We learned many details about how they and their servants lived, and how merchants carried on their business. From Hiroshima we took the ferry to Miyajima, an island close to Hiroshima. We were told that this place is considered such a treasure that no one is permitted to be born or to die there. We could see Hiroshima castle, which is up on a very high hill and can be seen from a great distance. As you come in on the ferry, there is a very large, very elegant torii gate made of gigantic camphor logs mounted out in the water.
Camphor wood is used because it is extremely water-resistant.
We also saw tame deer. The Jojis bought food for them, but the deer were very aggressive, and started chasing them for the food. With Hiroshima and Miyajima, our trip was about over. The Matsumotos, the Jojis, and Sensei went on to visit other friends and relatives, while we flew back from the new Kansai airport to the States. It was a very enjoyable trip.