In the old days, Miyajima Island was protected as a place of God. So, people were not allowed to land here, and even Shinto priests weren't permitted on the island, except during special rituals. Ancient Japanese offered a prayer to Mt. Misen (the place where God came down) from a distance. It was only from around the year 1300 that residents begin to live here. After that, the approach to the shrine, streets, and a town were built. Nowadays, the bustling shopping street of Omotesando, Machiya-dori with its old houses, Taki-koji with big houses of Shinto priests, and a path to Momijidani Park lined with hand-craft shops, are all interesting to see. We can feel the energy from world-wide visitors and the daily lives of locals at the same time.