Dreaming in Vermilion

Fifty minutes off the coast of Hiroshima and about a world away lies the quiet island of Miyajima. Standing sentry in its tranquil waters is a torii that has had my name on it since I shamelessly pilfered its picture at the start of Torii Gate nearly seven months ago. Secretly, I've been chasing it ever since. 

After the intensity of Hiroshima, I can imagine no better place to regroup than this island. Though plenty of people know about it, there seemed to be a peaceful, unhurried pace on the day of our visit, and it was fun to wander the corridor of shops along the main streets of its only town. Never mind the numerous deer unabashedly sharing that corridor with you! 

Itsukumisha Shrine -
built on stilts to prevent footprints from defiling the island.
Now there's some forethought!

Gram Pat and Patrick...leaving a few footprints. ;-)

Miyajima's vermillion shrine and spectacular 'floating' torii are truly something to behold against the natural background of mountains and sea. The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the sunset boat tour Chris arranged so that we might see the torii as it captured the last light of day. (Clever, isn't he?!) For reasons I cannot explain, we had the boat and guide nearly to ourselves - no complaints there! We all watched in quiet admiration as the sun dipped below the horizon, briefly bathing the gate in its light before slipping away. How exciting and satisfying to have this among our final adventures in Japan!

Shameless pilfering no longer required -
thanks, Chris!