Excursions

Miyajima
The romantic little island of Miyajima lies about eight miles (13km) off the mainland in the Seto Inland Sea. Apart from being scenically beautiful with steep wooded hills, the island is famous for its Itsukushima Shrine featuring a massive red wooden torii (gate). The shrine is partially built over water, and was founded in the 6th century. During high tide the shrine stands in the ocean, which is particularly picturesque when the building is illuminated at night. The rest of the island makes for great hiking opportunities, particularly in spring when the many cherry trees are in bloom. Deer roam free and monkeys chatter in the woods.

Telephone: (0)82 944 0008;
Transport: JR Sanyo Line or tram 2 to Miyajimaguchi Station. Ferries leave frequently from the pier nearby

Sandankyo Gorge
The erosion of the limestone plateau in the northwest of the Hiroshima prefecture has left a beautiful deep gorge, stretching for about 11 miles (18km), full of primeval forest, waterfalls, monkeys, unusual rock formations and the Onbashi Bridge, the largest natural bridge in Japan. Sandankyo Gorge is a favourite route for hikers.

Transport: Train or bus from Hiroshima City