Geocache of the Week — Symbol of Miyajima

Symbol of Miyajima — Geocache of the Week

Traditional
GC35HCN
by MTSK
Difficulty:
1.5
Terrain:
1.5
Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
N 34° 17.843 E 132° 19.141
The great Torii gate and a little friend
The great Torii gate and a little friend

This Geocache of the Week is located on Itsukushima Island, popularly known as Miyajima, which translates to “Shrine Island” in Japanese.

The cache is located on the shoreline along the pleasant gravel walking paths, surrounded by lush mountains, gorgeous lake views, and dozens of curious sika deer. From there you can get a beautiful view of the great Torii gate while logging the cache.

At high tide, the shrine appears to float on water and you can boat under/through the great Torii. And at low tide, you can walk right up to the gate. Here’s a great link with tides tables, weather reports, cherry blossoms forecast, and even an autumn leaf viewing information for the area if you are serious about logging this cache.

At high tide the gate appears to float on water
At high tide, the gate appears to float on water and you can boat right under/through it
At low tide you can walk right up to the great Torii gate
At low tide, you can walk right up to the great Torii gate

As with many caches at popular historical or tourist destinations, stealth is everything when retrieving the container. But most people are distracted and taking photos of the gate and deer. Speaking of deer, look out for them. They appear to be docile but can be quite rude and grab your lunch if you’re not paying attention!

The deer look sweet, but watch out! They're crafty!
The deer look sweet, but watch out! They’re crafty!

The Itsukushima Shinto Shrine is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered a Japanese National Treasure. It is one of the most photographed locations in the country. The Shinto shrine was originally built in the 6th century and has been rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating back to 1875.

The Itsukushima Shinto Shrine is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered a Japanese National Treasure.
The Itsukushima Shinto Shrine is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered a Japanese National Treasure.

Odd fact: Since 1878 no deaths or births are permitted near the gate and burials on Itsukushima Island are forbidden.

  • Miyajima at low tide during sunset.

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Kind to animals. Loved by children. Excels at DNFs.