Photo Gallery 5

When touring the Itsukushima Shrine in　Miyajima, we were joined by an elaborate wedding party. We were allowed to be photographed with the bride and groom in front of the Otorii. This shrine was first built in 593 and expanded to the present enormous size in 1198. It is a UNESCO World Heritage sie.

We toured the many halls of the Daisho-in Temple complex in Miyajima. Here we are shown in the Henjyokutsu Cave beneath Daishi-do Hall.

We are shown in the Akiyoshi Cave in front of the Golden Pillar, thought to be the largest limestone pillar in the world. It stands over 30 meters high.

After exploring the cave, the group moved on to the Karst Observation Station to look over the Akiyoshi Plateau, which in fact forms the roof of the cave. This is the biggest Karst area in Japan.

In Yamaguichi, the travelers relax while admiring the huge koi in front of the Five-Storied Pagoda at the site of the Rurikoji Temple.