Andre and Wendy

Today we set off early to the Island of Miyajima. This involved a streetcar for us to the train station where we met Heather. A train to where we catch a ferry to the Island. 2 Ropeways to get to the top. Then a big walk to get to the very top of Mt. Misen.

We had heard there could be a 1 hour wait when it was busy, we knew it was busy as it is a weekend, beautiful weather, and the cherry blossoms are about at their peak here.

No stopping on the way to get into the line for the Ropeway. It moved quite quickly, had a good chat with a couple from New Zealand and before we knew it we were at the top. A little disappointed in the view as it is not very clear, it would be fantastic if it was clear. Decision made to climb to the top to Mt. Mison Observatory. Why when we are going to a summit did we go down so much to start, this does not look good for on the way back. We made it to the top finally with a few stops. Lots of nice views from the top, but would have been so much nicer if it was a little clearer.

The way down was not too bad, only the end bit did we have to climb up again.

At the bottom we were all hungry and it is time to eat. This Island is known for its oysters, we found a great place with a fried oyster plate for each of the girls, and an oyster soup for Andre. All were delicious.

We walked around a bit, found some beautiful cherry trees for picture, visited a shrine and then walked along to the Torri Gate. I had read somewhere that this is one of the 3 top pictures in Japan. It is special that way it is in the water.

We see a few deer around as well. Lots of advertising that the deer here are wild so do not feed them. These are definitely the most tame wild deer we have ever seen.

Reversed our way back to Hiroshima and take a break in the late afternoon at the hotel,

Once it gets dark we decide to head out to see Hiroshima castle. We had read that it is lit up at night for a few hours so off we go. We decided to walk along the river where it is lined with cherry trees. So many people out with blankets visiting under the trees. Some eating supper, some having a few beer, it was really beautiful even at night time.

Made our way to the castle and run into Heather leaving. We take a few pictures of the castle lit up, there is a spot that you stand to trigger music and the castle changing colors, very fun.

Stop at 7/11 for smoothies for supper, 2^nd one Andre has dropped since we have been here, guess they are just not for him.

27,982 steps or 17.85 km

Ferry to Island of Miyajima

Island of Miyajima with famous Torii Gates

So many people to see Itsukushima-Jinja Torii Gates

Itsukushima-Jinja Torii Gates

Love this sign, run a little!

Walk to the ropeway (we did not run)

1st of 2 ropeways, this held 8 small people, 6 north americans!

Second Ropeway, this one held over 25 people

View from the top of the ropeway

Map of where you can climb, yes we climbed.

Sankoji Shrine

I see lots of stairs on the right to start climbing

Views on the hike to the top

View from top of Mt. Misen

Made it to the top, wish it was a little clearer our for the views

Heading down

Observatory at the top of the ropeway, this guy was enjoying the view I guess. They are not very wild here even though signs posted everywhere said they are wild