⛩️ 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
- •The iconic torii gate stands 16.6 meters tall and appears to float at high tide
- •The shrine buildings are constructed over water on stilts
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996
- •The island was considered so sacred that no births or deaths were permitted on it
- •The current torii gate dates from 1875 and is the 9th iteration
Location
Coordinates: 34.2961, 132.3198
Related Holy Sites
⛩️Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)
Tokyo's most important Shinto shrine, set in a vast forest.
⛩️Fushimi Inari Taisha
Famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates winding up a sacred mountain.
⛩️Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu)
The most sacred Shinto shrine, rebuilt every 20 years for over 1,300 years.
🗻Mount Fuji
Japan's most sacred mountain, worshipped as a deity for centuries.
🧘Kamakura Great Buddha (Kōtoku-in)
A monumental bronze Buddha statue that has sat in the open air for 500 years.
✨Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, reflected serenely in its mirror pond.