Itsukushima Shrine

In short

Itsukushima Shrine stands on the shore of Miyajima, with its buildings lined up over the sea. The main shrine and the east and west corridors, among others, are National Treasures, and the shrine was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1996.

• ​The Grand Torii Gate in the sea​​: The vermilion gate, more than 16 meters tall, stands by its own weight rather than being buried in the seabed
• ​Corridors linking the buildings​​: The visiting route goes from the entrance along the east corridor to pray at the main shrine, then through the west corridor to the exit
• ​The ebb and flow of the tide​​: At high tide, the buildings and the Grand Torii Gate seem to float on the sea; at low tide, you can walk out close to the gate

History and Highlights

​Itsukushima Shrine​ is a shrine built along the shore of Miyajima, with its buildings extending out over the sea. The shrine itself writes its name using an older form of the first character. According to legend, its history began in 593, the year Empress Suiko ascended the throne, when Saeki no Kuramoto, the local ruler who governed the island, received an oracle from the gods and selected the present site subject to the ebb and flow of the tides to build the shrine pavilions. The deities enshrined here are three goddesses, led by Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto.

Toward the end of the Heian period, in the third year of the Nin'an era (1168), Taira no Kiyomori rebuilt the shrine complex, incorporating the shinden-zukuri architectural style characteristic of noble residences. The main shrine—consisting of the main sanctuary (honden), offering hall (heiden), worship hall (haiden), and purification hall (haraedono)—along with the auxiliary Marodo-jinja Shrine and the east and west corridors, are designated as National Treasures. In 1996 (Heisei 8), it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​The Otorii Gate Standing in the Sea​​: The vermilion Otorii gate standing offshore is designated as a national Important Cultural Property. The present gate was erected in 1875 (Meiji 8) and exceeds 16 meters in height. Natural camphor wood is used for the main pillars, and rather than being buried into the seabed, it stands under its own weight.
• ​Corridors Connecting the Pavilions​​: The standard route for visitors is to enter and proceed along the East Corridor, worship at the main shrine, and then head toward the exit via the West Corridor. The corridors are constructed with gaps left between the floorboards to prepare for high tides.
• ​Hira-butai and Takabutai​​: In front of the purification hall of the main shrine spreads the Hira-butai (flat stage), atop which is the Takabutai (elevated stage) where bugaku dance performances are dedicated. Both are designated together with the National Treasure purification hall.

Tips for Exploring

The appearance of Itsukushima Shrine changes dramatically depending on the tide. At high tide, the pavilions and the Otorii gate appear to be floating on the sea, while at low tide, you can walk close to the Otorii gate. Because the tide times vary from day to day, checking a tide table will make planning your visit easier. After paying your respects, you can extend your walk to Hokoku-jinja Shrine (Senjokaku Hall) and the Five-storied Pagoda, which stand side-by-side on a hill accessed via stone steps near the entrance, as well as Daigan-ji Temple located right outside the exit. Visiting these together with Mt. Misen and Daisho-in Temple located deeper on the island allows you to appreciate the history of Miyajima more deeply. Detailed information is provided at each spot.