âŠī¸ Itsukushima Shrine
Japan
About This Sacred Site
Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island is one of Japan's most iconic Shinto shrines, renowned for its massive vermillion torii gate that appears to float on the water at high tide. The shrine complex itself is built on stilts over the inlet, creating the illusion that it too floats on the sea. Founded in 593 CE and rebuilt in its present form by Taira no Kiyomori in 1168, the shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of the Shinto deity Susanoo. The entire island of Miyajima has been considered sacred for centuries, and historically commoners were not allowed to set foot on it.
Key Facts
- âĸThe iconic torii gate stands 16.6 meters tall and appears to float at high tide
- âĸThe shrine buildings are constructed over water on stilts
- âĸUNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996
- âĸThe island was considered so sacred that no births or deaths were permitted on it
- âĸThe current torii gate dates from 1875 and is the 9th iteration
Location
Coordinates: 34.2961, 132.3198
Related Holy Sites
Sacred places connected by country, religion, and purpose
âŠī¸Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)
Tokyo's most important Shinto shrine, set in a vast forest.
âĒVatican City (St. Peter's Basilica)
The spiritual center of Roman Catholicism and home of the Pope.
