Momijidani Bridge
Miyajima is most noted for Itsukushima Shrine, which is located on the water with a backdrop of Mt. Misen. However, there is a beautiful park with walking trails at the base of the mountain just outside of the small town. It is a lovely place to relax and enjoy nature, with a dense forest and small streams running through. At various points there are beautiful vantage points overlooking the Inland Sea. Momijidani Park is a pleasant place to walk throughout the year, but is especially noted for its incredible fall colors. People come from all over to see the spectacular display, so the park tends to be very crowded in the autumn, but much less so during the rest of the year. There is a Suspension Bridge that people can walk over that helps protect some of the fragile ecosystem which is great for photos.
Momijidani park
Watch out for the deer which populate Momijidani Park. They are considered messengers of the gods and allowed to roam freely. They are quite tame and will come very close looking for food. Be careful, though, because the deer can get aggressive if they think something looks edible, and will dart up close and cling on to maps, clothes, and other items. If you give them food, it is hard to send them away again, which can be alarming for smaller children. For more information about the park: http://www.miyajima.or.jp/english/spot/spot_momiji.html
Momijidani Suspension Bridge / もみじ谷大吊橋(だにおおつりばし)
photos by: shikenhung & KimonBerlin, TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋)
