Itsukushima Shrine

Also written: 厳島神社 · 严岛神社

A UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its iconic “floating” Great Torii gate that appears to rise from the sea.

Another illustration of this place, under Famous Views →

Hiroshima Chugoku Culture & Tradition

About this place

Itsukushima Shrine, located at 1-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is the head shrine of about 500 Itsukushima shrines nationwide and one of Japan's most iconic Shinto shrines. According to shrine tradition it was founded in 593 in the first year of Empress Suiko by Saeki Kuramoto, chieftain of the local Aki clan, after a divine oracle on sacred Mount Misen, 535 m high, considered the shintai or body of the deity. The shrine enshrines Ichikishimahime, Tagorihime and Tagitsuhime, the three Munakata goddesses of sea and safe travel. Its present form was shaped in 1168 by Taira no Kiyomori, military lord of Aki, who built the spectacular pier-like complex over the water in the refined Shinden-zukuri style. Six structures including the Honden, Haiden and Heiden are National Treasures, 14 others are Important Cultural Properties, and the shrine preserves the Heike Nokyosutra scrolls. Its most famous feature is the Great Torii standing 200m offshore, 16.6 m high with a 10.9 m span, rebuilt in 1875 as the 9th generation, made of rot-resistant camphor wood and cedar, weighing about 60 tons plus 7 tons of stones inside the lintels to stand by its own weight on a mat of pine piles. At high tide the shrine appears to float, at low tide you can walk to the gate. Inscribed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in December 1996 under criteria i, ii, iv, vi. The Kangen-sai festival on lunar June 17 features court music on boats. Open 6:30 AM to 6 PM, admission 300 yen. Access: 10 min ferry from Miyajimaguchi. The shrine architecture applies aristocratic residence style, corridors 45 spans east, 62 spans west extend over sea. Red lacquer reflects on water at sunset, deer roam freely, tide table must be checked for tidal difference up to 4m. The area is well maintained with parking and toilets. Local cuisine and seasonal events enrich visit. Photography recommended early morning or sunset. Check tide tables and weather forecasts for best experience. Family friendly and accessible for most visitors with moderate walking. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers.