Shrines, Temples, and Deer, Oh My!
We missed our blue sky window by one day for Miyajima Island on either side of today. It sprinkled, it poured, it misted. Turned out to be a pretty good day though for photographs because of the lighting and the glisten of new rain on the foliage that is just starting to turn from greens to oranges and red. Plus the island of Shinto Shrines and Buddhist temples provides excellent opportunities to capture beauty and interest without much work on the part of the photographer.
Our Japan Rail pass took us by train from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi station and then onto the ferry to the island in the inland sea. We had our rain jackets, an umbrella we bought in Korea, and some recycled plastic bags to keep the camera from getting wet. I brought the big girl camera along to take photos from the top of the mountain if it cleared. It never cleared, but the long lens came in handy taking photos while not being obtrusive of people going about their daily lives
Here are some of the best photos of the day. It was pretty magical in the mist.
SHRINES
The tide was low when we arrived at Shinto Itsukushima Shrine, a large sprawling structure elevated on poles.
The Shrine is covered so it made excellent protection when the sky opened up and the rain poured down. We took advantage of the shelter to watch people received purification and blessings, and later in the day when the tide crept in under the shrine to be married.
 |
| Shinto Priest |
 |
| Young Family, Father, Mother, Toddler, and new infant kneel while Priest Prepares the Blessing |
 |
| This little girl was restless but well behaved during the ceremony. |
 |
| Later in the day we caught the last of a wedding ceremony |
 |
| The Bride |
 |
Wedding Party
The tide comes in and the Shrine appears to float. With a very high tide , the water is right up to the floor boards.
Temples
In addition to the Shinto Shrine, there is also a large Buddhist Temple with small temples ad gardens. The Daisho-InTemple.
|
 |
| One thousand Fudo images of Immovable King |
 |
| Shaka Buddha, entering Nirvana surrounded by his sixteen disciples. |
 |
| Hen Jyokutsu Cave |
 |
| Hakkaku Manpuku Hall - Seven Deities of Good Fortune are enshrined in this octagonal hall. |
 |
| Knit caps designate different sects of monks that line the path. |
Oh Deer!
And let's not forget about the deer. The island is loaded with these miniature deer. At first because of their size and their spots, we thought these were fawn. No they are full size. There are signs posted not to feed the deer, but it doesn't seem like folks pay attention to the signs. The deer are expecting food. All you have to do is rattle a plastic bag and they come up to you ready to snatch it out of your hand.
As we walked up the stairs to the Buddhist Temple we heard what sounded like a baby crying. A doe had come up to investigate the plastic bag I had wrapped around my camera to keep it dry from the rain. When she heard the baby cry, she turned and ran up the stairs to a little ravine where her baby was hiding.
 |
| This must be the Granddaddy of the Deer! |
We walked back to the Ferry Dock and along the way we saw some rickshaw drivers working very hard pulling their rides up the hills.
 |
| Looking for a ride or for some exercise? |
 |
| And there are always places to shop. |
All is Well With the Worrall Travel R's Leaving Miyajima & Hiroshima and heading for Okayama tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment