Miyajima

Miyajima has been regarded as sacred since ancient times because of its beauty, and it has long been an object of worship. In modern times it is protected by many laws, so much untouched nature remains. You can see species unique to Miyajima, such as Miyajima maple and Miyajima spiraea, as well as insects like the Miyajima dragonfly. Wild raccoon dogs (tanuki), deer, and Japanese macaques also inhabit the island.
Miyajima also has a traditional dance said to have been passed down for about 500 years, known as "Miyajima Odori." It is a very simple, repetitive dance, but it is one of the ways Miyajima’s history is conveyed, and it can still be seen every year. Since the beginning of the Edo period, Miyajima has been loved as one of Japan’s "Three Scenic Views" (Nihon Sankei), along with Matsushima and Amanohashidate. With the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Itsukushima Shrine, as well as historic temples such as Daishō-in and Daigan-ji, an old-town streetscape along Machiya Street, and even an aquarium and a ropeway, it is a major tourist destination. Access is a 10-minute ferry ride from JR Miyajimaguchi Station. If traveling by car, you can use the parking lots around the Miyajimaguchi pier.