Itsukushima Shrine

Famous shrine with floating torii gate

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#1 of 7 most visited in Miyajima

The centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine (��_��, Itsukushima Jinja) 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 consists of multiple buildings, including a prayer hall, main hall and noh theater stage, which are connected by boardwalks and 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 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, cost 1600 yen and take passengers around the bay and to the torii gate. 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.

How to get to and around Miyajima

Hours

6:30 to 18:00 (March to October 14)
6:30 to 17:30 (January, February and from October 15 through November)
6:30 to 17:00 (December)

Closed

No closing days

Admission

300 yen (500 yen for combined entry with Treasure Hall)

Questions? Ask in our forum.

English

Itsukushima Shrine

Official website.

Tide Prediction: Itsukushima, Hiroshima

Tide prediction for Miyajima.

Japanese

Itsukushima Shrine

Official website.

Budget:

- Itsumoya
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located in Miyajima, 400 metres from Five Storey Pagoda and 600 metres from Itsukushima Shrine, Itsumoya offers a garden and air conditioning. The property features inner courtyard views and is 1.1 km from Daisho-in Temple and 600 metres from The great Torii. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Tsutsumigaura Beach is 2.3 km away. The spacious ryokan is equipped with 1 bedroom, a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a bidet, slippers and a washing machine. The ryokan offers bed linen, towels and laundry service. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Momijidani Park, Museum of History and Folklore and Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 28 km away.
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- Ryoso Kawaguchi
  Budget-friendly
  
  Ryoso Kawaguchi, a property with a garden and a shared lounge, is located in Miyajima, 2.7 km from Tsutsumigaura Beach, 100 metres from Five Storey Pagoda, as well as 300 metres from Itsukushima Shrine. This ryokan provides free private parking, free shuttle service and free WiFi. The ryokan features family rooms. Some units are air conditioned and include a seating area with a flat-screen TV. At the ryokan, every unit includes a shared bathroom. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Daisho-in Temple, The great Torii and Momijidani Park. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 29 km away.
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- Oyado Tsukiusagi
  Budget-friendly
  
  Oyado Tsukiusagi is set in Miyajima, 600 metres from Five Storey Pagoda, 800 metres from Itsukushima Shrine, as well as 1.3 km from Daisho-in Temple. It is located 2.4 km from Tsutsumigaura Beach and provides luggage storage space. Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall is less than 1 km from the ryokan and Shiraito Falls is a 17-minute walk away. Featuring a private bathroom, units at the ryokan also offer free WiFi. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include The great Torii, Momijidani Park and Museum of History and Folklore. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 28 km away.
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- Yamaichi Bekkan
  Budget-friendly
  
  Featuring 2-star accommodation, Yamaichi Bekkan is set in Miyajima, 2.3 km from Tsutsumigaura Beach and 700 metres from Five Storey Pagoda. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. The ryokan features family rooms. All units in the ryokan are fitted with a kettle. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a bath and free toiletries, the units at the ryokan have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms will provide you with a seating area. The units are equipped with heating facilities. For visitors looking to embark on day trips to nearby landmarks, the ryokan offers a selection of packed lunches. Popular points of interest near Yamaichi Bekkan include Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple and The great Torii. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 28 km away.
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- Itsukushimahigashimonzen Kikugawa
  Budget-friendly
  
  Itsukushimahigashimonzen Kikugawa in Miyajima provides adults-only accommodation with a garden and a shared lounge. This 2-star ryokan offers luggage storage space and a housekeeping service. The property is close to popular attractions like The great Torii, Momijidani Park and Museum of History and Folklore. Featuring a private bathroom, units at the ryokan also offer free WiFi. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Five Storey Pagoda, Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 28 km away.
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- Jukeiso
  Mid-range
  
  Jukeiso features Japanese-style rooms overlooking the majestic entrance gate (Torii) of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, only a 5-minute walk from the Unesco World Heritage Site itself. The hotel offers public and private hot baths and a free shuttle to/from Miyajima Ferry Terminal. Free Wi-Fi is provided at the lobby. Japanese-style hotel Jukeiso is a 10-minute walk from Hokoku Shrine and Goju-no-To Pagoda. It's a 14-minute walk from Momijidani Park, and a 19-minute walk from the Miyajima Ropeway at Momijidani Station. Guests can unwind in a public indoor bath, which is available 24 hours, while an outdoor bath for private use offers views of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Jukeiso serves a Japanese breakfast and dinner at its restaurant. Besides amazing nature views, comfortable rooms come with a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge and an en suite bathroom. Yukata robes and green tea are provided. Guests sleep in Japanese futon bedding on the tatami (woven mat) floor.
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- Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located on Miyajima (Itsukushima), Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya offers a Japanese-style accommodation and a small garden. Free Wi-Fi is available. Miyajima Ferry Terminal is a 20-minute walk away. Guests can choose to stay in a private Japanese-style room or a dormitory room shared with other guests. Private rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon mattress whereas dormitory room provides wooden beds. Bathrooms, shower rooms and toilets are shared with other guests. The common lounge features tourist guide books, a TV and a desktop computer. Lockers and the common kitchen are also available to guests for free. Mikuniya Miyajima Guest House is a 6-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple. Guests can also walk to Marine Plaza Miyajima within a 10-minute walk. A complimentary breakfast and dinner are provided; however, guests are welcome to bring their own food and use the kitchen to prepare meals.
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- Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto
  Luxury
  
  A 3-minute stroll from Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto boasts an outdoor hot spring bath. It offers luxurious Japanese-style and Western rooms and a free shuttle from Miyajima Pier. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Spacious rooms feature either traditional futon bedding on a tatami (woven mat) floor, or carpeting and twin beds. All feature a minimalist interior in neutral colours, with a Japanese-style as well as a Western seating area and an LCD TV. Guests can unwind in a soothing artificial hot spring, which is separate for men and women. Arimoto Grand Hotel houses a souvenir shop, drinks vending machines and limited free parking. Authentic Japanese cuisine featuring fresh seafood is served at restaurant Shioji in a stylish contemporary setting, and in more traditional surroundings at Kappo Karaku. The Miyajima Arimoto also offers a coffee lounge, a bar and a Japanese noodle restaurant. Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto is less than a 5-minute walk from the beautiful Pagoda Goju-no-To and historical Senjokaku Hall. The Miyajima Ferry Terminal is a 10-minute walk away.
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- Iwaso
  Luxury
  
  Located in the World Heritage Miyajima Island, Iwaso features Japanese-style accommodations with beautiful surrounding views. Guests can relax in the indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and request for massages. A free shuttle is available from Miyajima Ferry Terminal, which is also a 5-minute walk away. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Rooms in the Annex include a private bathroom with a bath and toilet, while rooms in the historical Main Building and Cottage Annex have shared bathrooms and toilets. Guests can purchase local gifts at the souvenir shop and enjoy singing at the karaoke room. Photocopying and luggage storage services are available at the 24-hour front desk. A computer with internet is provided in the lobby for an extra charge. A traditional multi-course dinner featuring seafood and local ingredients and a Japanese breakfast are served at the restaurant. Iwaso Inn is a 5-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine and Momijidani Park. Miyajima Aquarium is a 10-minute walk away.
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- Kinsuikan
  Luxury
  
  Located in Miyajima with Five Storey Pagoda and Itsukushima Shrine nearby, Kinsuikan provides accommodation with free private parking, as well as access to a hot spring bath. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a lift and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation features luggage storage space and a housekeeping service for guests. All units in the ryokan are equipped with a coffee machine. There is a private bathroom with bidet in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. The units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. A bar can be found on-site. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Daisho-in Temple, The great Torii and Momijidani Park. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 29 km away.
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