Itsukushima Shrine
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Miyajima is home to one of the most iconic locations in all of Japan: Itsukushima Shrine and its floating torii gate. The large vermillion gate emerging from the water is quite the sight to behold and is beautiful with both high and low tides.
Itsukushima Shrine stands in the shallow bay area facing the great torii gate - it’s described as a “shrine floating on the sea.” Not only is the famous torii gate in the water, but so is a majority of the shrine. With the shrine being right up against the shore the water receded for a much greater duration than the torii gate as the tides ebb throughout the day.
The torii gate is far enough out from the shore that it makes for an easy sight to spot and is visible from most of the touristy areas of the island. A short ferry ride is the only way to reach the island and the gate is in clear view for the whole ride. Seeing it on the way to and from the island is great, but there’s an even more impressive view on the island!
Our favorite spot to view the torii gate is on the eastern side of the shrine. There’s a dirt path that is lined with large stone lanterns and follows along the strip of beach that leads back towards the ferry side of the island. There are benches where you can sit and enjoy the peaceful view looking across the water towards the outskirts of Hiroshima.
It’s worth going to see the torii gate at different times of day for the effect of the different lighting and also because it makes a big difference if it’s high tide or low tide! The torii gate stands offshore just in front of a shallow bay area. During high tide, the bay area is filled with water and the torii gate stands majestically in the deep-looking water.
However, if you go during low tide, when the water in the bay has drained, you can walk right up to the gate itself. That being said, there are still small and large pools of water in the area at low tide, and it can be very muddy, so wear appropriate shoes. Although it was great being able to walk up to the gate, we prefer to see it floating and reflecting off the water.
Our plan was to walk through the shrine after climbing up Mount Misen, but since Taylor sprained his ankle we were never able to return to the shrine. We still saw plenty while walking around it earlier though. The entrances to the shrine are guarded by statues. On the eastern side of the shrine is a stable with a horse statue sticking out. There’s also a five-storied pagoda nearby.
On the west end of the shrine is Daiganji Temple. It’s small but beautiful nonetheless and is worth checking out.
There are also plenty of deer all throughout the island. On Miyajima, deer are considered sacred messengers of the kami (gods). They are allowed to roam around and do pretty much whatever they want. We saw a deer biting and trying to steal a woman’s plastic bag. The deer are not afraid of people; they think that you will feed them, and if you don’t, they will glare at you angrily and possibly try to steal your stuff. Be careful! (Also, watch out for the deer droppings.)
Late in the evening and early in the morning, the island streets are empty of tourists. You can walk around in peace and quiet and enjoy the sights without the crowds. That’s how we were able to walk up to the torii gate without anyone else being there. However, the little shops are likely to be closed.
We’ll just have to revisit Miyajima another time to fully experience what the town has to offer. Next time we’ll make sure Taylor doesn’t hurt himself again!
Google Maps Link: Itsukushina Shrine
