My Favorite Places to Write: Miyajima, Japan

As I settle into a new writing/editing routine approaching the end of NaNoWriMo, I think it's a wonderful time to share another of my favorite places to write: Miyajima, Japan!

Miyajima is an island off the southern cost of Hirohsima, Japan. Its beauty is serene and its red "floating" tori gate is renowned, with both Japanese and foreign tourists coming all day every day by ferry to see the shrine, the tori gate, and the deer.

Having been to the island a few times now, I find it to be a serene and inspiring place to write. Benches set on the beach not far from the ferry (veer right once you come out of the ferry building), where you can watch the ocean, breathe the clean air, and enjoy the multiple relaxing deer as you write your dreams. It feels like I am in another place while I'm there, which is why it is one of my favorite places to write.

Before you go to Miyajima, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind regarding your visit:

-The JR Ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima and back is free if you have a Japan Rail Pass 
-The Ferry does not run 24/7. Don't miss the last one back to the mainland! 
-Book a Miyajima Ryokan (Japanese-style Inn) or Hotel if you wish to see the red tori gate like I did when I took the picture above.
-There is a peaceful "cat cafe", "owl cafe" and "shiba-inu cafe" (dog)  where you can unwind while visiting some cute animals not far from the ferry.
-Don't miss the Momiji Manju (maple-leaf shaped fried pastries with custards or red bean paste inside); Miyajima is famous for them.
-Giant oysters are also famous, and can be found at most street venders (just remember to stand still or sit at a bench when you eat, as it's considered rude to eat while you're walking)

Want to come visit one of my favorite places to write: Miyajima, Japan? Check out the Miyajima Seaside Hotel and the Iwaso Ryokan for a couple amazing places to stay! I have stayed at both, and they were both exquisitely unique!

Want to learn more about a novel I worked on during a visit to Miyajima? Check out Kritinia: Shadow Child; a 2022 work in progress.

What is one of your favorite places to write? Let me know in the comments!

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