basic information

"Miyajima" means "shrine-island" in Japanese, referring to the island's cause of fame, Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine is known worldwide for its "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, main hall and a noh theater stage, which are connected with each other by boardwalks and are all supported by pillars above the sea.

Miyajima Island has a long history as a holy site of Shinto. The island's highest peak, Mount Misen, was worshiped by local people as early as the 6th century. In 1168, Taira no Kiyomori, the most powerful man in Japan during the end of the Heian Period, selected the island as the site of his clan's family shrine and built Itsukushima Shrine.

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 will enjoy walking along them while looking out onto the water. After the sun has gone down, the shrine and the torii gate are illuminated, providing a perfect backdrop for ryokan guests to enjoy an evening walk in yukata and geta sandals.

Purification trough at the shrine's entrance

Roof of the shrine

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 hours of the tide during one's visit. At high tide the shrine and its gate 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 and out past the gate. Many people take the opportunity to walk out and see the gate from up close.

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how to get there

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

How to get to and around Miyajima

hours and fees

Hours:	6:30 to 17:30 (until 18:00 Mar to mid Oct, until 17:00 in Dec)
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	300 yen (500 yen for combined entry with Treasure Hall)

news and reports

Miyajima Cherry Blossom Report March 28, 2009

travel community

Users who have been to Miyajima: 488
Users who have been to Itsukushima Shrine: 388

1st of 6 most visited sights in Miyajima.
40th of 509 most visited sights nationwide.

Rating by users:		highly recommended (94/100, 239 votes)
Rating by staff:		highly recommended
Overall Rating:		best of the best

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question forum

Mijayima ferry Sunday

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updated 15 days ago

hotels & ryokan

Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto 17th century sukiya style Japanese hotel built in the Edo Period. With private open air baths with view of Itsukushima Shrine torii. Benten no Yado Itsukushima Enjoy onsen baths and delicious seafood while staying in Miyajima Island. Offers the Torii gate views from some rooms.

tours and packages

Hiroshima and Miyajima Tours Various tours and travel packages for Hiroshima and surroundings.

english links