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Itsukushima Shrine is the main shrine of the island of Miyajima which is located right across from Hiroshima, Japan. It is an UNESCO Heritage Site and really important to the island. In fact, Miyajima is literally named “The Shrine’s Island”.
Itsukushima shrine is an important Shinto landmark with a recorded history from 811 AD. It requires constant maintenance against sea water rotting and typhoons.
As architecture goes, Itsukushima Shrine is also painted in the traditional Vermillion red that is seen across shrines and temples in Japan and built of wood.
A unique aspect of Itsukushima is that it is built on marshland, which means that during high tide, the sea water surrounds it and the shrine floats over it.
When I visited it, the tide was low enough to dry up the soil around the shrine, making it possible for visitors to visit the huge Torii that faces the shrine that is usually partially submerged by sea water.
Sunset is probably the most beautiful time to watch the Torii gate and to commune with the deer that freely roam the island.
Several times a year, important buddhist ceremonies take place at this shrine.
The best times to visit Itsukushima shrine are sunrise and sunset.
At sunrise, the shrine is empty and monks roam the shrine making offerings and performing their morning prayers. This makes the whole place quite serene. You might even meet a monk playing an instrument while charging the entrance fee.
And at night the shrine is closed, but you can still see the Torii, which is illuminated.
The Deer of Miyajima
Most travelers only visit Miyajima because its proximity to Hiroshima, but the island is full of surprises. From quiet streets and eccentric encounters to beautiful nature, I wish I had allocated more time to exploring Miyajima.
One of the surprises I loved was the free-ranging deer that wander around between people and cars like they have always co-existed.
Some are skittish, but most will approach if you have food. Others will “stalk” you to the ferry (like this one did to me). So really, they are just like people! lol
I am not sure about the legality of feeding them, but I saw many tourists doing so. If you plan on visiting the island, one thing that you should know is that the deer are considered sacred, so use good judgement when interacting with them.
Ah! And if you are wondering if the whole island is covered in deer droppings, you won’t see many. As with everywhere in Japan, the island is immaculately clean! Everyday, multiple times a day, the streets are swept clean.
If you are heading South in Japan, stop by Miyajima and stay for two or three nights. There are a couple hikes available and the island has a real laid back vibe.
The Japanese visit the island, stay in Ryokans and walk around town in their Yukatas in the summer, so join in and have fun!
For more information on Itsukushima Shrine, check out their website. For the story of my harrowing night at a Miyajima hostel, click here.
Have you been to Japan? What was your favorite place?
If you found this travel guide on Itsukushima shrine helpful, you might also want to check out these other things to do in Japan:
- The Best Sushi in Tokyo
- Things to do in Aomori
- 4 things you must do in Kyoto
- 3 places that will blow your mind near Kyoto
- Tips for hiking Mt. Fuji for the first time
- 4 reasons to visit Mashiko
- How to attend the Hiroshima Peace Ceremony
- Why you should eat an Okonomiyaki!
- Tour Himeji castle with a free private guide!
- Why you should skip on dining in Pontocho
- Feast your eyes at Nishiki market in Kyoto
- How to take a cooking class in Kyoto
- Attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
- Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto
- Gion Corner Cultural Show in Kyoto
- Aomori Nebuta Festival
- Harajuku
- Hiking in Kamikochi, the Japanese Alps
- Spend the day at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo
- Ryokan and other Japanese traditions
- Exploring Matsumoto Castle
- A tour of the Ishii Miso Brewery in Matsumoto
- When the beating taiko drums keep you from going home
- A Walk in Ueno Park
- Senso-ji and temple etiquette
- Tuna Auction and Sushi at Tsukiji Market
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This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and participant in other programs, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
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