We took the train and ferry to Miyajima island,one of Japan's most scenic spots. Even Sebastian recognised O-Torii (grand gate) just offshore and luckily it was high tide so we saw it and the temple at their best.lots of little statues with woollen hats stood by the side of rock stairs cut into the hill and amused us as we climbed up to investigate the small shrines and temples. The island has a very tame herd of deer that will try and eat anything you have about you especially paper.For lunch we indulged in some fried oysters which are a local delicacy. Some of our party wished to climb further up to the top of the island but we decided to visit the Hiroshima art museum which contained a surprisingly good collection of French/European artists from the 19th and 20th centuries including Picasso,Monet,Degas,Cezanne,Chagall,Van Gogh and Modiglianni. In addition there was a special show of Normandy paintings with a dozen Dufy paintings.
For dinner we went to the top of a department store where there was a food court with a panoramic view of the city for some more typical Japanese food .Some people tried the teriyaki chicken burger from McDonald's. Afterwards we finished off the evening in an authentic karaoke bar which we have never done before even in the uk,it was quite a laugh and there was a steady influx of parties going past our room. The Japanese may seem to be very quiet and well mannered but put them in a little booth and they will clearly let off steam.