Itsukushima

Overview

Itsukushima is an island in the western part of the Inland Sea of Japan, located in the northwest of Hiroshima Bay. It is popularly known as Miyajima and belongs to the city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture. Since ancient times, the island itself is thought to have been an object of nature worship.

Highlights

• ●One of the Three Views of Japan, alongside Amanohashidate and Matsushima
• ●The Itsukushima Shrine set over the water, with primeval forest rising behind it
• ●Coastal scenery of Hiroshima Bay that shifts with the rise and fall of the tide
• ●A Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty, also a registered Ramsar site

History

From the late Heian period onward, the strength of the Itsukushima Shrine and the island's importance as a hub of maritime transport brought it repeatedly onto the stage of history. By the mid-Edo period it was widely known as one of the Three Views of Japan and flourished as one of the country's foremost pilgrimage and sightseeing destinations. The whole island once corresponded to the former town of Miyajima before merging with Hatsukaichi in 2005.

Map

34.2756, 132.3078 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Cross to the island by sea and take in the view of Hiroshima Bay from the shore
2. 2Explore the Itsukushima Shrine and its precincts spread over the water
3. 3Experience the natural environment of the primeval forest rising behind
4. 4Walk around the surrounding town and appreciate the scenery of one of the Three Views of Japan

Did you know?

💡 Itsukushima was also selected as one of the 100 Landscapes of Heisei.

Nearby spots