Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine on the sacred island of Miyajima is one of the most iconic images in all of Japan — a vermilion great torii gate rising from the sea, seemingly floating on the water at high tide. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, this extraordinary shrine was built over the sea on wooden stilts beginning in the 6th century, expressing the ancient belief that the entire island of Miyajima is itself a divine being.

Highlights

The great O-torii gate, standing 16.6 meters tall and weighing approximately 60 tons, is one of Japan's Three Great Torii Gates. At high tide it appears to float on the sea; at low tide visitors can walk directly up to its base. The shrine complex, reflected in the still water of the inner bay, consists of multiple halls connected by covered corridors that extend over the sea, with the roofline creating a graceful composition against the forested mountain backdrop. The Noh theater stage built over the water is one of only a few such outdoor Noh stages in Japan. The Treasure House holds artifacts spanning over a thousand years including an extraordinary set of the Heike Nokyo sutras.

Getting There & Tips

- Miyajimaguchi Station (JR/Hiroshima Electric Railway), then a 10-minute JR ferry or Matsudai ferry to Miyajima. - The shrine interior has an admission fee (currently ¥300); the O-torii gate and coastal walk are freely accessible. - Check tide tables before your visit: high tide for the "floating" torii, low tide to walk up and touch it. - The island is famous for momiji manju (maple-leaf-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste). - Miyajima offers excellent overnight options for experiencing the site after day-tourists depart.

Best Time to Visit

The full moon over the O-torii gate is legendary — plan around the lunar calendar if possible. Cherry blossoms in April and autumn foliage in November frame the vermilion shrine buildings magnificently. The Kangensai Festival in July (held on the full moon of the 6th lunar month) with decorated boats and court music is one of the most beautiful and ancient festivals in Japan.