Last month I had a short trip to Omishima island, the one of the islands in the Seto inland sea.
In the Seto inland sea there are over 700 islands, large and small, inhabited and uninhabited.
Islands between Ehime prefecture and Hiroshima prefecture, they are separated by the Seto inland sea, are connected by bridges called “Shimanami kaido(route)”.
The Shimanami route is run through 6 islands via 9 bridges.
You can cycle this entire 60-70km route which has a lane for cyclist and pedestrian. I often see people from oversea enjoy this cycling route among local people.
Oyamazumi shrine is in Omishima Island and its history begin in Japanese mythology.
Ancient camphor trees in this shrine are designated as a natural treasure of Japan. The tree in the photo is said to be 2600 years old.
The main shrine architecture is an important cultural property of Japan. And the shrine has the museum exhibit armors and helmets and swords dedicated by warriors (bushi) in old time, for example Minamotono Yoritomo(1147-1199) who is one of the most famous bushi in Japan. Here 80 percent of arms designated as national treasure or important cultural properties in Japan are kept.
In many shrines in Japan you can buy o-mikuji, a piece of paper written fortunetelling. Some people keep that with them and others tie to a cable for it or trees in shrines. In some shrines it is forbidden to tie o-mikuji to trees, because it can damage them.
In the coastal area of the Seto inland sea, you can enjoy fresh fish and shellfish!
Thank you for reading!
