A power spot that will soothe your soul: World Heritage Site "Itsukushima Shrine"

Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima is registered as a World Heritage Site and attracts attention from both within Japan and overseas. The large torii gate standing on the sea is known as one of the most spectacular sights symbolizing Japan. There are many attractions at Itsukushima Shrine that you should not miss, such as the historic grounds and the unique fortune slips and stamp books that can only be found here. In addition, the mysterious scenery that shows different expressions during the day and at night is also a must-see. In this article, we will introduce plenty of must-see attractions if you visit Itsukushima Shrine!

table of contents

>One of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan! What is the history of Itsukushima Shrine?
> Should you aim for high tide or low tide? The Great Torii Gate with two faces
>The temple grounds are packed with a wide variety of things to see
> Great for social media ! Original "Omikuji and Goshuincho"
> "Night illumination" where you can see a mysterious sight
>Be sure to check before you go! "Access and Opening Hours"

One of the Three Most Scenic Spots in Japan! The History of Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine is located on Miyajima, which can be accessed from the center of Hiroshima City by train, tram, or high-speed boat. It was founded in the late 6th century, and became widely known after Taira no Kiyomori became a devout believer in it in the mid -12th century. It continues to attract widespread faith to this day as a shrine where people pray for safe voyages.

The large torii gate, the symbol of the shrine, was built in the ninth generation since Kiyomori's time. The contrast between the vermilion torii gate and the Seto Inland Sea is magnificent, and the shrine is counted among the "Three Most Scenic Views of Japan" along with Matsushima in Miyagi and Amanohashidate in Kyoto. In 1996 , it was registered as a World Heritage Site, and is one of Hiroshima's most famous tourist spots, attracting many tourists from both within Japan and overseas.

Are you aiming for high tide? Or low tide? The two-faced "Otorii"

The great torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine stands about 200 meters offshore from the main shrine building. It is about 16 meters high, which is almost the same height as the Great Buddha of Nara. It can be clearly seen from within the shrine grounds, as well as from ferries crossing to Miyajima. Some ferries slow down in front of the great torii gate to announce its passage. If you want to take a photo of the main shrine building and the great torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine together, we recommend taking the photo from the ferry.

Be sure to check out how the torii gate looks different depending on the tide. At high tide, the base of the gate is completely submerged in water, creating a mystical sight as if it is floating on the surface of the ocean. At low tide, you can walk right up to the gate, allowing you to experience its grandeur up close. You can check the tides on a tide table, so when you visit, why not check the time and choose the perfect time to visit?

Tide table

The shrine building is packed with a wide variety of things to see

Itsukushima Shrine incorporates the "shinden-zukuri" style of architecture, which was used in the mansions of aristocrats during the Heian period. There are many things to see within the shrine grounds that are just as impressive as the large torii gate. We will introduce the points you should pay attention to in the order of your visit.

① "Kyakujinja" (guest shrine) is the first to welcome visitors

Kyakujinja Shrine is located right at the entrance to the East Corridor. It is the largest of the sub-shrines and is designated as a national treasure.

② The "Corridor" where you can experience the Heian period atmosphere

The corridors connecting the main hall and other buildings are one of the distinctive features of the shinden-zukuri style. The total length from east to west is about 260 meters. To reduce water pressure during high tides, there are gaps intentionally left in the floorboards, so be sure to watch your step as you walk.

3. The huge and impressive "Main Temple"

The main shrine, located in the center of the temple grounds, is one of the largest in Japan, with an area of 260m2 (the size of a tennis court). The roof is made of cypress bark, another characteristic of the shinden-zukuri style. It is said to bring blessings such as safety in maritime and road transport, financial luck, prayers for victory, and matchmaking. *The three goddesses enshrined here are Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto, Tagorihime-no-mikoto, and Tagitsuhime-no-mikoto.

④ Photo spot overlooking the large torii gate: "Hirabutai/Takabutai"

From the flat and high stages in front of the main shrine of Itsukushima Shrine, you can see the magnificent torii gate right in front of you, and its presence is overwhelming. The flat stage is a popular photo spot for tourists, and there are often long queues to get in.

5. If you want to pray for success, go to Tenjin Shrine

At the back of Okuni Shrine, which you can see as you walk along the west corridor, is Tenjin Shrine, where Sugawara no Michizane, famous as the god of learning, is enshrined. If you have an exam or test coming up, why not dedicate a votive tablet to the nearby votive tablet offering place, praying for success?

Perfect for SNS! Original "Omikuji and Goshuincho"

After you've finished touring the shrine grounds, don't forget to pick up a fortune slip or a goshuincho (stamp book) as a memento of your visit. In fact, the fortune slips at Itsukushima Shrine have a rare fortune called "Hei" (flat). It's said to be somewhere between good and bad luck, with no ups and downs, but there are also other fortunes such as Kichikyomatsubun (good luck, bad luck, good luck), Mukaiki (good luck, bad ...

The goshuincho (stamp booklets) sold are limited to each season and feature designs of the main shrine and large torii gate, cherry blossoms and pink in spring, green mountains and light blue in summer, ginkgo and gold in autumn, and Bugaku dancers and white in winter. It might be fun to visit each season and collect them.

"Night illumination" where you can see a mysterious sight

Itsukushima Shrine is lit up from 30 minutes after sunset until 11pm (although this may not be the case during festivals and other events). The sight of the shrine building and the great torii gate, bathed in light and floating on the water, is beautiful in a way that is different from daytime, and is definitely something you should see. There are also night cruises, where the shrine building and the great torii gate seen from the sea are spectacular. Of course, it's beautiful to see it from land, but the view from the sea is also exceptional. Choose which view you would like to enjoy based on your travel schedule.

Be sure to check before you go! "Access and Opening Hours"

Itsukushima Shrine attracts many people with its beautiful scenery and mystical atmosphere. The view differs depending on the time of day you visit, so we recommend that you check the access and visiting hours before you go. Why not spend some time to cleanse your soul at Hiroshima's number one tourist spot?

access
JR
Take the train from Hiroshima Station towards Iwakuni → (about 30 minutes) → Get off at JR Miyajimaguchi → Board the ferry → (about 10 minutes) → Walk from Miyajima Pier → (about 15 minutes) → Itsukushima Shrine
Tram
Take the tram bound for Miyajimaguchi from Hiroshima Station → (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes) → Get off at "Hiroden Miyajimaguchi" tram stop → Board the ferry → (approx. 10 minutes) → Walk from Miyajima Pier → (approx. 15 minutes) → Itsukushima Shrine
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Hiroshima World Heritage Route
You can also access Miyajima by taking a high-speed boat from the dock near the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Walk from the "Atomic Bomb Dome" tram stop → (approx. 5 minutes) → Pier waiting area near Motoyasu Bridge → (approx. 45 minutes) → → Walk from Miyajima Pier → (approx. 15 minutes) → Itsukushima Shrine
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Visiting hours
Please note that the visiting hours at Itsukushima Shrine vary depending on the season. Please check the official website before heading out.
Itsukushima Shrine Visiting facilities and fees
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Information

Address: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, 739-0588

telephone number
0829-44-2020

Website

Itsukushima Shrine (link is external)

Tide Tables (External link)