Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine is a World Heritage Site famous for its floating torii. Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine near Hiroshima Japan. Itsukushima Shrine (Japanese: 厳島神社, Itsukushima Jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima) in the city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as national treasures. The first Itsukushima Shrine buildings were probably erected in the 6th century, but the present shrine dates from the 12th century. The current Itsukushima Shrine has been in its present state since 1168 when funds were provided by the warlord Taira no Kiyomori. The shrine’s construction, consisting of pier-like structures built over the bay, is due to the holy status that the island once commanded. Commoners were historically not allowed to set foot on the island, and had to approach by boat, entering through the gate that appears to float. Beside the shrine is a noh stage. Itsukushima Shrine Hiroshima Japan Shinto Itsukushima Shrine The dramatic gate (torii) of Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions, and the view of the gate in front of the island’s Mount Misen is classified as one of the Three Views of Japan (along with the sand bar Amanohashidate, and Matsushima Bay). The gate has existed since 1168, though the current gate dates back to 1875. The gate, built of camphor wood, is about 16 metres high and was built in a four-legged style to provide additional stability. The gate only appears to be floating at high tide; when the tide is low, the gate is surrounded by mud and can be accessed by foot from the island. It is common practice for visitors to place coins in the cracks of the legs of the gate and make a wish. Gathering shellfish near the gate is also popular at low tide. At night, powerful lights on the shore illuminate the gate. Retaining the purity of the Itsukushima Shrine is so important that since 1878, no deaths or births were permitted at the shrine. To this day, burials on the island are still forbidden. On September 5, 2004, the Itsukushima Shrine was severely damaged by Typhoon Songda. The boardwalks and roof were partially destroyed, leading to its temporary closure. Itsukushima Shrine - Hiroshima Transport Miyajima is an island, so you’ll have to take a ferry to get there. The main ferry terminal on the mainland is Miyajimaguchi (宮島口), which you can reach from JR Hiroshima station either by JR train (¥400, 25 minutes, or ¥570 for a combination ticket with the ferry) or by tram line #2 (¥270, 70 minutes from Hiroshima JR Station). The tram line also passes by the Hiroshima Peace Park and may thus be more convenient for visitors also touring Hiroshima. From Miyajimaguchi, JR and Matsudai ferries to Miyajima run up to 10 times an hour. The trip takes 10 minutes and costs ¥170 each way; Japan Rail Pass holders can use the JR ferry for free. Ferries return to the mainland until midnight, so it is possible stay until after most of the tour groups leave in the evening before returning on a later ferry. There are also direct ferry connections from Hiroshima Peace Park to Miyajima, running once an hour or so from near the A-Bomb Dome and taking only 23 minutes, but these charge ¥1640 for the privilege. (Article based on Wikipedia article and used under the GNU Free Documentation License) Photos provided by Hiroshima Prefecture. |