About Mikuniya
Hello everyone. My name is Miku, the cat who is (what they call) the landlady of Mikuniya. Since this is Mikuniya's first post, I was entrusted with the task of writing it. Well, I've been watching over this guesthouse since it was first built, so I think it was a pretty nice decision, hehe.
Oh, are you curious about how I became the poster girl here? That's a story from when I was just a tiny baby kitten. I was so hungry and wandering around this island. Then, on the street where this guesthouse is, a kind-looking man found me. When I went inside, there was the smell of delicious curry. I heard that they provide dinner for guests every night. And this place had so many things: a quiet and relaxing garden, a closet to hide in, and a kitchen that smelled good. I was also happy that the people who came here would look at me and say, 'What a cute cat.' So, I liked it here right away and decided to make it my home. Maybe I'll even share a picture of me when I was a baby.
Now then. This Mikuniya is a guesthouse with charming Japanese-style rooms, opened 12 years ago by the owner Junya's father. It seems this place was originally used as a retreat for the Mint Bureau, so it is very spacious and comfortable. I like to spend my time in the large garden, listening to the birds chirping and gazing at the big sky. I heard from Junya that his father was originally a social studies teacher. Since many people come to Miyajima for sightseeing, he wanted to convey the charm of the island even more to guests from both Japan and abroad. Since it is a guesthouse rather than a hotel, we can provide more at-home and flexible service. The time I spend dozing off while listening to everyone's happy conversations is my moment of bliss. By the way, within a 10-minute walk from this guesthouse, there is the famous Itsukushima Shrine, the Miyajima Aquarium, and Daishoin Temple, which is very convenient (though it takes me a little less time with my paws).
I like to travel on a whim, and I have wandered to many different places so far. Traveling is wonderful, isn't it? When I meet various creatures and see different scenery in the places I go, I feel my world becoming more colorful. For example, Itsukushima Shrine on this island. I was taking a walk around the shrine when the tide was out, and I became very good friends with a deer I met there. We had a conversation about how nice the scent is after the tide goes out. For some reason, even after we parted ways, I sometimes think about that deer. Especially on days when there is heavy rain in the mountains, I worry, 'Oh, I wonder if that deer is okay.' When I told Junya this story, he said, 'That feeling is a piece of the puzzle that creates a peaceful world. I think that as more people travel, it leads to world peace. When you meet something on your travels, you want to understand that place and its people better, or conversely, you want people to know about your own country's culture and history. This feeling of caring for one another is something this world needs more of.' I see. Hearing this made me love traveling even more.
So, how was Mikuniya as told by me? I've been talking for a long time, so I'm getting a little sleepy. Despite how I look, I'm actually 10 years old. Thank you all for listening. And if you feel like it... no, don't just say 'if you feel like it,' please come and visit Mikuniya at least once. I'll be waiting somewhere in the guesthouse. I'm really looking forward to meeting you all.