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Itsukushima Shrine 厳島神社
Miyajima, Hiroshima · Open in Google Maps
Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima is famous for its great torii gate standing in the sea, which seems to float at high tide. It enshrines the three Munakata sea goddesses and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What to look for
- The shrine buildings stand on piers over the water, linked by long vermilion corridors.
- Its present form owes much to Taira no Kiyomori, who supported the shrine in the 12th century.
- At low tide you can walk out across the sand to the foot of the torii; at high tide the whole shrine appears to float.
- Deer wander freely around the island.
Enshrined kami
- Ichikishima-hime 市杵島姫命
- Tagorihime 田心姫命
- Tagitsuhime 湍津姫命
What people pray for here
Safety at sea, fortune, and the arts.
Etiquette
The look of the shrine changes completely with the tide, so check a tide table before you go.
New to shrines? Read our short guide to shrine etiquette: purifying your hands, bowing and clapping, offerings, omamori and goshuin.