From Iwakuni, we took a train North and hopped on a ferry to Miyajima Island, which is believed in the Japanese Shinto religion to be sacred. There are wild deer everywhere that freely roam the village streets and are also believed to be sacred. You can touch them {little kids were hugging them!} and walk around with them, and they come up to you and nuzzle your side. Because it’s a sacred island in Japan, no one is allowed to be born there or die there… It is a beautiful, mountainous island with the most darling streets and markets along the water. It’s also home to one of the most famous sites in Japan – the floating Torii Gate. We loved spending the day in such a quaint place.
{Local, fresh, grilled Oysters are sold on every little street}
The island’s symbol is the Japanese Maple Leaf and you can buy Maple cookies throughout every street. We strolled around to the wafting, amazing smell of baking cookies. I of course chose the chocolate kind. I can hear you laughing, Pops!
Brooke says
Wonderful post ! The deer, that is amazing how they are just hanging around people! Great pics !
Brooke
Christine loves to Travel says
Beautiful pictures Amanda!
Love having deers roaming around freely.
Gaby says
wow, wow, wow. and the deer, wow. just magical.
Michelle (michabella) says
Great pictures. I find it hilariously awesome that deer just roam around everywhere! And let's talk about your dress…. GORGEOUS! Where is it from?
xoxo
Marshall says
Aww, thanks, Michelle! It's actually a skirt and I got it from my fave little shop out here a couple months ago. Hope you're loving Hawaii life!! (: xo
Michelle {lovely little things} says
I've been here! Did you take the gondola to the top? Great views! I was amazed how many deer there were just roaming around.
Andrea {kerubo mama} says
As usual, I am DYING over your pictures! So visually captivating. The deer photos are awesome, and your skirt is perfect!! I just kind of want to be you ๐ haha xoxo
Lulu says
I discovered your blog yesterday and I absolutely love it!
Amazing pictures in this post, love the deer strolling around so casually:)
Lulu x
Jenna says
Ah! These photos are absolutely lovely. Miyajima was the one place in Japan that I really wanted to visit, but didn't have time for! However, is definitely in Jurg and I's top 5 list of possible honeymoon destinations so maybe I'll get to visit sooner than I thought! ๐
xxx
Jenna
Jenna says
Sorry… meant to say that Japan** is definitely in our top 5! ๐
Megan says
OMG I WANT TO NUZZLE BAMBI!!
Erica [pocket full of chuckles] says
Look at all the bambi's!!! how amazing is that. i especially think that no one is allowed to be born there or die there is pretty incredible. you don't hear that every day.
Glad you all were safe from the typhoon ๐
xo
Lauren says
Oh my gosh, how cute are those deer?!?!?!?!?!?!
Kari says
Love your skirt. I must visit Japan. It is lovely.
Alex says
Wow, how gorgeous! And I can't get over the sweet deer!
Tim and Lanna Britt says
What happens if a super preggo lady comes to visit and she ends up going into labor??
OR — what if someone has a heart attack while admiring the deer and sadly, dies.
Just sayin, Japan — it doesn't seem plausible. Think about it.
Otherwise — I want to be nuzzled by a free-roaming deer. End of story.
๐ MISS YOU!!!!!! ~lanneybear
Katie Cook says
goodness, there is just too much loveliness for me to even handle this post! you are a brilliant artist my darlin and your pictures are just stunning. thank you for illuminating God's handiwork so beautifully…Japan is so gorgeous! (and of course, so are you!) love Katie
Charity Poole says
That picture of the deer eating from your hand is precious! I recently discovered your blog and I just love it. I'm a fellow Military spouse. ๐ You take BEAUTIFUL pictures!
http://atallshipandastar.blogspot.com
Heidi says
Incredible pictures! I can't believe all the deer and how okay with people they are. -Heidi http://fabricandfrosting.blogspot.no/
danica says
this looks like such an amazing place! those deer are too cute.
Courtney@SDB says
The deer are soooo cute!!
Ms. Random says
I'll take wild deer any day over wild squirrel lol Have a great rest of the week!!
XX
Casey says
1) Love the photos, per the usual.
2) No one can be born or die there? Insanity. What happens when I come there and die of a heart attack from beautiful island overload. Or if I come and go into labor while petting Bambi? What then, sacred island?
3) You are so pretty. I want that skirt. Figuring out how to get myself to Japan as we speak. ๐
Sheila@TheFailteHouse says
Wow – what beautiful photos – love! Do you take all of these with the 50mm, because I am loving the look ๐
Bridget says
the deer just wander around and COME UP TO YOU? all the deer i've known in my life are so skittish! crazy.
and i like your dress/skirt thing!
Nicole says
the deer are amazing and your photos are, as always, beautiful!
Nicole Marie says
umm i can't get past the deer part. like just roaming around. no problem. no biting anyone . no running away. AWESOME!
Marshall says
Thanks, Sheila! I didn't take the 50mm this time – it was all on my 18-200 lens.
Holly says
Can't believe all those deer, crazy! Gorg photos as always!!
Leah says
Hi Amanda! Wow- you have the most beautiful blog. Your pictures are gorgeous, your words inspiring and the adventures you and Cam are experiencing are amazing! I'm excited to be your newest follower.
Danielle Carroll says
Beautiful pictures! I absolutely love the deer. Such a serene, peaceful looking place.