Itsukushima Shrine

Overview

Itsukushima Shrine stands on the island of Itsukushima, popularly known as Miyajima, in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. It is best known for its torii gate rising from the sea and serves as the head shrine of roughly 500 Itsukushima shrines across Japan. The shrine complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Highlights

• ●The sea-standing torii gate, about 16 meters tall, is counted among Japan's three great torii.
• ●Six buildings, including the main hall, worship hall and corridors, are designated National Treasures, with fourteen more registered as Important Cultural Properties.
• ●The Hira-butai stage is regarded as one of Japan's three great shrine stages.
• ●The shrine holds numerous National Treasure and Important Cultural Property crafts, including sutras dedicated by the Taira clan.

History

According to tradition, the shrine was founded in 593. In the late Heian period it was devoutly venerated by the Taira clan, and Taira no Kiyomori had the present large-scale shinden-zukuri style shrine buildings, standing over the sea, constructed. A summer ritual known as the Kangensai festival is held at the shrine, which was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1996.

Map

34.2958, 132.3201 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1View the great torii from the seaside and take in the full scene of the shrine complex.
2. 2Walk the corridors connecting the National Treasure buildings, including the main hall, worship hall and purification hall.
3. 3Stand on the Hira-butai stage, regarded as one of Japan's three great shrine stages.
4. 4Visit the treasure hall to see dedicated crafts, including sutras offered by the Taira clan.

Did you know?

💡 The shrine's crest is a triple-tiered hexagonal motif with a sword-shaped flower diamond, and the shrine was historically also written as Itsukushima Jinja using different characters.

Nearby spots