If there's one photo that's omnipresent in travel catalogs for Japan, it's undoubtedly that of the red torii gate that appears to float on the sea. Where is this gate located? In the Seto Inland Sea, on the island of Miyajima, facing the city of Hiroshima.
But let's be honest: the gate is nice for about 5 minutes for taking photos. It's the rest that's worth the detour!
From Hiroshima, a ferry takes you to the island of Miyajima, a journey of about fifteen minutes to enjoy the sea spray while the beautiful landscape of this mountainous and forested island unfolds before you. In every season, wonder is guaranteed: whether it's the color of the entire forest that you overlook from the cable car that leads to the island's summit, the cherry blossoms in spring, behind which stands out the white and vermilion of a five-story pagoda, the panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and its islets from the Mount Misen lookout (be prepared for a good climb from the last cable car station before you can access it...), the pristine beauty of the Itsukushima Shrine or even the deer that greet you at the port and roam freely on the island, everything contributes to making this destination one of your best travel memories.
Probably established in the 6th century, the shrine has been rebuilt many times throughout history, and the torii gate itself was under renovation (meaning: "covered with tarps and scaffolding, so much for the planned photos...") from 2019 to 2022. But that's over now: the gate once again offers its contrast of orange-red on turquoise blue sea to the delight of photographers!