Naoshima

Lost in The Seto Sea. I could have spent the entire three weeks here. Happily ensconced in our 400 year old ryokan, total bliss, even if it was 40 degrees outside. Interesting to view Japanese at play, this island had a real summer energy, not so easy to plunge yourself in the old briny though, everything is sacred.
Of course our mission here was to see art...

Okayama Korakuen Garden

So what were we doing in Okayama? Good question. We weren't there to buy denim, because we didn't realise until we left that this was Japan's denim city. No we were there to see cranes!
Enough said, this garden however gave us a very enjoyable lunch and possibly the best shot of the trip.
Locals enjoying the shade of a garden house in the 40 degree heat.

Izumo Taisha (出雲大社)

Often considered the oldest shrine in Japan, dating from the 700's.
It is also one of the most ancient and important Shinto shrines in Japan.
One where m~ was caught praying? Probably just giving thanks for being in her beloved Nippon.

Miyajima

What is there not to photograph on Miyajima? Itsukushima Shrine and Big Torii seemingly floating on Hiroshima Bay, sacred deer, disappearance of tourists after dark, and what about that Italian Caffé up behind the shrine, appearing out of the morning mist with espresso and crisp panini.

Hiroshima

Oh, fallen camellias,
if I were you,
I'd leap into the torrent!
— Takaha Shugyo, loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Difficult to sit on the fence when you think of Hiroshima.
My feelings ran the full gamut whilst there. It is if nothing else, thought provoking.