Miyajima- A divine island of ancient history and legend, located in beautiful islets-studded Seto Island Sea.

 

Since ancient times, Miyajima has been regarded as one of the "Three Most Beautiful Spots" of Japan, and as a part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park, it has received several distinctions, such as a place of extraordinary scenic beauty, exceptional history, a scenic zone, and a natural monument. The virgin forests neighboring Mt. Misen are representative of the lush greenery and abundance of nature which still covers the entire island even now. Take a stroll in town, and the sights of the souvenir shops, and ryokan (Japanese-style inns) will remind you of the liveliness and prosperity of a port town lined up with stores and houses.

 

Miyajima Island (belonging to Hiroshima prefecture, Saeki county, Miyajima town), separated from the mainland by the 500m wide Onoseto strait, is one of the many islands in the Hiroshima Bay. The island is roughly rectangular, with a length of 5.6mi(9km) and width of 3.7mi(6km). Mt. Misen, Mt. Komagabayashi, and Mt. Iwafune are located on Miyajima, and all three rise and tower over the shoreline of this mountainous island. Along the mountain range, large granite boulders are exposed on the surface adding a change of character to the scenery.

 

Since ancient times, Miyajima has been revered and worshipped. The virgin forests of Miyajima is one of the best preserved among the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The luxuriant virgin forests of Mt. Misen are just one example of the vast variety of natural settings found on this island.
A surprisingly large amount of southwestern Japan native botanical specimen can still be found on Miyajima. Furthermore, the island is like a miniature model of Japan, showing the harmonious ecology of all living things from the ocean depth to the top of mountains.