Romantic Miyajima

You recognize this?

Flash forward a day and I'm in Miyajima. The ride there is a real short one from Hiroshima, and especially so by train, so there truly is no excuse not the make the trip. From the train station, hop on a ferry, and you're on Miyajima. The large orange Torii gate is famous worldwide for being right in the bay and designates the entrance to Itsukushima shrine.

As much as it was tempting to sleep in at the hotel a little longer, I'm glad I came in the early morning, because the island attracts tourists like crazy. But that's not the only reason the time of your visit is important.
 The Torii and the shrine being so close to the bay, its appearance is greatly affected by tide. When the tide is at its highest, the Itsukushima shrine seems to float in the water, so perfectly is it constructed that thousands of small poles that support the structure disappear entirely under the surface.
 Come the lowest tide, however, it's possible to walk straight up to the Torii and stand beneath it.
 Very much like Nara, the local deer on Miyajima are completely accustomed to human presence and live side by side with people. They walk up and down the same streets, demanding food with very little reluctance. I've seen one stroll right to the door of a still-opening shop, either curious as to what was inside, or perhaps the doe was a regular herself. A nonchalant shopkeeper walked out the shop and past the deer like she couldn't give a shit. As in Nara, you can walk up to them and pet them if you like.
 Though many stop at the shrine, Miyajima has one more sight I can definitely recommend as a must to be seen. Hop on the rope-way and up the island's tallest peak, Mount Misen. It won't take you to the top, however. You'll have to muster the gut to hike a little, but it isn't a difficult one. Do it. I tell you, it's worth it, dammit. From the summit is easily one of the best panoramas I've seen in Japan. 

180 degree panorama. Click to enlarge.

The summit of Mount Misen overlooks the Seto inland sea, which in itself contains dozens of other islands that can are easily spotted in the horizon. So, too, is the city of Hiroshima.
 You've made the hike? Great. Now, there's one more thing you have to do to enjoy Miyajima at its fullest.
- Go to the top of the summit's observatory if you haven't already.
- Give someone your camera.
- Go back to the bottom of the observatory.
- Climb a rock.
- Strike a pose.

You win.