Photo by Yuki Honda

The big red torii that appear to float in the ocean are the most well known symbol of the Itsukushima Shrine, which is located on the island of Miyajima. The shrine had been referred to as the island on which god lives from long ago. It is a registered World Heritage site, and an important area which represents not only Hiroshima, but Japan as a whole as well. While the island may be a famous tourist attraction, it is also a very sacred place to Japan.

To get to Miyajima, you can go by train using the JR (Japan Railway) or the Hiroshima Dentetsu, heading to Miyajima-guchi station, which is located on the opposite shore. If you are near Hiroshima station it is easiest to take the JR. If you are in the central part of Hiroshima city taking the Hiroshima Dentetsu is the most convenient.

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Photo by Yuki Honda

Photo by Yuki Honda

Tomonoura is located on the southern point of the Numakuma Peninsula near the Seto Sea. It has been a prosperous port city due to its tide wait port from long ago. It is also well known as the place in which Gibli director Hayao Miyazaki created the movie Gake no Ue no Ponyo (English title: Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea).

Tomonoura is located about 30 minutes away from Fukuyama city by bus. It is possible to visit by car, but Tomonoura’s city is very narrow, so it is recommend to park your car at the entrance of the town and then explore on foot.

The Bonnet Bus

The Bonnet Bus connects Fukuyama and Tomonoura. It is similar to the Neko (lit. cat) Bus from My Neighbor Totoro

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Photo by Yuki Honda

Photo by Yuki Honda

Kure is well known because of its various military ports from long ago, and it is still the base of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Kure also has strong relations with the navy.

From Hiroshima city you can access Kure by train or bus in about one hour. If you are near Hiroshima station, the train is most convenient (use the Kure line), but for those coming from Kamiyacho or the central part of Hiroshima, the bus is the easiest to use, and you can access the bus from the Hiroshima bus terminal.

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Photo by Yuki Honda

Photo by Yuki Honda