About
Itsukushima Shrine stands on the island of Miyajima, in Hiroshima Bay in the Chugoku Region of Japan. It is a Shinto shrine, and it is also known as Miyajima Shrine. Its best-known feature is the great torii gate that appears to float on the water, which draws visitors to the island from across the region and beyond.
The shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it makes a rewarding visit for anyone interested in Japanese religious architecture and the way it sits within its natural setting. The buildings are raised over the water on wooden walkways, so the shrine feels connected to the bay rather than set apart from it. Whether you come in the bright hours of the day or later, when the gate is lit, the view changes with the light and the tide.
Planning your visit
- Address: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan
- Telephone: +81-829-44-2020
- Getting there: Miyajima is an island reached by ferry from the mainland, so allow time for the crossing.
Around the shrine
Miyajima is small enough to explore on foot, and the area around the shrine is a pleasant place to spend a few hours. Walk along the shore, watch the deer that roam the island, and take time to look back at the gate from different angles. Because the shrine is close to the water, the tides noticeably affect what you see, and many visitors find it worth checking the state of the water before setting out.
Visitors who want a fuller day can combine the shrine with the rest of the island and with the wider Hiroshima area, which lies just across the bay. The trip suits both a quiet half-day and a longer outing, depending on how much time you have.
