Gorge Downward –  April 11, 2025

  • Location:  Shodo-shima Island – Day 2
  • Walk:  Kankakei Gorge & Olive Grove
  • Weather:  50-60°/ breaks of sun, light rain, winds  5-10 mph 

The trail downward from Kankakei Gorge nicely balanced the breathtaking upward ride. Less show. More serenity.

Cherry Blossoms.
Walking the ridge.
Concrete switchbacks all the way down.
Camellia covered path.

By Night –  April 7, 2025 

  • Location:  Itsukushima Island – Day 2
  • Walk:  Miyajima
  • Weather:  55-65°/ sunny, wind 10-15 mph 

Miyajima by night. Sushi splurge at a Michelin awarded restaurant. The sushi chef is an artist. The sushi was so delicious, light, distinct in flavor, and the presentation a work of art. The evening was further enhanced by chatting with the neighboring couple at the bar. How will I ever go back to Kansas?

Sushi Chef.
Couple had lived in LA at the time of the Twin Towers Explosion. Their daughter lives in NYC. I supported the mother’s plans to visit her daughter monthly. A daughter needs her mother.
Humble entrance. Dinner by reservation only.
Torii gate at dusk.

Google Translator –  April 6, 2025 

  • Location:  Itsukushima Island – Day 1
  • Walk:  Miyajima
  • Weather:  55-65°/ sunny, wind 10-15 mph

I took the ropeway/gondola 🚠 towards Mt Misen then hiked to its summit at 1,755’. As the ropeway took 30 minutes, I was skeptical how long it would take to hike down. With Google Translate I asked a souvenir salesman. He rolled his head back and with the most affectionate laughter said, “One hour.”  So, can I trust Google Translator at getting the right meaning across? Spot on as I hiked to the sea in an hour. 

Ropeline/Gondola.
Beloved Shikoku Island from my 2019 trip.
Summit.
“One hour!”

Flush $ –  April 6, 2025 

  • Location:  Itsukushima Island – Day 1
  • Walk: Miyajima
  • Weather:  55-65°/ sunny, wind 10-15 mph 

OVERVIEW

WALK:  10m from APA Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae Shinkansenguchi to Hiroshima Station 

TRAIN:  30m from Hiroshima Station on JR San-yo Line to Miyajimaguichi Station

WALK: 10m from Miyajimaguichi Station to Miyajimaguichi Port for Miyajima Ferry

FERRY:  20m from Miyajimaguichi Port on Miyajima Ferry to Miyajima Port on Itsukushima Island 

WALK: 5m from Miyajima Port to Hotel Miyajima Villa

A mix up in today’s reservation leaves me on an island with a mainland reservation. Flush that money down the toilet. I immediately got an island resort reservation for a scrumptious room with a view of Seto Island Sea, an Onsen overlooking the sea, and a message chair in my room.  I’m worth every yen. 

Red Torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.
When the moon is at a particular phase during low tide, you can walk to the Torii gate.
Cherry Blossoms.
Massage chair. I had no idea my shoulders were so tight.

Onsen Steps –  April 2, 2025 

  • Location: Ōkunoshima / Rabbit Island  Day 3
  • Walk: Ōkunoshima Island
  • Weather:  50-60°/ morning rain then cloudy with some sun, wind 5-10 mph

Store room key in locker. Attach locker key to wrist. Clothing and towel go in the basket. Sit on stool to clean and shower. Shampoo, conditioner, and soap provided. Soak in Onsen. Men and women separated.  Nude.

Lockers and baskets.
Grooming area.
 For prepping.
Onsen water temperature 99-107°.