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Large vermilion torii gate at low tide viewed through a wooden doorway frame with tourists, tidal flats, mountains and a coastal town

Miyajima Part 2

Miyajima - Part 2

Miniature vermilion torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine displayed with floral arrangements and bronze incense burner

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.

vermilion torii gate at low tide framed by pine branches with mountains and town in background
Large vermilion torii gate standing in shallow tidal flats at low tide with tourists and mountains in background
giant vermilion torii gate standing on wet sand at low tide with tourists walking nearby and puddle reflections, forested mountains under cloudy sky
Large red torii gate standing on a wet sandy shore at low tide, with puddles reflecting the structure and tourists walking nearby under a cloudy sky
Large vermilion torii gate standing on exposed seabed at low tide with tourists and forested mountains in background
Large vermilion torii gate standing on tidal flats at low tide with tourists visiting Itsukushima Shrine
Reflection of a red torii gate in rainwater puddles on sandy ground
Low-angle view of a massive vermilion torii gate with carved wooden pillar and ornate Japanese plaque against an overcast sky
low-angle view of a massive vermillion torii gate pillar with weathered wood grain texture set against an overcast sky
Low-angle view of a vermilion torii gate with ornate gold detailing against a cloudy sky
elderly man in orange puffer jacket standing on tidal flats at Miyajima shrine Japan with forested hillside and traditional buildings in background
Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island at low tide, vermilion buildings over exposed sandy seabed with forested mountains behind
Traditional vermilion arched bridge with wooden plank walkway and red railings under an overcast sky
Traditional Japanese wooden shrine building with weathered thatched roof before a forested hillside
Tourists standing in a Japanese shrine courtyard viewed through a dark wooden gate with hanging white paper lanterns
Traditional Japanese temple with red wooden columns, white walls, and a curved tiled roof, set among trees with stone steps leading to the entrance
Vermillion Itsukushima Shrine entrance corridor with traditional paper lanterns and visitors on Miyajima Island Japan
Information signboard at Itsukushima Shrine in Japan showing opening hours and tide table on a vermilion pillar
Hanging bronze lantern at a traditional Japanese shrine with vermilion wooden pillars, white panels, and forested hills
vermillion shrine corridor with hanging lantern overlooking stone wall and grassy courtyard
Man walking through a traditional Japanese shrine corridor with wooden pillars and hanging lanterns
Vermilion torii gate at low tide framed by scaffolding and mesh at Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima, Japan
vermilion japanese shrine corridor on wooden stilts above tidal flats at low tide
Traditional Japanese shrine with a thatched roof, vermilion pillars, and white panels elevated on wooden stilts
Wooden shrine donation plaques with Japanese calligraphy mounted beneath vermillion beams
Traditional vermilion Japanese shrine with elevated wooden veranda, thatched roof, and white railings set against a forested hillside
Vermilion Japanese shrine hall with thatched roof and five-storied pagoda among pine trees
Traditional Japanese shrine with vermilion pillars on a wide wooden deck
Large vermilion torii gate at low tide viewed through a wooden doorway frame with tourists, tidal flats, mountains and a coastal town
Traditional stone lanterns on a wooden boardwalk at a Japanese shrine with thatched-roof buildings and a forested mountain backdrop
Vermilion torii gate at low tide with verdigris bronze lantern foreground at Miyajima shrine
Traditional Japanese shrine roof with moss-covered tiles and vermilion wood set against forested hills
Verdigris bronze komainu lion-dog guardian statue on a stone pedestal at a Japanese shrine
Traditional Japanese sake barrels wrapped in straw cloth with painted calligraphy, plum blossoms, and crane motifs
Stacked traditional Japanese sake barrels wrapped in decorated cloth with calligraphy and painted designs at a shrine
Handwritten wooden ema prayer plaques hanging at Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima Japan
Wooden ema prayer plaques with handwritten Japanese wishes hanging at a Shinto shrine
Wooden ema prayer plaques with a painted red torii gate hanging at a Japanese shrine
Wooden ema prayer plaques with Japanese writing hanging at Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, Japan
Traditional wooden Noh stage with painted pine tree backdrop at a historic Japanese shrine complex
hanging iron lantern at a traditional Japanese vermilion shrine over water
Traditional Japanese shrine with vermilion wooden beams and curved thatched roof
Traditional Japanese shrine roof with layered thatched eaves and vermilion wooden beams

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