No one is allowed to be born or to die on Miyajima, the island just south of Hiroshima.

We were told it was believed to be the place where the gods came down to earth.

Presumably the minute someone looks like they’re about to pop their clogs or deliver a baby, they’re shipped off island onto a boat.

There is a cable car up the side of the mountain that we failed to enjoy but the main reason to visit is the Itsukishima shrine and the main buddhist temple.

Whilst these were clearly lovely, it was the general feel of the town, the friendliness of the people (mostly older) and the everyday shrines that we cam across just wandering around, looking for somewhere for lovely for lunch or supper.