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Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island is famous for its iconic floating torii and centuries of Shinto tradition and history.
The UNESCO World Heritage List includes over a thousand properties. They have outstanding universal value and are all part of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
Official facts
- Official title: Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
- Country: Japan
- Date of Inscription: 1996
- Category: Cultural
UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre’s short description of site no. 776:
The island of Itsukushima, in the Seto inland sea, has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. The first shrine buildings here were probably erected in the 6th century. The present shrine dates from the 12th century and the harmoniously arranged buildings reveal great artistic and technical skill. The shrine plays on the contrasts in colour and form between mountains and sea and illustrates the Japanese concept of scenic beauty, which combines nature and human creativity.
There is more to know
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine is one of Japan’s most celebrated cultural and spiritual landmarks. Located on the island of Itsukushima—more commonly known as Miyajima—it is best known for its iconic torii gate, which appears to float on the waters of the Seto Inland Sea during high tide. This striking image has made the shrine one of the most photographed and recognized symbols of Japan.
The shrine is praised not only for its historical and religious significance, but also for its harmonious integration with the surrounding natural landscape. The entire shrine complex was designed to blend with the sea, forests, and mountains that frame the island, creating a spiritual setting that feels both sacred and timeless.
This is a holy place with a long and rich history. Its origins date back to the 6th century, but the present-day structure is largely from the 12th century. It was expanded and refined under the patronage of Taira no Kiyomori, a powerful military leader during the late Heian period. Kiyomori was a devout follower of Shinto and saw the shrine as a place of deep spiritual power and political prestige.
Approaching the shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is dedicated to three Shinto deities: the daughters of the storm god Susanoo, who are associated with the sea, navigation, and sunlight. Because the island itself was considered sacred, the shrine was constructed over the water on wooden stilts. In ancient times, commoners were not even allowed to set foot on the island. Pilgrims would approach the shrine by boat, passing through the torii gate as part of the sacred journey.
Today, Itsukushima Shrine continues to function as an active religious site. There are traditional festivals throughout the year, including the centuries-old Kangen-sai, a ritual boat procession accompanied by classical court music. Apart from this, there are now few if any limitations as to whom might come and visit the shrine. In fact, it is one of the most popular destinations in Japan. There is a steady stream of passenger boats from the mainland and also some directly from Hiroshima a bit more to the north.
Once on the island we, along with most other visitors first headed for the torii gate. We had seen it from the deck and were of course eager to have a closer look. There is a small village or town of sorts near the ferry landing. Here we find local crafts for sale and opportunities to try the local cuisine. Popular foods include grilled oysters and momiji manju—sweet cakes shaped like maple leaves. The town stretches narrowly along the sea and continues up behind the shrine.
What to discover
There is a 10-minute walk along the shore from the ferry terminal to the most popular viewpoint for the gate. On our visit, it was a very congested place, and I suspect that might be the case most other days throughout the year. Some people therefore find it both more convenient and relaxing to the stay the night on the island.
Continue along the sea board to the Shinto shrine itself. It seemed like not all visitors chose to purchase the ticket to get inside, but I recommend that you do. You will be able to walk along the corridors built on stilts and also get a very good view of the torii gate about 150 metres away.
The island of Miyajima offers more than the shrine itself. Apart from the town, many visitors explore Mount Misen, the island’s highest peak. It offers panoramic views of the inland sea. Along the mountain trails are ancient temples, stone statues, and wild deer that roam freely. The island’s natural beauty shifts with the seasons, attracting visitors in both spring and autumn.
We took the easy way up the mountain, almost to the very top. There is a gondola service, the Miyajima Ropeway, that takes you halfway, and then another to take you even further. If you want to reach the summit of Mount Misen you will have to walk. It is also possible to hike the trails back down again or board the gondolas if you have a return ticket. There were long queues when we were there.
Conclusion
A visit to Itsukushima Shrine is more than a sightseeing trip. Like so many of Japan’s top destinations, it is an encounter with the country’s spiritual heritage, architectural elegance, and deep respect for nature. Despite its popularity with visitors, this shrine retains a strong sense of reverence and tradition. The gate, the shrine, the quiet town and the mountain panorama all add up to a great day-trip from Hiroshima.
Read more
Find more articles from Japan on Sandalsand. Itsukushima (Miyajima) lies just south of Hiroshima, another World Heritage Site, for another reason. My visit to the island was in 2025, 40 years after I first went to Hiroshima.
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The map below shows the temple and the gate. Zoom in and out to find the ferry terminal, town and mountain.
