“Island of worship” is what Itsukushima literally means. We stand before Itsukushima Shrine a place of ancient rites. It is a world-renowned site that attracts visitors. The shrine was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1996.
Itsukushima Shrine has a fascinating history. It also has stunning architecture. The shrine was originally built in 593. Saeki no Kuramoto was the builder. Later Taira no Kiyomori became heavily involved. He erected the shrine on top of the water. He was the first samurai to become Daijo-Daijin. The Mori clan renovated the main hall in 1571. They reconstructed the O-Torii Gate and arched bridge.
Why was Itsukushima Shrine built where the tides rise and fall? Itsukushima Island was considered a god. So a location where the tides rise and fall was chosen. This was so the kami would not be damaged.
Worshippers have prayed at Itsukushima Shrine for the safety of the Seto Inland Sea. From the late Heian period Taira no Kiyomori came to worship here. The shrine’s name spread far and wide. Homage at Itsukushima Shrine became popular. Fishermen and tradesmen sailed in the Seto Inland Sea. In the Edo period Itsukushima Shrine was a main pilgrimage destination. People living in western Japan visited along with Ise Shrine.
Itsukushima Shrine has the blue sea in front. The virgin forest of Mount Misen is behind. The vermilion of the shrine is striking. Itsukushima Shrine is one of the Three Views of Japan.
The high stage in front of the Main Shrine is one of Japan’s three big stages. Itsukushima Shrine’s religious Kangen Festival takes place every year. It is on June 17th according to Japan’s old lunar calendar.
Itsukushima Shrine is the only shrine and O-Torii gate in Japan built where the tide swells beneath it. The Main Shrine is connected by corridors. They link to the Marodo Shrine, Tenjin Shrine and the Noh theatre stage. These are all in balance with nature. The shrine’s composition and architecture enthrall visitors.
The Marodo Shrine is the first shrine you arrive at. You walk along the eastern corridor. It is the biggest of the four shrines. It is dedicated to five male deities.
In the large central shrine you will come to the worship hall. The purification hall is also here. This Main Shrine is dedicated to three female deities. The three female deities are the gods of the sea. They are also gods of transport, fortune, and the arts.
The Main Shrine was reconstructed in 1571. Mori Motonari rebuilt it. It is one of the biggest in Japan.
At high tide the O-Torii gate sits on top of the water. At low tide you can walk right up to the O-Torii gate. At low tide three mirror ponds appear in the sand.
The O-Torii gate has been rebuilt a number of times. The current O-Torii gate was constructed in 1875.
In the time of Taira-no-Kiyomori people passed under the O-Torii gate by boat. They then entered Itsukushima Shrine. Now you can pass through the O-Torii gate on a boat.
The East Corridor links the Marodo Shrine to the Main Shrine. The Tenjin Shrine is located along the West Corridor.
This is the only Noh stage in Japan constructed over water.
The O-Torii gate stands 16 meters tall. It weighs 60 tons. Surprisingly the pillars are not buried in the seabed. The weight of the pillars keeps it standing.
Long ago the shrine and corridors were illuminated with torches. Today Itsukushima Shrine is lit up at night. This creates a different atmosphere.
Since 806 Mt. Misen has been worshipped as a sacred mountain.