The Itsukushima Shrine is located on Miyajima in the western part of Hiroshima prefecture and was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1996. Known as one of the “Three Views of Japan” as “Aki no Miyajima,” its history dates to the 6th century, and it is said that “Taira no Kiyomori” constructed the shrine with its unique architectural style over the sea around 1168.
Itsukushima Shrine is a unique shrine in Japan, with wooden buildings standing in the sea of the inlet against the backdrop of an island in the Seto Inland Sea. At high tide, the shrine and its large torii gate appear to float on the water, attracting many tourists with its beautiful appearance.

In the past, it is said that Taira no Kiyomori illuminated the shrine buildings, the large torii gate, and the corridors with torches when he visited. Even now, the Itsukushima Shrine is lit up all at once after sunset, offering a fantastical view that differs from the daytime. Also, if you take a sightseeing boat departing at dusk, you can see the shrine and the large torii gate illuminated faintly.
The large torii gate stands 16 meters high and weighs about 60 tons. Interestingly, the base of its six pillars is not buried in the sea floor but stands only by its own weight. The weight of the stones and gravel packed into the upper part of the gate and the reinforcement of the ground create an astonishing stability. The main pillars use camphor trees that are over 600 years old, and it is said that it took many years to find these giant trees.

The World Heritage registration includes not only the Itsukushima Shrine, with the shrine buildings at its center, but also the sea in front of it and the forest area of 431.2 hectares including the virgin forest of Mt.Misen behind it, which is a natural monument.
The main peak, Mt. Misen (530 meters above sea level), has been revered since ancient times, and the entire island is considered sacred. After getting off the ropeway and following a path surrounded by mountains and valleys, you will arrive at Misen Main Hall, where Kobo Daishi practiced for 100 days, and Reikado, where an “unquenchable fire” has been burning for over 1,200 years. From the rooftop of the Mt. Misen Observation Deck, you can enjoy a 360° panorama, and on a clear day, you can see as far as the Shikoku Mountains.

Itsukushima Shrine is loved by many people for its beauty and sacredness, and is a place where its unique architecture, natural environment, and deep reverence for the gods intersect. Please feel the mystical atmosphere of Miyajima, the island of the gods, surrounded by untouched nature.

Access
1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture 739-0588
Approximately 27 minutes from JR Hiroshima Station to JR Miyajimaguchi Station via the JR Sanyo Main Line
Approximately 10 minutes by ferry from Miyajimaguchi Pier. Approximately 12 minutes on foot from Miyajima Pier.