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Itsukushima Shrine: A Floating Sanctuary

Discover the iconic 'floating' shrine of Itsukushima, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the sacred island of Miyajima.

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Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Miyajima Island, is famed for its iconic 'floating' torii gate and historic Shinto shrine complex. Built over water, the shrine appears to float during high tide, creating a mesmerizing scene that has captivated visitors for centuries.

A brief summary to Itsukushima Shrine

Local tips

  • Check the tide schedule before visiting to see the shrine in either its 'floating' state (high tide) or to walk out to the torii gate (low tide).
  • Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on stone paths and possibly hiking on the island.
  • Be aware of the deer roaming freely on Miyajima; while generally docile, they are wild animals and may try to snatch food.
  • Consider purchasing the Miyajima Otokuja Ticket on the Matsudai Kisen Ferry for a round-trip ferry ride, visitor tax, and a local sweet.
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Getting There

  • Ferry

    From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (25 minutes, ¥420). From Miyajimaguchi Station, walk to the ferry pier (3 minutes). Take either the JR Miyajima Ferry (covered by the Japan Rail Pass) or the Matsudai Kisen Ferry to Miyajima Island (10 minutes, ¥200 one way). A visitor tax of ¥100 will be collected upon arrival to the island. From Miyajima Pier, it's a 10-minute walk to Itsukushima Shrine.

  • Walking

    Once you arrive at Miyajima Pier, Itsukushima Shrine is approximately a 10-minute walk. Head north along the waterfront, following the main path through the town. The shrine entrance will be clearly visible on your left, marked by its distinctive vermilion structures. Note that the path is mostly flat and paved, but can be crowded during peak hours.

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Discover more about Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine, located on the island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, is a breathtaking testament to Japanese spiritual and architectural traditions. Originally constructed in 593, the shrine's unique design sees its buildings and iconic torii gate built over the sea. This ingenious construction creates the illusion of a floating shrine during high tide, a scene that has been celebrated as one of Japan's most scenic views for centuries. The shrine is dedicated to three daughters of the sea deity Susanoo, reflecting the island's ancient reverence as a sacred space. For centuries, Itsukushima has been a significant pilgrimage site, attracting worshippers and visitors from across Japan and the world. The shrine's popularity grew significantly during the Heian period (794-1185) under the patronage of Taira no Kiyomori, who rebuilt the shrine in the shinden-zukuri style. The complex comprises multiple structures, including the Main Shrine (Honden), prayer hall (Haiden), and a Noh theater stage, all connected by vermilion-lacquered corridors. The offshore Otorii gate, standing 16.5 meters tall, serves as the iconic symbol of Miyajima. Constructed of camphor wood, the gate has been rebuilt several times, with the current gate dating back to 1875. At low tide, visitors can walk out to the gate, while high tide transforms it into a floating gateway. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, Itsukushima Shrine is not only a visual marvel but also a place of deep spiritual significance. The shrine's history, combined with its unique architecture and stunning natural setting, makes it a must-see destination for anyone exploring Japan's cultural heritage.

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