The nice feeling of sleeping on 1000+ count sheets [Im not even sure they make those] with a Japanese robe holding close to every part of your body. It doesnt go unnoticed. Especially when partnered with fresh green tea. If youve ever watched a surreal movie like "Last Holiday," you are probably like me in that you have wondered what it would be like to live like the high society. Making that splurge on the ryokan [a traditional Japanese inn] was one of the best decisions one could ever make. TO make things better, you know that you are cut away form the rest of the world on a luxurious island. It truly meets up to its name: A place where humans and gods meet together.
We needed a fresh start like this if we were going to even match up to hat was going to be in our near future [MT FUJI]. We set out at a comfortable time and went sight seeing around the island. To the average person, Mirajima Island would be passed up when Tokyo is complared against it. It was not until we saw pamphlets and consulter our "Lonely Planet" guide that we knew it would be a treasured moment. The island is home to the top three photographed sights in Japan: The Floating Torii Gate, Senjojaku Shrine, and the red bridge. We were only able to make a good majority.
In 1587 Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the warlord who unified Japan during this era, ordered the establishment of Senjokaku as a sutra repository where sutra-chanting would be held in honor of war casualties. It is the biggest building in Miyajima. It is called Senjokaku because its floor size is equal to the area of 857 tatami mats, who would have ever thought it? . The construction of the hall was discontinued when Hideyoshi passed away, and it still remains unfinished today.
Upon entering into any temple or shrine, you are asked to cleanse your hands of any bad omens or spirits that you may be accompanying you. Throughout the beginning corridors in the temple, there are several reeds that you can wave over yourself/neighbor to perform the like. The Kushima Shrine is known for the unique and bold concept of being built in the sea as well as its elegant architectural style called “Shinden Zukuri”. It is said to have been first built in 593, and the present shrine pavilions were constructed in 1168. The vermilion-painted main building creates a beautiful contrast with the blue sea and green mountains; when the tide comes in, the shrine looks as if it is floating on the sea. We were lucky to see a Japanese wedding being performed there. We were intially prevented from taking pictures but we soon followed the lead of others and went against orders.
The shrine, partnered up with the floating Torii gate make for one scenic shot.
Once we realized what time it was, we snapped out of tourist mode and made a B line back toward the ryokan to pick up our luggage. Our next stop would be Kyoto.
Traveling between the cities is rumored as being just as joyous as getting together for company office parties. We soon realized that we would go against the grain and look forward to these times. Our timing was unmatched. Every time we happened to travel, it would be at the hottest time of the day- the fast train and cool temperatures of its cars allowed for us to a get a good nap in. Forget the kids, adults need naps too.
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