Higashi Hiroshima - Miyajima

2.

Me: Kalau Miyajima tu the third scenic view of Japan, yang nombor satu dan dua apa ye?
Ghazali: (dengan yakin) Yang nombor satu Fuji-san. Yang nombor dua tak tau la apa...

Not doing any homework prior to visiting Miyajima, I mistakenly thought that Miyajima is supposed to be the third scenic view of Japan, so both hubby and I thought it made sense to hear Ghazali's claim of Mount Fuji being the number one scenic view of Japan...

Well, we later found out that Fuji-san is not listed among Nihon Sankei (Japan's three most scenic view). It has nothing to do with the top most-visited places in Japan, instead Nihon sankei refers to Japan's most interesting sights as selected several centuries ago by scholar Hayashi Razan. Apart from Miyajima, Nihon Sankei consist of Matsushima in Sendai and Amanohashidate in Kyoto.

That morning, we didn't start as early as the previous day (6.03 a.m.), but took our time leaving Ghazali and Fiza's place in Higashi Hiroshima. Ghazali even drove us around Hiroshima University area first, showing us the main buildings before sending us to Saijo eki, to board a train going to Miyajimaguchi, from where we took a ferry to Miyajima. (JR Rail Pass covers the ferry fare as well.) It is interesting to note that Amanohashidate registers least foreign visitors compared to Miyajima and Matsushima, probably because the trains to Amanohashidate run on non-JR tracks...

Our trip to Miyajima would have been great if not for Huzaifah being a bit cranky and one wild-tamed deer chewing frightened Humaidi's fingers. I was away with Huzaifah and hubby approached me to help with calming Huzaifah down, not realizing that he left Humaidi with some food on his hand, and the deers there ate everything and anything. Really! In fact, Miyajima website warns JR Rail Pass holders to be cautious of approaching deers since JR Passes will not be reprinted or replaced. Huzaifah had great fun chasing them, right as soon as we exited the ferry terminal, but poor Humaidi started crying out loud every time one of the deers (which are said to be more restrained than their counterparts in Nara) came near him.

We were fortunate to be there in time for high tide, the best time to view the 'floating' torii. Ghazali and Fiza told us that when the tide is low, many people walk to and under the muddy torii, some throwing coins and started praying in the Shinto way, others searching for shells, crabs and as such.

Tourists - both Nihonjin and gaijin - flocked the small island with not a single traffic light post. Since it has also been gazetted as a UNESCO World Heritage site, strict measures are taken to ensure that the town retains an Edo-era atmosphere, and the stone lanterns at the sea-front look very attractive. The world's largest shakushi (rice scoop) is proudly displayed along the main shopping street. The shopping street itself is filled with mostly shops selling momiji manju, okonomiyaki, and other souvenirs, including an 'Edo-era' Sanrio souvenir shop for Hello Kitty enthusiasts. The momiji manju-making process could be rather fascinating too and it is said that Miyajima is the best place to buy them hot and fresh - we bought two boxes and the ojiichan behind the counter gave us one freshly-baked momiji manju (which Huzaifah quickly devoured)

It would be nice to spend one whole day there - especially since there was a wedding going on at Itsukushima Shrine, but alas we needed to rush back to Hiroshima...