Itsukushima Shrine
Shinto shrine on Miyajima with a floating torii gate.
via Wikipedia: Tourism in Japan · see source
Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima) in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.
- founded
- First torii said to have been erected in 593; current torii dates to 1875
Reader's Guide
The shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto—Ichikishimahime no mikoto, Tagorihime no mikoto, and Tagitsuhime no mikoto—goddesses of seas and storms. Kiyomori believed these deities to be manifestations of Kannon, and the island itself is considered a god, which is why the shrine was built on the outskirts. The shrine was designed in the Shinden-zukuri style with pier-like structures over the water, creating the illusion of floating. The vermilion torii, built of camphor wood, appears to float only at high tide and is illuminated at night. The shrine's treasures include the Heike Nōkyō, sutras decorated with silver, gold, and mother-of-pearl by Kiyomori and his clan. The annual Kangen-sai ritual, initiated by Kiyomori in the 12th century, features a boat procession with a portable shrine and court music.
Did You Know?
- The annual Kangen-sai ritual, initiated by Kiyomori in the 12th century, features a boat procession with a portable shrine and court music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Itsukushima Shrine and where is it located?
It is a Shinto shrine complex on the island of Itsukushima (popularly called Miyajima) in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The site encompasses the main Honsha shrine, the Sessha Marodo-jinja, and seventeen additional buildings and structures spread across the island.
What is the famous 'floating' torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine?
The iconic vermilion torii gate, carved from camphor wood and standing roughly 15 meters tall, appears to hover above the water at high tide, making it the shrine's most photographed feature. The present gate was built in 1875, but the tradition of a torii marking this sacred waterside spot stretches back to 569.
Which historical figures were major patrons of Itsukushima Shrine?
Two patrons stand out in the shrine's history: Taira no Kiyomori in the 12th century and Mōri Motonari in the 16th century. Their generous support helped expand and elevate the complex into the major religious center it remains today.
What heritage designations does Itsukushima Shrine hold?
The shrine is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and multiple buildings and objects within the complex are officially designated as National Treasures by the Japanese government. Together these recognitions underscore its exceptional cultural and spiritual value.
Why is Itsukushima Shrine considered one of Japan's most significant monuments?
Its layout—shrine buildings set across a forested island and linked by a causeway, with the torii gate rising from the sea—creates a unique interplay of architecture, water, and nature. This striking setting has drawn pilgrims, artists, and visitors for centuries and cemented the site as a defining image of Japanese sacred landscape.
More in Notable Buildings And Monuments 25-34
Elsewhere in the Notable Buildings And Monuments universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record