The 8 wonders of Miyajima Island

The Island of the Gods, Miyajima is a place of immense historical and religious significance in Japan. Home to the Itsukushima Shrine and its fantastic Torii Gate, Mount Misen and the Virgin Forest, the island is some thirty minutes away from Hiroshima City. In fact, the official name of the island is Itsukushima but it is fondly known as Miyajima. The scenery with its vermillion shrine complex, the invincible mountain and a canopy of forested area, is incredibly beautiful, romantic and soothing. It is said that Miyajima is essentially the body of God and is therefore holy and consecrated. Day-trippers just cannot have enough of this splendid spot and for all the right reasons and the ones staying overnight in its many ‘ryokans’ never wish to leave.
A ferry connects Hiroshima to the island and in order to get to the port from Hiroshima Station, one must take the JR Sanyo Line right up to the Miyajimaguchi Station. If in case you have a Japan Rail Pass, this 25-minute ride is covered. If not, you would be expected to pay around 400 Yen. While Miyajima is a magical paradise with a plethora of brilliant sights to offer, eight stand out for various reasons and are absolutely unmissable.