Just west and south of Hiroshima, a port town, is the island called Miyajima (actually Miya Island).  It is here that you can find that shrine with the famous red gate sticking out of the water that has come to symbolize Japan in guide books all over the world.  Here are a few pictures of that.  When the tide goes down, locals come out and go hunting for mussels (I think), which are supposed to fetch quite a good price on the 'mainland'.  It is also known for it's many deer wandering about, chillin' with the tourists.  Some friends of mine have spent New Year's Eve there and said it was a great time.  I recommend it to anyone travelling through that area...though it is of course very expensive to stay over there.  It really is a beautiful island, though.  I hiked it for a few hours once and it was very cool.
 
 

      or
Step Back