Miyajima Island

So we took the train and ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island, which according the brochures is the third most scenic spot in Japan (we have no idea what the other two are). The views are absolutely stunning and the whole island feels like a very special place.This is a very popular tourist destination. After arriving yesterday, we joined the crowds watching the sun set behind the famous floating Torii gate. We also managed to catch sight of the famous Five-Storied Pagoda.

Torii party

Today Grace set us a challenge of climbing the nearby Mount Misen. Now those of your familiar with Yorkshire dialect may think that  ‘Mount Misen’ is some sort of metaphorical reference to achieving a sort of inner peace by overcoming the ‘mountain’ within ‘mi sen’. But no it is an actual mountain. One that has a climb time of 1.5 to 2 hours. Which we smashed by reaching its summit in an impressive, and albeit very sweaty, hour. The views from the top were incredible and we encountered some very interesting shrines that we have yet to research. Note from Grace: Mount Misen is 535 metres above sea level – that’s about half the height of Snowdon. Also, almost the entire climb was paved with steps. I used it as my Saturday morning workout, except I’ve never sweated that much. I also didn’t freak out (outwardly) at the top – I just stayed near the middle of the observatory deck and sat silently – Hugh took the photos.

Also on the way up we encountered an enigmatic sign relating to sandwiches. What could it mean? Would the author honour their promise? I doubt we will ever find out. What I do know is that sandwich hunts appear to be a very intergral part of Japanese culture and even pre-date the invention of the sandwich in the UK by at least one hundred million years.

Starting on the mountain trail

Views from the top

Views from the top

Sandwich mystery

This morning Grace said something to the effect of: ‘I keep waking up and forgetting that we are in this amazing place and then we just step out and we are in like a totally incredible paradise, yeah? You get me?’ Although I may have misremembered exactly what she said, I pretty much agree with the sentiment (particularly as we have found a place that does a ridiculously good chocolate sorbet). However, I feel that Grace is being unduly influenced by one significant factor in her assessment of Miyajima Island. There are TINY LITTLE CUTE DEER EVERYWHERE. Which she has been unsuccessfully trying to teach not to eat rubbish (note: although this is a doomed enterprise in which Grace talks to the deer like they are naughty school children, it is in itself is one of the most entertaining things I have ever seen). Note from Grace: I don’t want anyone to think we have paid someone to have these photos taken with the deer. It was all off their own backs. They are totally unphased by people and strut around town amidst the tourists trying to eat people’s wallets.

After our mountain mission we have spent the rest of our time reading on the beach and people watching. We also checked out a huge rice spoon if you are into that kind of thing. The local speciality is eel and so last night I had an eel noodle bowl and Grace again went for Okonomiyaki. We also today sampled an eel bun which was delicious and also a little reminiscent of our friend Neil Bunn which was really really great but in no way implies that we want to eat him. Note from Grace: Oyster is also a speciality here, and they sell it at little street stalls all around town. They deep fry the oysters, or grill them in their shell. I therefore had to try this delicacy and had it in my okonomiyaki.

Can you even believe it?

Neel Bunn

Tomorrow we are heading to Nara on the train. It is currently the Obon festival holiday in Japan though, (a bit like our Easter weekend) so it is probably going to be a horrendous journey. Wish us luck!

Rice ball count: 0 (but lots of other yummy food)