The washboards near Miyazaki was our first real tourist stop in Japan and it was a good one. This area had a little bit of everything: the beach, a shrine, gardens and an easy, flat hike to check it all out. There were plenty of food options too but our host had other idea of somewhere even better. Parking was easy, maybe because it was the middle of winter and there was a bit of rain about.
The threat of rain meant there were not very many people about which made it pleasant and peaceful.
A very well maintained bridge and pathway takes you onto the island.
I liked seeing unexpected surprises, like this bright yellow postbox.
It looked like there were a few different walks available on the island but we only had time for the main attraction.
A Torii Gate in the background (marks the entrance to the Shrine) and water-worn rocks in the foreground made it look even more beautiful.
If you look closely at this sign you'll be able to read more about this area.
The Aoshima Shrine was totally hidden from view when we were standing on the mainland by all the tropical palms and plants. The Shrine is known as a lucky shrine for marriage, and is a location for Shinto weddings. In fact, there was one happening while we were there, but it didn't seem appropriate to take a photo of their private ceremony.
There was a special sequence to wash your hands and mouth with water from the dragon before entering.
Conscious Cat and her friend, walking through a tunnel filled with prayer cards.
On the other side was this rich, lush rainforest.
Japan seems to be full of different ceremonies. This one had something to do with shells.
Another mini shrine inside the jungle. It was pretty awesome.
There was a permanent small stall where you could pay to get a string to tie around this thread hanging from the tree for good luck.
It was also good luck to smash a small plate or two.
So Conscious Cat gave it a go. She succeeded; her plate smashed against one of the trees!
Strangely, there were these old-fashioned games near the entrance/exit of the Shrine. Maybe something to keep the kids entertained while the adults pray?
The Shrine and Island are surrounded by the so-called "washboards" which are the natural rock formation you can see in the photo above. It was high tide when we were there so I could not capture the full effect.
The rocks that were exposed had very interesting patterns on them. I don't know how they weathered that way. It remains a mystery.
But I liked them. They were different to anything we'd seen before.
And then we did a walk along the beach. It was windy and cold but that didn't stop us having a look around.
This sign explains how, each year in December, in the middle of their winter the locals get in the freezing cold ocean for a swim as part of their yearly tradition.
In summer this beach is supposedly packed out. But on this day we happily had it all to ourselves.
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