The Shinto shrine in Itsukushima consists of several vermilion buildings that seem to float above the water. However, Itsukushima Shrine is most famous for its fiery red wooden gate, which forms one of the three most famous panoramas in Japan.
Just outside the Japanese city of Hiroshima on the island of Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, is the world-famous Shinto Shrine, one of our top 10 attractions in Japan. Also known simply as Itsukushima Shrine, the building complex is one of Japan's national treasures and was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1996 as an impressive example of Japanese architecture.
Shintoism (usually translated as "Way of the Gods") is the second major religion practised in Japan, alongside Buddhism. The Shinto shrine on Itsukushima consists of several structures built in the so-called "Shinden Zukuri" style similar to a pier across the bay off Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture. Thus, for pilgrims from afar, it seemed as if the shrine was floating above the water, in a space between sacredness and profanity.
If you are planning a spiritual trip to Japan and exploring Shintoism, it would be great to stay at some of the leading tophotels.com hotels in Tokyo. While its concrete jungle might seem a world away from the tranquil space of the Itsukushima shrine, it has its own charm!
The first buildings were erected as early as 593, their current appearance dates from 1168, the shrine itself from the 16th century after several destructions by typhoons and fires. At that time, the island was sacred and ordinary citizens were not allowed to enter.
After a whole day of cultural and spiritual exploration, a good rest is a must. You can find excellent accommodation options ranging from luxurious five-star hotels to affordable yet comfortable 3-star hotels in Tokyo. Staying in Tokyo offers easy access to a variety of cultural experiences, making it an ideal base for your journey.
Visit to the Itsukushima Shrine
Even today, access to the island in Hiroshima Bay is only possible by boat. Approaching Itsukushima Shrine, one is still struck by the ancient majesty of the sacred island. This is partly due to the picturesque contrast created by the vermilion buildings against the blue of the sea and the lush green of the mountains.
On the other hand, it is certainly also due to the monumental wooden "Torii", which you pass on the way to the island. The huge fiery red gate, which is in the middle of the water during high tide, is one of the top 10 sights in Japan.
The torii with Mount Misen, Itsukushima's highest point, in the background is an extremely popular postcard and travel magazine motif. This panorama was chosen as one of the three most famous views in Japan , together with the "sky bridge" Ama-no-hashidate in Kyoto Prefecture and Matsushima Bay in Miyagi Prefecture.
The famous gate is 16 metres high and was additionally stabilised in 1875 with resistant camphor wood to withstand the tides. At low tide, it can be reached on dry feet, which is especially popular with shellfish collectors. Incidentally, anyone who puts a coin into the cracks of the torii is supposed to get a wish fulfilled.
Five kami, sacred beings of Shintoism, are worshipped in Itsukushima Shrine itself. Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun and light and founder of the imperial court, as well as her brother Susano-o no Mikoto, god of the sea and storms, and his three daughters. Near the main shrine, there has been a Noh stage since the late 16th century, where events and ceremonial rites are held in honour of the gods.
The buildings of the shrine can be explored on foot or in the course of a boat tour - the boat tour is especially recommended at night, when not only the torii but also the prayer halls are spectacularly illuminated.
Curious: to preserve the purity of Itsukushima Shrine, births and deaths are still forbidden on the island. Expectant mothers are moved to the mainland as soon as the birth is imminent, and terminally ill and dying people are also taken away from the island.
Accommodation and hotels in Japan
Interesting articles for holidays in Japan:
The Top 10 Sights of Japan
Mount Fuji
Shinto Shrine in Itsukushima
Peace Monument in Hiroshima
Himeji Castle
Daibatsu ("Great Buddha") in Kamakura
Nikko National Park