Intro to Miyajima & Itsukushima Shrine: Sea, Shrine and Mt. Misen
At high tide it seems to float on the sea; at low tide a sandy shore appears. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima is a rare site that turns the tides themselves into stage scenery.
Counted among Japan's three great scenic views, Miyajima (Itsukushima) is explored here in order: the halls, the Great Torii, and the mountain behind.
The whole island has long been revered as a sacred isle, where faith and nature are inseparably bound.
A sacred place woven by sea and mountain
The halls of Itsukushima Shrine
A group of vermilion-lacquered halls set in a tidal inlet. Their shinden-style layout linked by corridors is beautiful, and they were inscribed as World Cultural Heritage in 1996.
The Great Torii
A vermilion torii about 16.6 m tall standing offshore. Its main pillars use natural camphor wood, and at high tide it appears to float on the sea. The current gate is a Meiji-era rebuild.
Source:厳島神社
Taira no Kiyomori
In the late Heian period, Taira no Kiyomori is said to have built the halls to their present scale, praying for his clan's prosperity. The clan also dedicated the national-treasure 'Heike Nokyo' sutras.
Mt. Misen
At about 535 m, Miyajima's highest peak. A ropeway climbs partway up, and the summit offers sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea's many islands. Legends tied to the monk Kūkai also remain.
Source:宮島観光協会
Senjokaku and the five-story pagoda
The great sutra hall 'Senjokaku,' linked to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and the vermilion five-story pagoda beside it. Standing on a hill overlooking the shrine halls, they create a scene that feels distinctly Miyajima.
Source:宮島観光協会
The deer of Miyajima
Wild deer live across the island and are often seen even in town. They have long been cherished as messengers of the gods.
Source:宮島観光協会
FAQ
Can you walk all the way to the base of the Great Torii?
During low-tide hours you can cross the sand and approach the gate. At high tide it is surrounded by water, so checking a tide table before your visit is recommended.
How do you get to Miyajima?
It is about a 10-minute ferry from Miyajimaguchi on the mainland side. Two operators, JR and Matsudai Kisen, run the route.