“Island of worship.” That is what Itsukushima means. Today we explore the Itsukushima Shrine. It stands proudly on Miyajima Island. This island resides in the Seto Inland Sea near Hiroshima. The Itsukushima Shrine is also known as the floating shrine. This is because the buildings appear to float on the water at high tide.
Itsukushima Shrine’s history stretches back centuries. The main shrine was first built in AD 593. It gained popularity as a pilgrimage site. Members of the Imperial Court visited during the Heian Period. It remained important through the Edo Period. People living in western Japan revered it.
The main shrine consists of several buildings. The Purification Hall and a stage for bugaku performances stand here. Covered corridors link many buildings. Bronze lanterns from the early 20th century dot the area. An arched bridge dates back to 1557. Imperial messengers once used it. It links the shrine and the mainland. Notably, Itsukushima has a Noh stage. It dates back to the early Edo Period. It is the only Noh stage that floats on the sea.
Itsukushima Shrine’s buildings earned recognition. In 1952 they were designated as a National Treasure. In 1996 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plan your visit around the tides. That way you can see the shrine as it floats upon the waves. The shrine posts a daily schedule of high and low tides at the main entrance.
The iconic red torii gate greets visitors. It sits off the shore of the main island. The torii gate stands 16.5 meters high. It is one of the defining views of Japan. Visitors arrive by ferry from the mainland. The main pillars come from 500 to 600-year-old camphor trees. These trees resist rot and insects. The current gate dates from 1875. At low tide, visitors can walk right up to the gate. The original way to worship Itsukushima Shrine involved boats. People would pass through the big red torii gate on a special boat.
The white and vermilion honden is a National Treasure. It seems to float on top of the waters. The curved eaves are covered with cypress thatch. The Honden and the Haiden were built during the Nara period. Taira no Kiyomori played an important role here. He turned Itsukushima Shrine into what it is today. A medieval Heian parade pays thanks to him.
Itsukushima Shrine is not just a visual marvel. Miyajima Island has been an island of God for 1400 years. People all over Japan worship the island itself.
Itsukushima Shrine represents a blend of nature and architecture. Its beauty and sacredness continue to inspire.