Itsukushima Jinja — Attraction in Hatsukaichi

The island of Itsukushima, in the Seto inland sea, has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. The first shrine buildings here were probably erected in the 6th century. The present shrine dates from the 12th century and the harmoniously arranged buildings reveal great artistic and technical skill. The shrine plays on the contrasts in colour and form between mountains and sea and illustrates the Japanese concept of scenic beauty, which combines nature and human creativity. The buildings of Itsukushima-jinja are in the general tradition of Japanese Shinto architecture, in which a mountain or natural object becomes the focus of religious belief to be worshipped from a shrine, generally constructed at the foot of the mountain. The harmoniously arranged shrine buildings in the property are located on the sea and the scenery, with a trinity composed of the man-made architecture in the centre, the sea in the foreground, and the mountains in the background, and have become recognized as a Japanese standard of beauty. The sites reveal great artistic and technical skill and are unique among extant shrine buildings in Japan. The shrine is an outstanding and unique architectural work which combines manmade achievements and natural elements. It is tangible proof of the great achievements of Taira no Kiyomori.

Even though the buildings of Itsukushima-jinja have been reconstructed twice, this was done in a scrupulously accurate manner preserving the styles that prevailed from the late 12th century to the early 13th century.

The property is a Shinto shrine, a religion which centres on polytheistic nature worship, the origin of which goes back to primitive times. Over its long history, it has developed into a religion which became unique in the world, adopting continental influences to combine with its own indigenous traditions. Japanese spiritual life is deeply rooted in this religion.

The authenticity of the Itsukushima-jinja monuments and landscape is high and in complete accord with the principles enunciated in the Nara Document on Authenticity of 1994. As an ancient place of religious or spiritual importance, the setting continues to reflect the scenic harmony of the monuments, sea, and mountain forest and is properly maintained from both cultural and natural viewpoints. The design expressing the monuments’ historic value, including the character of the plan, structure, exterior appearance, and interior space, remains unchanged from its original state. In addition, the original materials are preserved to a great extent in the structural framework and other fundamental parts of the monuments. When new materials are required, the same type of materials are used with the same techniques based on detailed investigation. The property still retains high level of authenticity in terms of form/design, materials/substance, traditions/techniques,...

The Itsukushima Shrine, located on Miyajima Island in Japan, is a mesmerizing and culturally significant destination. Its most iconic feature, the vermilion "floating" torii gate, appears to rise from the sea during high tide, creating a breathtaking scene that has captivated visitors for centuries.

Steeped in history and spirituality, the Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds immense cultural importance in Japanese Shinto tradition. The architecture, characterized by its unique construction over water, blends harmoniously with the island's natural beauty, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Visitors often explore the shrine's intricately designed buildings, pavilions, and corridors adorned with elegant vermilion paint and intricate woodwork. The rhythmic sound of waves against the pier and the shrine's pillars enhances the tranquil ambiance, offering a serene escape from the bustling world.

The torii gate, one of Japan's most photographed landmarks, takes on different personas throughout the day as the tides ebb and flow. During high tide, it appears to float elegantly on the water, while during low tide, visitors can walk up close to it, providing an excellent opportunity for unique photographs and a deeper appreciation of its grandeur.

The spiritual significance of the shrine is palpable, inviting visitors to partake in rituals, prayers, and moments of contemplation. Cultural performances and events held at the shrine offer glimpses into ancient traditions and add to the immersive experience.

Exploring the Itsukushima Shrine and its surroundings, including the lush forested hillsides and wandering deer, provides a rich and unforgettable cultural journey. Whether during the vibrant hues of sunset or the ethereal tranquility of dawn, the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island remains a symbol of spiritual reverence and timeless beauty, leaving an indelible impression on...

This is a great place to visit except that it is full of some very rude large tour groups whose tour leaders have not taught them the rules and customs of Japan like waiting their turn in line. Many seem to bypass the line, stepping in front of other visitors and even photobomb others who waited respectfully to get the spot on the end of the pier to capture the Tori gate selfie. Please be sure to understand that an organization driven by courtesy is expected in Japan. Wait your turn to get the snapshot, don't bypass the line similarly as on commuter station escalators, it's simply rude and presumptuous. As a foreigner youre in their country. So follow the customs and show some respect.

When visiting here it's a good idea to look up the low tide times before hand and plan to arrive then by building in travel time working backwards from your hotel to the Tori Gate. We were a small group, got there at 805am and the low tide was at 742am. So we weren't able to walk out to the Tori gate. The super low tide wasn't until 8pm and we probably would go back out there again as it's a train ride and a ferry to duplicate. It's unfortunate that these big tour groups don't have the flexibility to plan this in. I would recommend visiting this on a free day by yourself, and not with these big tour groups as they will more than likely NOT be able to coordinate your arrival with the super low tide.

One advantage of the tide being out partially was being able to see the shrine when it's not in the water. So it just depends on what you want to see. There are a few other things like the 5 story pagoda and Mt Misen to climb. So be sure to leave time for that. Mt Misen isn't hard to do if you've done The Inca Trail and Macchi Pichu, but it isn't a cake walk either. Even some of the younger people were huffing and puffing. So be sure to leave time for those other island...