Itsukushima & Miyajima: The Shrine Island

I've had guests tell me, upon walking around on Itsukushima: "NOW I feel like I'm in Japan!" You can feel the history here. The sights and smells are everywhere — the oysters are being grilled, the stuffed maple cakes are being baked (and then deep fried!), the fish cakes are being broiled, the eel is being grilled, and don't even get me started on all the lemonade (both with alcohol and without). And it's ALL FOR YOU!

That's just the walk up to the UNESCO World Heritage site — one of the top three most photographed places in all of Japan. Well, you do have some competition: the island's indigenous deer population might try to pilfer your tasty treats. But that's why you have a professional tour guide to save you! No matter the season, Itsukushima is vibrant with color and teeming with life.

1. Meet at Hiroshima Station — 2nd floor, south entrance, just outside the information office. (We're taking the train to catch the ferry.)
2. Train to Miyajimaguchi. Fair warning: this tour involves walking… lots of walking.
3. Ferry to Miyajima.
4. Have grand adventure.
5. See the Ōtorii — the big gate. Depending on the tide schedule, we may be able to walk out to it (keep in mind it will be muddy).
6. See Itsukushima Shrine.
7. Eat sooooo many snacks.
8. See some deer.
9. Ferry back to Miyajimaguchi.
10. Your choice of trains: onward to Peace Park, or back to Hiroshima Station.