Friday, July 13, 2012

The Miyajima O-Torii and Itsukushima Shrine


A sign in a restaurant showing the times of the tides.  Depending on when you go, you can walk out to giant torii, or see it "floating".
This was major.  I had looking forward to visiting this shrine and seeing the giant “floating” torii since we moved to Japan two years ago.

So imagine my disappointment when this is what we saw:


What rotten luck! 

It turns out, that just a week or so prior to our visit a tremendous wind storm tore through Miyajima and severely damaged the Torii.  残念!This is what we should have seen.  Though disappointed, we visited the shrine and walked as far out to the Torii as the tide came in. 


Itsukushima Shrine is a stunningly beautiful shrine with a fascinating history.  I strongly recommend anyone visiting Japan to spend a day on Miyajima. 


This summer we will be studying Japanese for the entire month of August in Aichi Prefecture.  This is significantly closer to Hiroshima and Miyajima than Saitama Prefecture, where we live.  Perhaps we’ll take a break from studying and go back to the island to see the Torii.  This time without a cover. 
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4 comments:

  1. I've been wanting to see that shrine for a long time. My favorite is the 2nd to last picture with the ,I'm guessing, lion.

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    1. Thank you! I am not exactly sure what they call that animal, I would also guess lion.

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  2. Wow you are good at photography.
    Im planning to get a camera to take some good pictures for my blog too. Any recommendation?

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    1. I shoot with a Nikon d5000 camera. I switch between my two lenses-a 18-55 mm zoom and a 50 mm prime lens. I recommend reading about and really learning how to use the camera you end up purchasing. I am constantly learning new things! I also think it is more knowing how to use the camera as opposed to what camera you are using. Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

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