Hiroshima Days - Be a local

Speaking of Miyajima, most of you would imagine O-torii gate in Itsukushima shrine. It is about only 1 km from Miyajima Port, the entrance of the island, to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, but the island’s outer circumference is about 30 km. It may be bigger than you can imagine. The town area in Miyajima you see may be full of people. Then, what's in the rest of the area in the island where many tourists don't go? Itsukushima Shrine is a place where God is enshrined. It is said that the god enshrined now searched around the island to find a good place to build a shrine before deciding the location of the current Itsukushima shrine. People gradually started to go around the island and visit the shrines in the seven ura (coves), just as following the action this god took. This is the origin of " Nana-ura Meguri " meaning visiting seven coves. By the way, if you try to complete " Nana-ura Meguri " - visiting all seven shrines-, you have to approach fro...

How about enjoying fine French cuisine that uses local ingredients in an authentic Japanese atmosphere? Many of you would know about TOFUKUJI temple, that stands nearby Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, as it is famous for its beautiful garden. It is Mirei Shigemori who created the garden at TOFUKUJI Temple. And a garden created by him exists in Hiroshima also. Oukatei, named by him, it is. There is a quiet Japanese garden that makes you forget the hustle and bustle on a small mountain about 15 minutes by car from the center of Hiroshima city. Up on the small hill about 15 minutes drive from the center of Hiroshima city, you can find a quiet Japanese garden that takes your mind off the hustle and bustle. Walk into the restaurant, viewing Momiji-maple- on your right and Cherry blossoms on your left. The restaurant building was used as a tea room in the garden, back in time. It is offering the French cuisine which you can enjoy your familiar ta...