Itsukushima Shrine: A Floating Sanctuary

4.6 (29206)

Discover the iconic 'floating' torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site blending spiritual tradition and architectural beauty on Miyajima Island.

Home
Japan
Iyo
Itsukushima Jinja

Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Miyajima Island, is famed for its iconic 'floating' torii gate and unique architecture built over water. Originally constructed in 593 AD, the shrine is a harmonious blend of nature and human creativity, offering breathtaking views that change with the tides.

A brief summary to Itsukushima Jinja

1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Miyajimacho, Hiroshima, 739-0588, JP
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 6:30 am-6 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am-6 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am-6 pm
Thursday 6:30 am-6 pm
Friday 6:30 am-6 pm
Saturday 6:30 am-6 pm
Sunday 6:30 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Itsukushima Jinja.

Visit during high tide to witness the iconic 'floating' torii gate and shrine, a truly mesmerizing sight.
At low tide, walk out to the torii gate for a unique, up-close experience and photo opportunity.
Check the tide tables in advance to plan your visit around the high and low tide times for the best experience.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the shrine grounds and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Consider visiting during sunrise or sunset for magical lighting and stunning photographs of the torii gate.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine: A Floating Sanctuary

Hokokujinja Senjokaku Pavilion

Discover the Tranquil Beauty of Hokokujinja Senjokaku Pavilion

Itsukushima Shrine Five-Story Pagoda

Itsukushima Shrine Five-Story Pagoda: A Towering Symbol of History and Harmony

Getting There

Public Transport

From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (25 minutes, ¥420, covered by the Japan Rail Pass). Alternatively, take tram line number 2 from central Hiroshima to Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi (1 hour, ¥240, not covered by the Japan Rail Pass). From Miyajimaguchi, walk to the ferry pier (5 minutes) and take either the JR or Matsudai ferry to Miyajima Island (10 minutes, ¥200 one way, ¥400 round trip, Japan Rail Pass valid on JR ferries, plus ¥100 visitor tax). From the Miyajima ferry terminal, it is a 10-minute walk to Itsukushima Shrine.
Walking

From the Miyajima ferry terminal, Itsukushima Shrine is a pleasant 10-minute walk. Follow the main path along the waterfront, passing shops and restaurants. The shrine entrance will be clearly visible on your right.

Discover more about Itsukushima Jinja

Itsukushima Shrine, located on the sacred island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, is a breathtaking testament to Japanese spiritual and architectural ingenuity. Dating back to the 6th century, with significant expansions in the 12th century by Taira no Kiyomori, the shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of the sea deity Susanoo. For centuries, the island itself was worshipped as a god, leading to the construction of the shrine over the water to avoid disturbing the sacred ground.The most iconic feature of Itsukushima Shrine is the giant vermilion torii gate, which appears to float on the Seto Inland Sea during high tide. This mesmerizing sight is one of Japan's most photographed landmarks. At low tide, visitors can walk out to the gate and touch its base, offering a unique perspective. The shrine complex includes a prayer hall, main hall, and Noh theater stage, all connected by boardwalks supported by pillars above the sea. The shrine's architecture reflects the elegant Shinden-zukuri style of ancient Japan, harmonizing with the natural surroundings.Itsukushima Shrine has been rebuilt several times throughout history due to natural disasters, but each reconstruction has meticulously preserved the original 12th-century architectural style. The shrine's design plays on the contrast between the mountains and the sea, embodying the Japanese concept of scenic beauty. In 1996, Itsukushima Shrine was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizing its global cultural and historical significance. The shrine continues to attract visitors from all over the world, drawn to its mystical beauty and spiritual atmosphere.Paying homage at Itsukushima Shrine has been a popular pilgrimage for centuries, particularly for those seeking safety on the Seto Inland Sea. The shrine's popularity grew during the Edo period, becoming a major pilgrimage destination for people living in western Japan. Today, visitors can experience the magic of Itsukushima Shrine by walking through its corridors, admiring the iconic torii gate, and exploring the surrounding natural beauty of Miyajima Island.