Bounded by the same national identity, these enchanting gems shed a different on Japan
I personally really love Japan. So much so, it has been five times since I have visited the country and lived to tell the tale here and here.
One may assume I’m talking about the more familiar tourist-y places of Tokyo, Kyoto and Hokkaido, but instead, I found myself gravitating to the lesser-known-and-treaded gems in the Western part of Japan. Breathtaking, enthralling and brimming with a myriad of fun activities, here are five vacation spots in Westen Japan for an alternative experience of the Land of the Rising Sun.
1. Hiroshima
Visit: Itsukushima Shrine
Located on Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine is dedicated to the three sea goddesses in ancient Japanese legends. Since ancient times, the palace island was regarded as a place of holiness and filled with tons of legends. Itsukushima Shrine and its tori gate are built over water to create a whimsical image of floating on sea during high tide.
Aside from taking snapshots of this beautiful architecture, you may also want to whip our your phones for selfies with gentle deer that roam the island. Loved by locals, the deer are regarded as the messengers of God. With crashing waves of Seto Inland Sea and the lush greenery that surrounds the shrine, Hiroshima is truly a picture of enchantment that leaves you with a full heart.
Getting there
Always start a vacation on a good note. And so we did, thanks to SilkAir that offered a comfortable six-hour flight in its business class. Aside from cushiony seats and top-notch service, I have to say that the food and drinks on the plane are amazing.
The myriad of drink options make you feel like you're at a sky bar. The in-house entertainment offerings will also leave you spoiled for choice!
A Chinese version of the article appeared here.
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