Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is probably the most popular destination in all of Yakushima. The park is known for it’s hiking trails through the deep and dark mountain forests, covered in moss and ferns, and home to the gigantic Yakushima cedar trees – some so large that the trail actually, physically, passes through the trees. The …
Jōmon Sugi (縄文杉), an enormous and several thousand years old cedar tree, is one of the main attractions on Yakushima. The tree, which is located deep in the mountain forest of Yakushima, is considered to be the oldest tree in Japan, and one of the oldest in the world. The actual age is unknown, but …
Oko-no-taki Waterfall (大川の滝) on the south-western side of Yakushima, is the tallest waterfall on the island. It is a spectacularly beautiful fall and has been included in the list of the 100 most beautiful waterfalls of Japan. Yakushima is home to more waterfalls than you can count, and at least a handful of really tall …
The Futabanosato trail is a historic 10km walking trail in Hiroshima. Hiroshima is mostly associated with the atomic bombing which happened on August 6 1945. The history of the horrors which happened here rightfully occupies a lot of the city’s museums, parks and monuments. Today Hiroshima consists primarily of modern buildings as very few buildings …
Mount Misen on Miyajima has for centuries attracted humans. The mountain has been considered sacred since at least the 9th century, and today remains a very important mountain for the shrines and temples in the area. There are multiple hiking trails, of different difficulties, on and around Mount Misen. Mount Misen isn’t a very high …
The highest point of the sacred island of Miyajima is Mount Misen (弥山) at 535 meters (1755 ft.). At the very top of the mountain is an observatory, called Mount Misen Observatory, with a stunning view over Hiroshima Bay. Mount Misen has been a sacred location for centuries. It is said that the Buddhist monk …
Daisho-in (大聖院) temple on Miyajima, in Hiroshima Prefecture, is an important temple in the Shingon Buddhist sect. The temple was founded by Kukai in 806, and is known for it’s beautiful fall foliage and for keeping the same flame burning since the temple was established 1200 years ago (the flame is kept in a building …
Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island in Hiroshima Prefecture is one of the best known shrines in all of Japan, and a UNESCO world heritage site. The shrine is built in a small cove on Miyajima, and stands almost entirely over the water. The iconic torii gate located in the water in front of the shrine …
Senjokaku Pavilion (千畳閣,), literally meaning “1000 tatami mat pavilion” is a large, unfinished 16th century wooden hall on Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. The hall’s construction was initiated by the former Shogun Hideyoshi who died before it was finished. The sparse hall with it’s many paintings has a mystical atmosphere to it. Near the hall is …
Miyajima History and Folklore Museum introduces visitors to the history of Miyajima, with it’s main focus being on the edo-period (1603-1868). The museum, which is housed in a classic 1800’s house, is centered around a nice garden. There are many interesting objects on display which relate to the history of the sacred island. For centuries, …
