It’s just a short trip from Hiroshima to the beautiful island of Itsukushima, home of the beautiful and scenic Miyajima shrine.

I foolishly thought this day was going to be short, as I thought there was little to do around Miyajima – I was happily wrong.

We first walked through the adorable island’s village and shrine, then hiked to the peak of the island where we were greeted by snow, and met an European girl working in a hostel in Hiroshima.

We had dinner at a sushi chain with our new friends and then I lured everyone to a video game bar where I finally got to try the Japanese FamiCon and Super FamiCon.

What a day!I also made a video while there:

The deers of Miyajima

The touristy village, full of affordable souvenirs and delicious snacks

Sausage in bacon? Delicious.

The shrine at high tide. Beautiful.

Before stepping into the beautiful Buddhist shrine, you have to wash your hands with natural water.

Inside the shrineJapanese and their symmetry

Not sure what this is but it’s purty

A bit more of the village.

Even the fire-fighter trucks are cute!

The view at the peak of the mountain.

Some of the slippery steps on the mountain trail.

The way is populated by small shrines and statues dressed up for the winter.

Buddhist shrine.

Studious monk.

My friend Yukari, who drove us everywhere like a champion and introduced us to food and cultural aspects we would have never guessed, and the hostel girl. I forgot her name.

Getting the last cable-car down at sunset, after getting lost a few times on the trail.

The gate at low tide. Very cool!

Some last-minute snacks before catching the last ferry back.