Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社) is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is famous for its unique torii gate that appears to float on the water at high tide.

The shrine was first built in the 6th century, and has been rebuilt several times throughout history. The current buildings date back to the 13th century and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine complex includes several buildings, including the main hall, the offering hall, and the honden, which is the inner sanctuary where the kami, or Shinto gods, are enshrined.

One of the most iconic features of Itsukushima Shrine is the torii gate, which stands in the water in front of the shrine’s main hall. The gate is made of wood and is painted bright vermillion. At high tide, the gate appears to float on the water, creating a stunning reflection of itself in the sea. Visitors can walk out to the gate at low tide and take photos, or view it from the shore or from a boat.

Another popular feature of Itsukushima Shrine is its Noh theater, which is one of the oldest surviving Noh theaters in Japan. Noh is a traditional form of Japanese theater that dates back to the 14th century and combines music, dance, and drama.

Itsukushima Shrine is also surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including the wooded slopes of Mount Misen and the Seto Inland Sea. Visitors can take a cable car or hike up to the top of Mount Misen for panoramic views of the area.

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Getting there

From Hiroshima Station to Itsukushima Shrine:

Train and Ferry

Hiroshima Station
↓ San-yo Line (Iwakuni)
↓ 26 minutes (9 stops)
Miyajimaguchi Station
↓ Walk about 3 minutes
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JR Miyajima Ferry
↓ 26 minutes (Nonstop)
↓
Miyajima
↓ Walk about 14 minutes
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Itsukushima Shrine (Cost 620 yen)

Details

Itsukushima Shrine

Getting there

Details

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