Glimpses of serenity await visitors here at the Mikashima Shrine. This Shinto shrine offers a serene escape. But wait. Before we proceed let’s address the similar sounding names.
Mishima Taisha is another name. It is a Shinto shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture. Mishima Taisha’s history stretches back centuries. The exact founding date remains unknown. However, records suggest a possible origin in Miyakejima.
Minamoto no Yoritomo revered Mishima Taisha. He prayed there to overthrow the Heike clan. The Kamakura shogunate supported the shrine. Worship of Mishima Daimyojin became popular.
During the Edo period, Mishima Taisha prospered. Pilgrims on the Tokaido highway frequently stopped here. The shrine issued a popular “Mishima Calendar”.
The Meiji period brought changes. Mishima Taisha became an Imperial shrine. It was a government-supported shrine. The name changed to Mishima Taisha after World War II.
Mishima Taisha houses cultural treasures. A Makiie Box is a National Treasure. This Heian period box contains women’s cosmetics. It is the oldest existing hand box. Hojo Masako donated it to the shrine.
The Honden is an Important Cultural Property. It has been rebuilt many times. The current building dates from 1867. An earthquake had flattened the shrine in 1854.
Other treasures include swords. A Kamakura period Tachi sword was donated by Emperor Meiji. A Wakizashi short sword dates to 1364. The Heart Sutra was written by Minamoto no Yoriie in 1203.
The shrine protects natural monuments. An Osmanthus fragrans tree is estimated to be 1200 years old. The national government protects it.
Mishima Daimyojin is the enshrined kami. It is an amalgamation of Oyamatsu-no-mikoto and Tsumihayae Kotoshironushi no kami. The main festival occurs annually on August 16. It features yabusame performances.
Let’s consider Itsukushima Shrine as well. It is another significant Shinto shrine. Itsukushima Shrine is located on Miyajima Island. The island is near Hiroshima. It is famous for its “floating” torii gate. UNESCO recognizes it as a World Heritage Site.
Itsukushima Shrine dates back to 593. Saeki Kuramoto is said to have erected the first torii. Taira no Kiyomori greatly contributed to the shrine’s construction in 1168. Mori Motonari rebuilt the honden in 1571.
The shrine is dedicated to three goddesses. These are the daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto. They are goddesses of seas and storms. The island itself is considered a god.
The torii gate appears to float at high tide. It is approachable by foot at low tide. The current torii dates to 1875. The Itsukushima Shrine also includes a noh stage. It dates from 1590.
Deer roam freely on Miyajima Island. Feeding them is banned.
Miyajima is known for rice scoops. They are spatula-esque wooden spoons. Momiji manju are small maple leaf-shaped cakes. Age momiji are fried momiji manju. Miyajima beer is brewed on the island.
Visitors can stay overnight. Accommodations are more expensive than in Hiroshima City.
Both Mishima Taisha and Itsukushima Shrine offer unique experiences. Each holds cultural and historical significance. They each reveal different aspects of Japan’s rich heritage.