A mere day trip from Hiroshima--- yet another world entirely. Monkeys. Deer that eat out of your hand. Tropical vegetation, and an incredible, unyielding heat. The coolest mountain hike I’ve done in a while. Ancient history amidst incredible natural scenery—all shaken with a hint of ‘Welcome Tourists.’ Lucky for us, apparently most tourists don’t like climbing mountains.
Except for one nonchalant deer, and 2 monkeys—we had the trail—and thus, the entire day--- all to ourselves.
Mount Misen--- Rising about 535 meters above sea level, the mountain has been considered sacred since ancient times. Near the summit are temples relating to Kobo Daishi, a great Buddhist priest.
The Otorii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine---Dedicated to the three Munakata goddesses (goddesses of the sea, fortune and accomplishment). First built in 593, it was remodeled in 1168 by Taira-no-Kiyomori. Both the shrine and gate are built over the sea, thus high tide is the best time to see both. Apparently, the Otorii gate is the number one photographed ‘sight’ in Japan. And I can totally see why.
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