Japan, Miyajima - Imaise Shrine

When the name Miyajima is mentioned, more often than not, images of the Great Floating Torii Gate  (a.k.a. Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate) and the associated Itsukushima Shrine comes to mind.

While the purpose of my first ever trip to Miyajima in July 2019 was to visit the Itsukushima Shrine and the Great Floating Torii Gate, with both being items on my personal travel bucket list, I also took time to explore the island. For that reason, I chose not to be a day tripper to Miyajima but stayed over on the island for 2 nights at the Hotel Miyajima Villa.

My stay on the island allowed me to hike around on personal exploration trips. While trying to escape the summer heat and the crowd in the areas around the Itsukushima Shrine, I chanced upon the Imaise Shrine. Nestled at the top of a small hill, Imaise Shrine is accessible after climbing a relatively steep staircase. Here, there were no crowds. I had the whole area to myself, except for the company of a young fawn. For those who have not been to Miyajima, deers roam free around the island. 

The Imaise Shrine, Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (2019)

This flight of relatively steep staircase leads directly to the top of the hill where the shrine is located, Imaise Shrine, Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (2019)

First view of the shrine after climbing the staircase, Imaise Shrine, Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (2019)

The fawn that accompanied me when I was at the shrine, Imaise Shrine, Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (2019)

Apart from the tranquility and peacefulness at the Shirne, I was also able to enjoy panoramic views of Miyajima in the direction of the famous Itsukushima Shrine. Other famous sites viewable from the Imaise Shrine include the Great Floating Torii Gate and Komyoin Buddhist Temple with its distinctive red-coloured Pagoda.

View of the Great Floating Torii Gate from Imaise Shrine, Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (2019)

View of the distinctive red-coloured Pagoda of the Komyoin Temple from Imaise Shrine, Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (2019)

View of the houses directly below the hill where Imaise Shrine is located, Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (2019)

With such breathtaking sights and the peaceful tranquility of the place, I stayed around for almost an hour. Breathing the fresh air, enjoying the quietness and reflecting upon my journeys in life. I truly enjoyed being there, living that moment.

This is what travel is all about. To explore and to experience sights that are off the beaten path. To see what others don't, to experience what others won't want to and to discover beautiful sights that would otherwise have been left uncovered.