Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine - Hatsukaichi, Japan - Freestanding Arches on Waymarking.com

The centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima is the source of both the island's fame and its name. Formally named Itsukushima, the island is more popularly known as "Miyajima", literally "shrine island" in Japanese, thanks to its star attraction. The shrine is known worldwide for its iconic "floating" torii gate.

The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water, seemingly floating in the sea during high tide. The shrine complex consists of multiple buildings, including a prayer hall, a main hall and a noh theater stage, which are connected by boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea.

Built in 1875, the "floating" torii is the front gate to Itsukushima Shrine. It is 16 meters tall and 24 meters wide.The diameter of the main pillars, made of camphor wood, is 3.64 meters. They are painted vermilion. The roof is thatched with cypress bark.

The shrine is located in a small inlet, while the torii gate is set out in the Seto Inland Sea. Paths lead around the inlet, and visitors enjoy walking along them while looking out onto the sea. After sunset, the shrine and the torii gate are illuminated daily until 23:00, providing a perfect backdrop for ryokan guests to enjoy an evening walk in yukata and geta sandals. It is not possible to enter the shrine after sunset, though.

Alternatively, tourists can view the illuminated island from boat cruises. Cruises last thirty minutes and take passengers around the bay and through the torii gate (during high tide only). Reservations are required and can be made through one's ryokan or at the tourist information desk.

Because the experience of Itsukushima Shrine involves the water over which it is built, it is good to be aware of the timings of the tides during one's visit. At high tide the shrine and its gate appear to float above the water, and this is certainly the time at which they are most picturesque. At low tide, the water drains out of the bay. This is when visitors can take the opportunity to walk out and see the gate from up close.

Itsukushima Shrine is a ten minute walk from the Miyajima ferry pier.

Sources: (visit link) and (visit link)

Type: Gateway Subtype: Torii Location: Itsukushima Shrine

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Date Logged Log User Rating   10/16/2023 LightRich1 visited it