Day 5 Photos - Miyajima
I love going to Miyajima. It's a small island near Hiroshima, about 20-30 minutes by ferry. On the island is the Itsukushima Shrine. A beautiful shrine that is built out over the water. When the tide is in, the shrine appears to be floating on the water. A huge Torii gate out in the water marks where the shrine is. Unfortunately a recent typhoon had caused some significant damage to the shrine, though repairs seemed to be moving along at a good clip.
At the top of the island is a colony of monkeys that I had never managed to see before. Each time I went up there, they were usually off in the trees feeding. Well, this time they were there! They are quite accustomed to the presence of humans, though they are not tame. You can get remarkably close to them without causing alarm.
One of the trails up the side of Mt. Misen, the main mountain on the island, showing damage from the typhoon.
Also on the island is the Daishoin Temple. Tucked up on the slopes of Mt. Misen, it's a Buddhist Temple of the Shingon Sect. The stairs up to the temple are lined with these small statues of Buddha.
At the temple is the Henshokutsu Cave. I don't know if I can adequately describe the feeling of walking into this small underground grotto. Entering the cave, there are three major sections to the cave, and the ceiling is lined with lanterns. When I went in only the center section of lanterns was lit, so the two outer rows were dark, enhancing the lighting in the room. The Cave is filled with various images of Buddha, and what resemble giant abacus beads that are printed with prayers. An amazingly peaceful feeling washed over me as I gazed about the room. I could have spent an hour trying to photograph this room and still not have gotten it. The best I can give you is this...
