Miyajima

Hi everyone,

Today we headed off on the tram and then ferry to Miyajima (AKA Itsukushima Island). Affectionately known as Miyajima, which means 'Shrine Island', you would definitely have seen the red torii gate in the water here before. We could see it from the ferry, and the sky and hills of the island were beautiful as well. We had read at the museum yesterday that organisations looking after orphans post A bomb had brought some of them here for a day trip to try and bring them some joy, and I can see why. It was beautiful.

When we arrived, we were disappointed to find out that the ropeway/cable car we had been looking forward to was shut for repairs which hadn't been listed anywhere online, but these things happen whilst travelling. It was actually pretty ironic because if our trip had gone ahead in 2020, the torii would have been covered in scaffolding as it was being done up in time for the scheduled 2020 olympics. Due to Covid, the scaffolding only went at the end of 2022. So, we traded one attraction for another!

We walked around to the gate which is a part of Itsukima Shrine, which was first established in the 6th century and most recently rebuilt in the 12th century. En route there were not many people around, and we saw a few deer. I enjoyed the deer here a lot more than Nara for one simple reason - you can't buy food to feed them. They were cute, chilled out, and kept to themselves like deer should as a result. They weren't coming up to everyone like the ones at Nara have been conditioned to do due to being fed.

We went through the shrine and took some pictures, and continued on through the pretty streets. Mum and Dad went up a couple of lookouts whilst I waited down below, as today was very hot again. We are very glad that earlier in the trip it was warm but not boiling. Today in Tokyo the weather app says "feels like 42". We had been expecting lots of rain on this trip as that's the season we've come in, but instead they're having a lot of sunny, hot, rain free days. As a result, the rest of our time in Miyajima was spent jumping from a cafe to a bar etc enjoying cool drinks and sitting in the air conditioning. We had a yummy iced coffee and Mum had a coffee soft serve, and then at a bar I had a lemon soda and Mum and Dad had a couple of alcoholic drinks. We also enjoyed one of the maple cakes we had seen and heard about. I picked one with a peach filling and it was delicious!

Once we started to head back to the ferry, the crowds everywhere were insane. It's definitely been better getting up early to avoid the worst crowds and heat and have things to ourselves this trip. We caught the train back and then a tram, and went back to the bakery from yesterday's walking tour. We had lunch and I also bought some goodies for tomorrow, as the train station options for food to take on the Shinkansen to Tokyo are mostly things like sushi etc that I am not allowed to eat due to pregnancy. Speaking of which - I am 28 weeks today which means I am officially in the third trimester! Despite the heat, bump is coping well. I think I'm drinking about 6 drink bottles of water a day and other liquids too. Just staying super hydrated, using transport a lot, sitting as much as I can and heading into air conditioning whenever possible.

After the bakery, we walked in the surrounding Hiroshima Gate Park and enjoyed standing in the water features designed for kids to play in to cool down. There was also an old train that Mum climbed up on. Next, we headed to the plaque marking the hypocentre of the Atomic Bombing, and looked in a couple of (very well air conditioned!) souvenir shops.

We are now resting in the room for a few hours before we head out for dinner. Tomorrow we catch two Shinkansens and head back to Tokyo for four final days to end our trip. I am praying that the temperature drops off a bit up there before we arrive.

We have really enjoyed Hiroshima. It's been interesting and sad to learn of the history here, but we've also really enjoyed how kind the people have been overall, the food and some other unexpected attractions too. I think if I had to pick, the people have been the nicest here. I've been surprised whilst in Japan that people haven't necessarily been as kind/respectful to others everywhere as I had expected. We've come across a fair few that have been downright rude and dismissive. Many people seem to more have a "follow the rules at all costs" attitude. But in Hiroshima people have been really smiley, warm and friendly. It's nice that they can give off this impression when their city has a reputation for such a sad world event occurring.

Love to all
Claire
Xoxox