厳島弁財天堂のお守り A Collection of Omamori from Itsukushima's Benzaitendo

The gate at Itsukushima Shrine, with me wandering beneath at low tide. 

I visited Japan for the first time eight years after one year of language study, and it was during that first trip that I started collecting omamori and taking notes on religious sites. One location that I will never forget was Itsukushima Shrine.

I've only ever been there once, that one time eight years ago.

Itsukushima Shrine is located on Miyajima Island, a part of Hiroshima Prefecture. It's famous for the gigantic red tori gate located out in the water. Sections of the shrine, like the Noh theater and dance decks are built on piers.  Small Japanese deer roam the island. You get to Itsukushima by taking a ferry across the inland sea, passing oyster beds (the local delicacy) and fishing boats. The island is littered with hidden shrines and temple halls.

I ate roasted chestnuts for the first time at Itsukushima.

I also bought my first assortment of Charms there: a mouse bell as a gift for my aunt, who was born in the year of the rat, a maple leaf bell, which is the tree of Hiroshima, an owl bell, and a horse bell for myself.

I hope to go back again one day.