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Miyajima's iconic floating torii gate viewed through a window frame, with people on the shore and mountains in the background.

Miyajima – Part 2

Red torii gate miniature with incense burner and flower arrangements.

Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Itsukushima (also known as Miyajima) in Hiroshima Bay, Japan. This iconic shrine is known for its distinctive “floating” torii gate, which appears to rise out of the water during high tide.

The shrine’s history dates back to the 6th century, with the current layout of buildings established in the 12th century. Dedicated to the three daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto, the Shinto god of the sea and storms, Itsukushima Shrine has long been revered as a holy site. Throughout its history, it has been supported and expanded by influential figures, including the samurai leader Taira no Kiyomori.

Itsukushima Shrine’s architecture is a stunning example of Shinden-zukuri style, characterized by interconnected buildings on piers over the water. This unique design, combined with the shrine’s natural surroundings, creates a breathtaking scene that has captivated visitors for centuries. The shrine complex consists of various structures, including the Main Shrine, Noh Theater Stage, and the Marodo-jinja Shrine.

Beyond its architectural beauty, Itsukushima Shrine also holds cultural significance. It is home to several important festivals, including the Kangensai Festival, known for its traditional music and dance performances.

Itsukushima Shrine's red torii gate at low tide, viewed through pine branches.
Itsukushima Shrine's large red torii gate at low tide with people standing on the exposed seabed.
Large red torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima, with people standing on the shore.

Itsukushima Shrine's red torii gate at low tide, reflected in puddles.
Itsukushima Shrine's red torii gate at low tide, with people walking in the foreground.
Large red torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, Japan, with people standing on the shore.

Reflection of Itsukushima Shrine in a puddle.
Low-angle view of a bright red torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.
Low-angle view of a red pillar and the underside of a bright red torii gate.
Low-angle view of a red torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.
Senior man in orange jacket standing on Miyajima beach, Japanese shrine and houses in background.
Miyajima shrine in Japan at low tide with people visiting.
Wooden bridge with red railings in Miyajima, Japan.
Wooden building with thatched roof at Miyajima shrine, Japan.
View through a wooden gate of a Japanese shrine with people and paper lanterns.
Red and white Miyajima shrine in Japan.
Covered walkway of Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, Japan.

Itsukushima Shrine entrance with daily hours, admission fees, and tide chart.
Japanese lantern hanging in front of Itsukushima Shrine.
Red pillars and wooden beams of a Japanese shrine with a hanging lantern and stone wall in the background.
Black and white photo of a man walking in a Japanese shrine.
Miyajima, Japan's floating torii gate viewed through scaffolding.
A person standing on a raised red walkway of a Japanese shrine.

Red Japanese shrine building on stilts over exposed ground.
Wooden panels with Japanese characters inscribed on them, within a red shrine structure.
Miyajima shrine in Japan with red pillars and a thatched roof.
Red and white Japanese shrine with a five-story pagoda in the background.
Miyajima shrine in Japan with red pillars and a thatched roof.
Miyajima's iconic floating torii gate viewed through a window frame, with people on the shore and mountains in the background.
Stone lanterns at Miyajima shrine in Japan.

Miyajima, Japan: red torii gate and people walking towards it on a wet, seaweed-covered sandbar.
Close-up of a moss-covered, red and black Japanese shrine roof against a cloudy sky and forested hills.
Bronze komainu statue at Miyajima shrine.
Close-up of sake barrels with Japanese characters and imagery.
Stacked sake barrels with Japanese characters and designs.
Close-up of numerous wooden plaques with Japanese writing hanging at a shrine.

Wooden plaques with handwritten Japanese messages hang from a rack at a shrine.
Wooden prayer plaques with Japanese writing and a painted torii gate hang from a rack.
Black and white photo of numerous ema (wooden plaques with prayers) hanging at a shrine in Miyajima, Japan.
Wooden stage with painted wall and bamboo poles, viewed from a covered walkway.
Black lantern hanging in front of a red Japanese shrine.

Red and white exterior of Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, Japan.
Close-up of the intricately layered roofs of Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, Japan.

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