Omotesando Shopping Arcade – The Hidden Panorama

This post is a mixture of other things that we saw in the island aside from O-Torii, Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen and some part of Hatsukaichi. It’s a combination of other interesting areas that we saw and discovered while walking around the Hatsukaichi.

Gojunoto (5 Storied Pagoda)

After spending time watching or looking with O-Torii, we decided to move forward to see more of the island. We followed the direction in the map that we had so we can reach the summit of Mount Misen. Along the way we saw Gojunoto or 5 Storied and colorful Pagoda. While checking information about this pagoda that stands out in the island from Miyajima’s official website (http://visit-miyajima-japan.com/), the structure said to able to resists horizontal oscillation caused by earthquakes and typhoons. And because of that, this kind of structure is really amazing because with the way it was built it will last a long time.

Gujonoto (5 Storied Pagoda)

Treasure Hall

Even though we haven’t got a chance to get inside this hall because of time (descended the mountain around 5PM), most tourist attractions were close and only can be seen from outside. I just learned that this Treasure Hall keeps thousand valuables and cultural items which mostly came from Heike Clan. According to history, Heike (Taira) Clan adapted a son name Taira Na Koyimori whom got rid of the pirates in Seto Inland Sea (where Miyajima is located), whom established the first samurai-based government in Japan and whom also built mighty Taira Clan. We got a chance to see this hall after descending Mount Misen on our way to Itsukushima Shrine.

Taira No Kiyomori Statue

This is the statue of Taira No Kiyomori status which displayed not far from Miyajima Port. As I mentioned above, Taira No Kiyomori was a significant historical figure in Japan whom at first became a governor of Aki (One part of the old region of Hiroshima) Province and became a Prime Minister in Japan.

Daiganji Temple

Niomon Gate

At the time that we saw Niomon Gate for Daiganji Temple, a portion of the Daiganji temple is under maintenance. The temple is said to be Koyosan Branch of the Shingon denomination of Buddhism.

Niomon Gate (front) and Daiganji Temple (rightmost at the back of Niomon Gate)

Gomado Hall

Another part of Daiganji Temple is Gomado Hall, where on its front the Fire Walking Ritual happens every year but during our visit, it wasn’t the season of festival. But still good to know.

Ishidorii (Stone Torii)

A torii made of stone where you can see Otorii (Grand Gate) from a far. I can sense that this Torii is somewhat an introduction and letting people know that you are in the right direction to see O-Torii.

Omotesando Shopping Arcade

We had a chance to walk a bit in Omotesando Street but unfortunately because it’s dawn, most of the local shops were already closed. With those few shots of the street, the old local town ambiance in the island is still notable.