Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima)
EasternShintoshrineEast Asia593 CE - present
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Location
Modern Name
Miyajima Island
Country
Japan
Region
East Asia
Coordinates
34.2961, 132.3197
Era
593 CE - present
Site Type
Shrine
About
A Shinto shrine on the sacred island of Itsukushima, dedicated to the three daughters of Susanoo, whose iconic vermilion O-torii gate stands in the sea at high tide.
Significance
One of Japan's three views (Nihon Sankei) and its most photographed site; the island itself is considered the body of a deity, so no births or deaths have been permitted on Miyajima for centuries.
History & Historical Arc
Founded traditionally in 593 CE; rebuilt in its current corridor-over-water form by Taira no Kiyomori in 1168; the O-tor…
Archaeological Notes
The tidal corridor (heiden/haiden) is built on stilts to allow the sea to flow beneath, symbolizing the shrine's positio…
Key Features & Structures
- O-torii gate (16m, in sea)
- Main shrine corridor over water
Visitor Information
15-minute ferry from Miyajimaguchi; free to walk the grounds, small fee for main hall. The floating torii is approachabl…
Related Figures
Taira no KiyomoriIchikishimahime-no-mikoto (deity)
In the Bible
Source References
- UNESCO World Heritage List #776
- Averbuch, Irit. 'The Gods Come Dancing' (1995)