Is it the island’s fame or the shrine’s allure that draws you to Miyajima? Formally named Itsukushima, the island is more popularly known as “Miyajima”, literally “shrine island” in Japanese. We are standing before the Tsutsumigaura Shrine. It is a key part of what makes this island so special.
Itsukushima Shrine is a centuries-old Shinto shrine. It is the source of both the island’s fame and its name. The shrine is known worldwide for its iconic “floating” torii gate. The island has a long history as a holy site of Shinto. Mount Misen, the island’s highest peak, was worshiped by local people as early as the 6th century.
The shrine and its torii gate are unique. They are built over water. They seem to float in the sea during high tide. The shrine consists of multiple buildings. These include a prayer hall, main hall and noh theater stage. They are all connected by boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea.
In 1168, Taira no Kiyomori selected the island as the site of his clan’s family shrine. He was the most powerful man in Japan during the end of the Heian Period. He built Itsukushima Shrine.
The shrine is located in a small inlet. The torii gate is set out in the Seto Inland Sea. Paths lead around the inlet. Visitors enjoy walking along them. They look out onto the sea.
After sunset, the shrine and the torii gate are illuminated daily until 23:00. This provides a perfect backdrop for ryokan guests. They enjoy an evening walk in yukata and geta sandals. It is not possible to enter the shrine after sunset though. Tourists can also view the illuminated island from boat cruises. Cruises last thirty minutes. They take passengers around the bay and to the torii gate.
The experience of Itsukushima Shrine involves the water over which it is built. At high tide the shrine and its gate appear to float above the water. This is certainly the time at which they are most picturesque. At low tide, the water drains out of the bay. Visitors can walk out and see the gate up close then.
Itsukushima Shrine is a ten-minute walk from the Miyajima ferry pier. Ryoso Kawaguchi is located in Miyajima. It is not far from Tsutsumigaura Beach. It is close to Five Storey Pagoda and Itsukushima Shrine. Yamaichi Bekkan is set in Miyajima too. It is near Tsutsumigaura Beach and Five Storey Pagoda. Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya offers a Japanese-style accommodation. It is a short walk from Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple. Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto is a three-minute stroll from Itsukushima Shrine. It boasts an outdoor hot spring bath.
Itsukushima Shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto. They are Ichikishimahime no mikoto, Tagorihime no mikoto, and Tagitsuhime no mikoto. These Shinto deities are the goddesses of seas and storms.
The most recognizable feature of the Itsukushima shrine is its vermilion otorii gate. It is built of decay-resistant camphor wood. The torii appears to be floating only at high tide. The current torii dates to 1875. There has been one on that site since 1168.
The shrine’s halls and pathways are on stilts. Noh theater performances have long been used to pay homage to the gods. They act out key events in Shinto myth.
Itsukushima Shrine’s blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance continues to captivate hearts. Remember the story of Kiyomori and the goddesses as you explore. Let the tranquil atmosphere of Tsutsumigaura Shrine inspire you.