Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima, or Miyajima, is a small island near the city of Hiroshima, and home to one of Japanfs most important shrines. Itsukushima Shrine almost certainly dates to the 6th century, though the island itself may have been regarded as sacred much earlier. The records of the shrine itself say that the goddesses inhabiting the island descended from heaven in the year 593, during the reign of the Empress Suika.

The present form of the shrine first appeared in the 12th century. The architectural style, called Shinden, was typical of noble houses in the late Heian era. The long, red-lacquered halls and cloisters are set on piers over tidal flats, and at high tide the entire structure famously appears to float. Standing in the water some distance before the shrine is its famous red Otorii gate, one of the Three Views of Japan, a list of Japanfs most beautiful sights generally attributed to the seventeenth century scholar Hayashi Razan.

Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japanfs most important, befitting the status accorded to the island since ancient times. One reason for the shrinefs unusual construction may have been that the island was considered so sacred that Itsukushimafs designers were reluctant to build on the soil itself and placed as much of the shrine as possible, including the Otorii gate, in or over the water.

Until 1878, neither births nor deaths were permitted on the island, and even today burials are prohibited to preserve the ritual purity of the island.

The shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and most of its buildings and several objects are designated National Treasures. The shrine also has old and close ties to the other shrines and temples occupying the island, and hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. No visit to western Japan is complete without making the trip to Miyajima.

Matt Mangham

1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi

10 minutes walk from Miyajima pier

Hiroshima station===(Street car No.1, 30min.)===Hiroshima Port===(Ferry, 20min.)===Miyajima

Hiroshima station===(Street car No. 2, 55min.)===Miyajima-guchi===(Ferry , 10 min.)===Miyajima

Hiroshima station===(JR Sanyo Honsen Line, 25min.)===Miyajima-guchi===(Ferry, 10min.)===Miyamima

Open Hours:
12/1 - 12/31: 6:30 - 17:00
1/1 - 1/5: Varies depending on number of visitors
1/6 - 2/28: 6:30 - 17:30
3/1 - 11/30: 6:30 - 18:00

Adult: 300yen
High school student: 200yen
Juniro high school or elementary shool student: 100 yen

Miyajima Tourist Association: http://www.miyajima.or.jp