A vermilion 16-meter torii that, at high tide, seems to float on the sea off Miyajima Island — one of Japan's most celebrated images. At low tide you can walk right up to it. The 12th-century shrine, the free-roaming deer and the sunset lighting up the gate over the water make it unforgettable. A World Heritage Site.
💡 Getting there: JR Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi (~30 min), then the JR ferry (¥180, 10 min — included in the JR Pass). 🕐 6:30–18:00 (varies by season). 💴 ¥300. 🌊 Tides: at high tide the torii "floats" on the water; at low tide you can walk up to it (check the tide schedule). 🦌 There are also free-roaming deer. UNESCO Heritage. Best: sunset + the torii's nighttime illumination.