Itsukushima

When you picture Japan, you probably think of the bamboo forest in Kyoto, Osaka castle, Kinkakuji, and this: Itsukushima Shrine, the huge torii gate that proudly stands out at sea with waves crashing against it. Residing in Hiroshima Bay, the island of Itsukushima (often called Miyajima or ‘shrine island’), is a tranquil place of natural beauty and tons of hiking trails. If this place isn’t on your bucket list, what on Earth is?