Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

Itsukushima Shrine on the sacred island of Miyajima is one of the most beautiful and iconic sights in Japan, famous for its great vermilion torii gate that appears to float on the sea at high tide. The shrine itself is built on stilts over the water so that, at high tide, the whole complex seems to float, backed by forested mountains and wandering wild deer, a serene UNESCO treasure near Hiroshima.

History

By tradition the first torii was raised here in the late 6th century, in the reign of Empress Suiko. A torii has stood on the site since 1168, when Taira no Kiyomori, then governor of Aki Province, paid for the shrine's great rebuilding: it honoured the guardian god of navigation, served his clan's sea trade with Song China, and became the Taira family shrine. The present gate dates from 1875. The warlord Mōri Motonari rebuilt the main hall in 1571, after his battle against Sue Takafusa on the island in 1555 had broken the taboo against spilling blood on sacred ground. The only building left from the Kamakura period is the Kyakuden, the Guest-God's Shrine (Wikipedia, Itsukushima Shrine).

The main sights

• The floating torii gate - the great vermilion gate standing in the sea.
• The stilted shrine - the shrine buildings over the water.
• The island and deer - the sacred island, its deer and forested peaks.
• Mount Misen - the island's summit, by ropeway or trail, with island views.

When to go

Year-round; time your visit around the tides, as the torii floats at high tide and you can walk out to it at low tide, both worthwhile. Spring blossom and autumn colour are loveliest, and evening light on the gate is magical.

Before you go

The famous floating effect depends entirely on the tide, so check the tide tables; at low tide the gate stands on mud, which is a different but still interesting sight. It is a popular day trip from Hiroshima and busy by day, though staying overnight gives the island a serene calm.

Nearby

Hiroshima and its Peace Memorial are a short train and ferry away.