Itsukushima Shrine

厳島神社

A vermilion shrine built by Taira no Kiyomori over the sea. Its great torii gate floating on the Seto Inland Sea is one of Japan's most famous sights and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Itsukushima Shrine stands on the north shore of Miyajima (Itsukushima). Since ancient times the whole island has been regarded as sacred, so the shrine buildings were placed on the beach rather than on the island itself. The current shinden-zukuri style was developed when the powerful Taira no Kiyomori expanded the complex in 1168. Six buildings, including the main sanctuary, worship hall and covered walkways, are National Treasures. The shrine was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

The iconic sight is the great torii gate standing about 200 m offshore. It is about 16.6 m tall, its main pillars are made of natural camphor wood, and it stands on the seabed under its own weight. The current gate, built in 1875, was completely restored between 2019 and 2022. At high tide, the torii and vermilion walkways appear to float on the sea. The best viewing time is 1–2 hours before and after high tide, especially in the evening when the lights come on. At low tide, the water recedes, and you can walk across the sand to the base of the torii, touch its pillars, and see the coins and shells embedded in them. Both views are worth seeing, and many visitors spend half a day on the island waiting for the tide to change.

Route: From the pier, it takes about 10 minutes on foot along the shore to the entrance. After buying your ticket, follow the roughly 260 m covered walkway past Kyaku Shrine, Hira Stage (good for photographing the torii from the front), Takabutai (High Stage, where dance and music performances are held), the main sanctuary, and out the exit. Nearby, Daigan-ji, Hokoku Shrine (with its Senjokaku, an unfinished great hall ordered built by Hideyoshi) and the five-story pagoda can all be visited together. Admission is ¥300, or ¥500 combined with the Treasure Hall.

Getting there: From JR Miyajimaguchi Station or Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station, it is a 3-minute walk to the pier. A JR or Matsudai Kisen ferry takes about 10 minutes (JR Pass is valid). From November to March, ferries often make a detour to pass close to the great torii.

Time needed: 1–1.5 hours, not including waiting for the tide.

Notes: Check tide times on the Miyajima Tourism Association website. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed on the walkways. The island is extremely crowded during New Year, the Kangen Festival (June 17 on the lunar calendar) and the Miyajima Underwater Fireworks (August). The deer on the island will eat maps and ticket stubs.

Itsukushima Shrine

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby