Miyajima is a small island in Japan, situated at a short ferry ride from Hiroshima. It is just like the place you would imagine in your thoughts as the perfect vacation destination. It is one of the three popular places in Japan which are known for exotic scenic beauty and calm surroundings.

Miyajima consists of mountains that hold spectacular views and adventurous nature paths, and is surrounded by deep blue seas. The island has always been known for its inclination towards history, culture and tradition, as evident through the multiple temples and shrines quietly hidden away in the mountains. A little piece of advice: You don't have to take the rope-way up. If you are on a tight budget and have the will power, a long hike would be much cheaper and perhaps even nicer. Another option would be to take the cable car up and hike your way back down.

If your Japan travel takes you to the Miyajima Island it is sure to give you a mesmerizing experience that you are going to cherish for the whole of your life. As the ferry ride takes you to the island, you will be welcomed by a huge gate of the Itsukushima shrine. It is of bright vermilion color and stands around two hundred meters away from the shrine. This gate stands in the sea waters and is known by the name of O-Torii. This shrine has very beautiful green surroundings. It also displays the exquisite beauty of the Shiden architecture in its unique and magnificent structure.

To the excitement of the tourists they are welcomed by wild deer which keeps wandering openly in the island. These deer walk around with the tourists and accept any piece of food offered to them. Careful, as they are known to snatch things from peoples' pockets, even paper.

Another very exceptional feature that you will find on the Miyajima Island is the Momijinda Park situated at the foot of Mount Misen. This park is a perfect picture to see. It is just like those autumn time forests that you can imagine, full of scarlet maple that make way for cherry blossoms during the spring time.

One very important thing that should not be missed while on the visit to the Miyajima Island is the local food. Around the area of the main entrance to the island you will find several small streets filled with endless food stalls. Since these aren't sit-down restaurants, it's easy to pick and taste numerous dishes and snacks very cheaply while you walk down the street. Some of the local foods include the Momiji manju, special assorted sweets that are shaped like the maple leaf and come with different types of fillings, fried oysters (probably most famous and must be tried), and several other types of sweets.

Josh Shulman, Author of All-You-Can Japan - http://smartjapantravel.wordpress.com.