Monday - MIYAJIMA ISLAND

We awoke to a gloriously sunny day in Hiroshima and were up early to be ready for our visit to Miyajima Island. The hotel receptionist provided directions for catching the street car to the train station where we could transfer to another train to reach the ferry.

Sounds simple, but we decided we could read the map (acting like locals again) and instead of getting the #3 streetcar as instructed, we opted for #1. Of course that took us in the opposite direction and we ended up at the main Hiroshima Station, a long way from where we needed to be!

It was back on to another streetcar (#2 this time) to head across the city to where we wanted to go. However, Renee pointed out that the trip would take up to an hour on the streetcar and we hadn't had brekky, so we jumped off at a stop near Tully's Coffee Shop. The brekky was amazing - good choice!

Rather than brave the streetcar again, we caught a taxi to the station and got the train that took us to the ferry port. 

It was only 10 minutes across to Miyajima Island, which seems to survive on the daily influx of tourists. Wild deer roam freely and follow tourists down the street. 

We wandered along the streets, browsing through the shops, took photos of the Shinto Gate, for which Miyajima is most famous and just enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful weather. 

After lunch in a small restaurant we headed up the track behind the shops to find the Rope Way (cable car) to ride to viewing areas up the mountain side. The walk was through rainforest-like trees, with occasional bridges and waterfalls, along with the deer that wandered about.

 

The cable car took us high up the mountain for spectacular views across to Hiroshima in one direction and small islands in the other. Well worth the trek up the hill.

The trip home to the hotel was uneventful - we chose a taxi this time and dropped in to 7Eleven to buy a salad for dinner.

Bec needs to try and squeeze her truckload of purchases into her suitcase so we can catch two trains tomorrow!