A day at Miyajima

Well, Gilbird and I ended up heading to Miyajima today with two others from my hostel. It was pretty cool having the extra company. We managed to arrive right just before high tide, so we were able to see Itsukushima Shrine and its large gate surrounded by water. I'd sure love to able to see a noh or bugaku performance there while the stage becomes its own island. So yes, we wandered through the shrine, did a little bit of hiking, and looked at all the fun little things in shops that we couldn't buy do to lack of money.

The trip to Miyajima is not complete until you see the island's ooshakushi--it's the world's largest rice scoop. Miyajima is the birthplace of those cool kitchen utensils, and this one is EFFIN' GINORMOUS!!
You also can't leave until you stuff your face with momiji manji, those tasty little waffles shaped like maple leaves that have a tasty filling inside. Better yet, have a deep-fried one! OMONOMONOM! XD

Oh yes, be sure that the deer don't eat any of your belongings. They're not as straightforward at trying to eat your food like the ones in Nara, but they'll still it a good try.

All in all, it was a fun day. Going to go wander and find dinner, then come back and fill out the next batch of postcard spam for people! Until tomorrow!

Let's get the ball rolling with the obligatory
tourist shot...

One of the ferries going back and forth to the island.

Itsukushima Shrine's Ootorii at near high tide, as we were passing
by on the ferry.

Walking around the shrine...

I think this is my favorite picture I took today.

The stage with Ootorii in the distance

It be a Buddha.

This one followed us for a little bit.

AND THIS IS A VERY LARGE SPOON!!

The little twit wanted a picture with it, too.