Miyajima Island

Itsukushima Island (or Miyajima) is near Hiroshima, Japan. It is considered sacred and pure in the Shinto religion. The strict rules applied to the island to maintain its purity throughout history have also preserved its wealth of native plants and animals. Miyajima's Itsukushima Shinto Shrine which was built to worship the island is known worldwide for their beauty. The view of the shrine with its vermillion gate in front and Mt. Misen towering behind is considered one of Japan's three best views. It is the most photographed spot in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Miyajima is officially only the town's name (Itsukushima-cho until Nov. 3, 1950) but the name is often applied to the island itself. The town is home to just 2,018 people (2003) and is the only village on the island. Strict building rules maintain a Edo-era look to all buildings. Since dying and giving birth on the island is not permitted the town has no maternity ward and no graveyard.
Miyajima is farmhouse for Itsukushima Shrine and its floating torii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and officially one of Japan's Top 3 Views, Miyajima is a very popular destination for Japanese and foreign tourists alike.

Sightseeing:

• Itsukushima Shrine. Miyajima's main sight, the shrine is a large, red-lacquered complex of halls and pathways on stilts, originally so built that commoners could visit without defiling the island with their footprints. Pricing is complex, but ￥300 will get you into the temple itself, or pay ￥500 for entry plus a glimpse at the shrine's treasures. Weddings are occasionally held there, but that doesn't bar visitors, and the priest's ceremonial dance is a memorable sight. The shrine was badly damaged by a typhoon in 2004, but repairs are largely complete and it is open again.
• The floating torii (or gate) of the shrine, standing in the bay in front of the shrine, is Miyajima's best known symbol. Note that whether the torii is "floating" or merely mired in mud depends on the tide. If you are coming from Hiroshima the Hiroshima tourist information office will be able to tell you the time of the high tide, which is the best time to view the torii.
• Senjokaku The name means "1000 Mat Pavilion", a fairly apt description of this gigantic wooden hall which doesn't actually contain much other than empty space. It was originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587. There's also a picturesque 5-story pagoda (Gojuto) next door, and plenty of cherry trees if you are visiting in sakura season.
• Daisho-in, a major Buddhist temple a short distance above Itsukushima Shrine. Because it's nestled into the hills, it's easily missed by tourists, but it features a number of interesting sights and a respite from the crowds. Look for the Dai-hannyakyo Sutra, the golden prayer wheels that are said to bring enormous fortune to anyone who touches them, and the Henjokutsu Cave, a fascinating and eerie collection of Buddhist icons related to the famed pilgrimage route in Shikoku. The temple hosted the Dalai Lama in 2005. Admission is free, and there is more informative English outreach than at Itsukushima.
• There is a decent aquarium with a few seal shows throughout the day and an odd penguin march in the afternoon. It's worth a stop if you have restless kids in tow.

Things to do:

• Those with energy to spare may wish to hike up Mt. Misen for views of the island. The hike takes about an hour, depending on rest stops along the way. Be advised that, while people of most fitness levels can pull it off, it's also not a minor exertion. Look for the signs for the ropeway, and when you reach it, just keep going. There is a less-used, slightly more strenuous (and rewarding) route that begins in the mossy park near the aquarium. Momijidani Park is known for its autumn colors, and there are quite a few quiet little temples to explore along the way.
• Those with less energy (or inclination) can cheat and take the ropeway to the top