Kanpei Taisha Ichinomiya (Aki Province)

Itsukushima Shrine

厳島神社

/ Itsukushima Jinja

Itsukushima Shrine
Image: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Admission
¥300
Goshuin
¥300
Access
5 min walk
Hours
6:30–18:00 (varies seasonally)

Overview

Built on piers over the tidal flats of Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on the sea at high tide — one of Japan's most iconic vistas and one of the official Three Views of Japan (Nihon Sankei). The shrine's vermilion corridors and the great torii rising from the water have symbolized the harmony of Shinto architecture and nature for over 800 years. The entire island of Miyajima has been considered sacred since antiquity, and births and deaths were historically forbidden there.

History

Founding

📜According to tradition
593 [Suiko era]

The shrine's iconic form was established by the Taira clan in the 12th century.

📄
Documented
1168

Source: Taira no Kiyomori expanded the shrine to its current pier-over-water form in 1168.

1168📄Documented

Taira no Kiyomori expanded the shrine as a magnificent pier-based complex over the sea.

1555📄Documented

Battle of Miyajima fought on the island; Mōri Motonari defeated Sue Harukata.

1875📄Documented

The current grand torii gate erected (ninth documented iteration).

1996📄Documented

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2022📄Documented

Major restoration of the grand torii gate completed after three years of work.

Enshrined Deities

primary Deity

Goddess of water, islands, music, eloquence, and wealth; one of the three Munakata goddesses

primary Deity

Goddess of the distant sea; one of the Munakata Three Goddesses

primary Deity

Goddess of the middle sea; one of the Munakata Three Goddesses

Blessings

Shrine Network

Did You Know?

💡

The grand torii stands 16.6 meters tall and is not buried in the seabed — it stays upright under its own weight (approximately 60 tons).

Source: documented

💡

The Heike Nōkyō — 33 lavishly decorated sutra scrolls offered by the Taira clan in 1164 — are designated National Treasures and stored at the shrine.

Source: documented

In Pop Culture

game / 2004
Fate Series
Fan Connection

Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima. Musashi Miyamoto appears in the Fate franchise, and Miyajima is connected to his legendary duel.

Practical Information

Location Coordinates

34.2958, 132.3197

Physical Address

1-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588

〒739-0588 広島県廿日市市宮島町1-1

Historical Province

Aki / Bingo

Access

Miyajimaguchi Station (JR San'yo Line / Hiroden)

5 min walk

Hours

6:30–18:00 (varies seasonally)

Bus

Ferry from Miyajimaguchi Pier (~10 min), then 10 min walk from Miyajima Pier

Best Times to Visit

Spring (cherry blossoms)Autumn (momiji)High tide for floating torii

Foreign Language Support

EnglishChineseKorean

Accessibility

Limited; some ramps available on pier-structure corridors

Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.

Why This Shrine

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's Three Views, offering an unparalleled experience of a Shinto shrine floating above the sea at high tide.

Related Shrines

Learn More About Shinto Shrines

Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team

What is Itsukushima Shrine?

Built on piers over the tidal flats of Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on the sea at high tide — one of Japan's most iconic vistas and one of the official Three Views of Japan (Nihon Sankei). The shrine's vermilion corridors and the great torii rising from the water have symbolized the harmony of Shinto architecture and nature for over 800 years. The entire island of Miyajima has been considered sacred since antiquity, and births and deaths were historically forbidden there.

Where is Itsukushima Shrine located?

Itsukushima Shrine is located in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima. The full address is: 1-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588.

What deities are enshrined at Itsukushima Shrine?

The enshrined deities are: Ichikishimahime no Mikoto, Tagorihime no Mikoto, Tagitsuhime no Mikoto.

What blessings can you pray for at Itsukushima Shrine?

Itsukushima Shrine is known for: Maritime Safety, Performing Arts, Victory, General Prosperity.

How do I get to Itsukushima Shrine?

The nearest station is Miyajimaguchi Station (JR San'yo Line / Hiroden). It is about a 5-minute walk from the station. Ferry from Miyajimaguchi Pier (~10 min), then 10 min walk from Miyajima Pier