Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine torii at low tide

Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic torii gate are designed to appear to be floating in the sea as the gateway to the sacred island. Although a torii is known to have been here since 1168, the current gate dates to 1875. Made of long-lasting camphor wood, its extra leg supports reflect a Shingon Buddhist influence. The shrine is associated with Taira no Kiyomori, governor of the surrounding province in 1168.

The shrine comprises a main hall, a long main oratory, and an equally long offertory hall. The main hall has walls of white plaster between vermillion woodwork and a roof of cypress bark. Attached to the shrine is a Nō stage dating from 1590, where key events in Shintō myth have been acted.

  • Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine torii and brass lantern
  • Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine priest
  • Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine torii at low tide
  • Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine scene
  • Banner Miyajima Mt Misen looking down on torii near
  • Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine torii (23)
  • Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine torii gate (9)
  • Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine (24)
  • Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine curved bridge (1)
  • Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine torii gate at dusk with a deer (2)

Information

Name in Japanese: 厳島神社
Pronunciation: itsu-ku-sheema

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