Hiroshima -Miyajima Island (1)

After a wonderful nights rest at the ANA Crown Plaza Hiroshima we were off to Miyajima Island. It is said to be one of Japan's three most scenic spots and I think Rory and I would agree.

A picture of a fishing boat with traps in the background. We took a ferry out to Miyajima Island because to the best of my knowledge there are no bridges.

The famous floating O-Torri (Grand Gate) gate of Miyajima.

Doesn't Dylan look thrilled:( I promise we were having a great time.

A side view of the o-torii gate from the island.

You could pay to take a boat ride out to the torii gate. Ok it is not that exciting people!

Not only was the torii gate floating but so was the whole Itsukushima Shrine!

Pretty fascinating

The shrine was built in the latter half of the 6th century and was remodeled in 1168. Wow it really makes you realize how young the United States of America is.There was a Shinto wedding taking place when we visited. No we are not the crazy tourist taking pictures of someone elses wedding. OK so maybe we are but we weren't the only ones. Almost everyone who was visiting the shrine that day was taking pictures Japanese and tourists a like. In the above picture the woman on the far left is the Bride with the white headdress. The wedding party:)

You can see the bride and the groom in the center dressed in traditional garb.

A couple of interesting facts - the two fathers had white gloves clenched in their right hands. This is significant though I have no idea why. I saw the photographer arrange the men's hands with the gloves - um makes you wonder.

I have also heard in my time here that happy occasions are held at the Shinto Shrines for example weddings. Sad events for example funerals are held at Buddhist temples.