Miyajima Island

Presently, we are on the beautiful island of Okinawa! It's been 11 years since we last came to this place and it's like reliving a dream. Everything seems so surreal and familiar, and we are simply having the time of our lives.

Amidst hiking beautiful trails and lounging around on the beach for hours on end, I had some time to catch up on my blogging...so voila!

Or as the Japanese would say,

"Doso!"

Last weekend we decided to take a day trip to the beautiful island of Miyajima.

Miyajima is considered one of the most scenic places in Japan, so it's great to be able to live so close to this amazing place! 

 In the Shinto religion, Miyajima is considered to be a sacred island. No body is allowed to be born or die there, and the deer of the island - which are also considered sacred - are able to roam all over the island. The island is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Japan...and I can definitely see why. Going to Miyajima is like stepping back in time. Temples are scattered all over the mountains and old buildings line the streets. When I think of the quintessential old Japanese experience, I think of Miyajima. I'm telling you...it's gorgeous.



One of the most famous attractions on Miyajima is the giant Tori Gate that welcomes all who visit the island. At low tide, people make their way down to the Tori's base and place coins among the barnicles and make a wish. It's kind of like throwing a penny into a fountain.

The maple leaf is characteristic of Miyajima...and I can totally see why. The island is covered in beautiful maple trees that were on fire with fall colors when we visited. These little maple shaped cakes are made freshly on the island in stands that line each street.  We each bought one, warm and steamy from the cakie press, and let me tell you something:

It was amazing.

On the ferry back to the mainland, we met these adorable Japanese school children. We spoke to them in the little Japanese we know, and they kept saying the only English phrase they knew:

"Moneeyyyy pleaseee!"

So adorable. I don't even think they knew what they were saying. But we decided to give them a penny anyway and they thought it was the coolest thing ever.

The sweetest part was when they all tried to give us about 100yen in return which is about $1.20.

Cutest things ever.

So that's it. Our trip to Miyajima.
I'm so thankful to be able to simply drive an hour away from my home, and end up at a place like this. It's amazing to think about, and I feel so blessed!

Thank you so much for reading...expect some pictures from my beautiful Okinawa soon;)