hot and humid, I contrast to the mainland. Plenty of food and drink options spoil visitors. Many spend a substantial part of their visit feasting on the delicacies.

There is an entrance fee to the Itsukushima Shrine. The queues were rather long, but it moved quite fast. However, to access a vantage point to take photos with the giant Torii gate moved very slowly. People took their own sweet time, oblivious to those waiting patiently in line. I decided to find alternative locations for photo opportunities and found them. The shrine complex itself consists of two main buildings: the Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja, as well as 17 other different buildings and structures. All made of wood.

After spending a couple of hours in the island I retraced my journey back to the accommodation. On the way I picked up chicken Ramen noodles from a convenience store. Chunks of chicken with mayonnaise and tasty noodles made the meal yummy and wholesome. The evening was spent exploring the Hondori market. I was amazed by the underground bike parking facility nearby, separate enclosures for smokers and the number of restaurants and cafes that were doing brisk business. The recommended place for Okonomiyaki, the Okonomimura, had customers queuing up right into the street from the four storied complex! Tesla had put up a promotional kiosk, and they were conducting raffles too. I took part and won a small pack of face tissues!

On the way back to the accommodation, I picked up precooked ham and egg Okonomiyaki, pancakes with maple syrup and a can of Asahi beer and from the Family Mart convenience store. There are more than 50,000 convenience stores and they provide affordable and nutritious food, besides other things. The beer was quite good, with alcohol percentage of only 5. The Okonomiyaki consists substantially of cabbage. It was a good experience, no doubt. The pancakes were superb. That has brought to an end the tour in the Land of the Rising Sun. The return to the homeland begins tomorrow.