Exploring Miyajima Island, Walking with the Deer and Climbing Shrines

Saturday I spent the hot, humid day on Miyajima Island with colleagues and hosts, who were so graciously accompanying us to show us around. The place is absolutely beautiful, and like most places I've seen in Japan so far, I ran out of time to see everything that I wanted to see. I found myself spending a couple of hours in one particular shrine, climbing various structures and stopping by to listen in on a Buddhist monk chanting and talking. While I couldn't understand any Japanese, I felt his gentle spirit in his voice and demeanor.

There is something magical about this place. I will one day return here.