Miyajima Mt. Misen

"Welcome to Mt. Misen in Miyajima."

"Let's go for an Air Walk while enjoying many islands beauty of the Inland Sea and the view of World Heritage / Mt. Misen primeval forest!"

Rodney wasn't too thrilled with the Air Walk!!

The first 3/4 of the way up is in a 4-seater gondola.

The last 1/4 way up is in a 25-stander gondola.

The views were spectacular!!!

But, Rodney wasn't thrilled.....

At the top at Shi Shi I Wa Station

This island is one of the 3,000 islands that make up the Setonaikai National Park.

Along the trail to the higher peak is Lovers Sanctuary. For those unable to make the hike, they have created a satellite of the sanctuary inside the station.

Directions read:

"To deepen the bond of the couple, Light the monumental 'Fire' together. And tell in a breath how you love each other with the help of the secret power of 'Fire of Oath'. Facing and watching each other across this 'Fire of Oath'. The girl pushes 'red button' and the boy pushes 'black button' together, then 'Fire of Oath' light up!

'Fire of Oath' is lighting at once! God grant to you his strength only one chance!"

The plaque reads:

"Satellite of Lovers Sanctuary

Here we declare this place as 'Satellite of Lovers Sanctuary' to impart the joy and the magic of encounters, blissful marriages, and raising a happy home. We send our blessings to your encounters and wish you a wonderful future."

Signed, "Bridal Mother"

After enjoying the views for a bit, we decided to take the trail to the higher peak.

Trust me--- we will be VERY careful!!

View of Shi Shi I Wa Station and the ocean from the trail.

We made it to Kiezu-no-Reikado, the Lovers Sanctuary!!

According to visit-miyajima-japan.com, this flame (under the pot) has been burning for over 1200 years and was the "pilot" for the Flame of Peace burning in Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park.

It also states that holy water boiled with this fire can heal "all sorts of diseases".

Of course, we had to take a pic!!

There were a number of this little monk(?) statues around that people had adorned.

Time to continue on up to the peak and the observatory!

Miyajima Trail to Mt. Misen

The village spreads out from the inland side of the shrine.

Rodney and I ended up on opposite sides of the "ravine"!!!

This seemed to be the local temple.

An altar next to the 'ravine'.

A HUGE piece of tree root (I believe) outside the little museum.

The beautiful 5-story Goju-no-to Pagoda

Walking through the residential area of the village to the Ropeway Station to catch the lift to the mountain top.

Fire Station

Departing the residential area, the path takes us through this lush landscape.

I can only imagine when this area is emblazoned with fall colors!!!

A pathside cafe!!

Notice the Japanese seating? You'd take your shoes off and leave them on the ground, while sitting on the green pillow up on the platform with your legs folded up to the little table.

The Ropeway is just ahead!!!

Miyajima Shrine

After perusing the shopping area and trying a couple of snacks, then walking the waterfront, we approached the shrine.

Itsukushima Shrine is quite lovely!!!

This shrine sitting on top of the water is a fabulous photography spot!!

I am always fascinated by the wash areas outside the worship areas.

There's much to think about in the concept of washing before entering for worship....

I wonder how old this area of the shrine is...

Now, to take a stroll through the village to make our way to the sky-lift and take a ride up to Mt. Misen....