Itsukushima Shrine
★ 4.9🇯🇵 HiroshimaSuggested visit 1 dayBest season Year-round; March to April for blossom and November for autumn colour
World HeritageReligious siteCoast
A vermilion torii standing in the sea, the shrine appearing to float at high tide — one of Japan's three great views.
Overview
On Miyajima in Hiroshima Bay, Itsukushima Shrine dates from the 6th century, with the present shrine buildings in shinden style raised by Taira no Kiyomori in the 12th. It joined the World Heritage List in 1996. The shrine and its 16-metre vermilion torii stand on the tidal flat, appearing to float at high tide, and you can walk to the gate at low tide. The island also has the Mount Misen cable car and Momijidani Park, with deer roaming the streets.
History
Founded in the 6th century, enlarged to its present form by Taira no Kiyomori in the 12th, and inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1996 as one of Japan's three great views.
Highlights
- •The torii in the sea
- •The shrine corridors at changing tides
- •The Mount Misen cable car and viewpoint
- •Momijidani Park and the island deer
Practical tips
- •Check the tide tables — both high and low tide are worth seeing
- •Do not feed the deer, and keep paper items out of reach
Practical information
- Best time
- Year-round
- Tickets
- Shrine about JPY 300; cable car separate
- Opening hours
- 6:30-18:00 (varies by season)
- Local food
- Miyajima oysters, anago meshi, momiji manju
- Getting around
- JR to Miyajimaguchi from Hiroshima, then a ten-minute ferry.
- Visa
- A visa is required; apply about a month in advance.
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