Miyajima Island Japan

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Miyajima Island floats like a diamond in the Inland Sea of Japan. From the misty beginnings of Japanese history Miyajima has been classified as one of the most scenic islands of Japan.
Out of respect for the Miyajima Gods no one dared to live there. For more than a thousand years, visitors who were mainly fishermen, left the Island at the end of each day.

The first shrine was founded in 593 AD. The land was regarded as so sacred that the famous Tsukishima Shrine was built over the water to avoid offending the Gods. When people eventually inhabited the island they were forbidden to till the ground, give birth, die or be buried on the sacred ground. . Even today there are no hospitals or cemeteries on Miyajima Island.

SHRINES AND TEMPLES

The Itsukishima Shrine extends out over the water so that at high tide it seems to be floating on the sea. It consists of the Main Shrine and many subsidiary shrines and buildings all connected by wide corridors and galleries. Itsukishima been designated as a National Treasure.

In the water near the Itsukishima Shrine stands the world renowned Torii, one of the largest in Japan. The view through the Torii framing Mount Misen in the background is one of the most photographed scenes in Japan

The Senjokaku Shrine-the Hall of a Thousand Mats-is an outstanding building containing a library of Buddhist sutras which Toyotomi Hideyoshi began to collect in 1587AD

The vermilion red Five-Storied Pagoda built in 1407AD shows a splendid structural beauty which skilfully combines the beauty of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles.

The Daiganji Temple is dedicated to Benzaiten the Goddess of eloquence, music, wisdom and wealth and is one of the 3 most famous Benzaiten Temples.

The Daishoin Temple is the most distinguished temple of Miyajma and is in charge of all the rituals and ceremonies of the Itsukushima Shrine

Next Page Festivals and Natural Features

Photos provided by Hiroshima Prefecture.