What Is Miyajima? Itsukushima Shrine, the Floating Gate and Mt. Misen

Published 2026-10-04 · Sources checked 2026-10-04 · Treasure Hunting Co., Ltd.

This guide explains what Miyajima is and what visitors go to see. It uses the English pages of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and of the Miyajima Tourist Association, all read on 2026-10-04. We give the figures the pages give and note where two pages differ. The pages do not give admission fees or opening hours, so check those locally.

The island and its shrine

JNTO calls Miyajima one of Hiroshima's top must-see destinations. It is home to Itsukushima-jinja, which appears to float on the water when the tide is in, and JNTO says the shrine is one of the most photographed places in Japan. The island was once considered so sacred that it was separated from the shrine so no one would spoil the sacred ground, which is why the entrance to the shrine, a huge red wooden gate, is built offshore. JNTO says Itsukushima-jinja and the floating gate are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites.

How old is it?

The Miyajima Tourist Association says the main shrine is said to have been constructed in 593 by Saeki Kuramoto, and that the first record of the shrine in Japanese history is in the Nihon Koki, dated 811. It says Taira-no-Kiyomori began construction of the present shrine in 1168. The main (inner) shrine consists of 37 buildings and the outer shrine consists of 19 buildings. The association adds that the main shrine was damaged by fire in 1207 and 1223, that the present main sanctuary was built in 1571 by Mori Motonari, and that the Heian style was faithfully reproduced.

Why build a shrine in the sea?

The association gives two possible reasons: an attempt to build the mythical Dragon Palace, because the enshrined goddess is the goddess of the sea, or a manifestation of the Pure Land faith of the Fujiwara period. Because the posts stand in water, constant maintenance is needed. The association says nearly 800 years have passed since the shrine was first built.

The corridors and the gate

The East Corridor has 108 bays and is 4 meters wide. The association says slight spaces were left between the floorboards to alleviate the buoyancy of the high tide and to drain rain, and that nails are not used on the floorboards. The O-torii, the grand gate that stands in the sea, is about 16.8 meters high. The association says it was designated a Specially Preserved Building on April 5, 1899, and a National Important Cultural Property on March 29, 1952.

Other temples and halls

• Daishoin Temple: JNTO calls it the oldest temple on Miyajima, wreathed in red and gold leaves in autumn. The association says it is one of the most prestigious Shingon temples in western Japan and that Emperor Meiji stayed there in 1885.
• Daiganji Temple: dedicated to Benzaiten, goddess of music, art and water, according to JNTO. The association adds that it was in charge of the repair and construction of Itsukushima Shrine until the Meiji Restoration of 1868.
• Senjokaku, the Hall of One Thousand Tatami Mats: the largest structure on the island. JNTO says Toyotomi Hideyoshi was overseeing construction but died in 1598 before it was completed. The association's page on the hall describes it as unpainted.
• The five-storied pagoda: JNTO says it was built in 1407; the association says it was constructed in 1407 and restored in 1533.

Mt. Misen

JNTO says there are three walking routes up Mt. Misen, each taking about an hour and a half to two hours. The Daishoin course is described as a clear course with spectacular views, the Momijidani course is suitable for beginners, and the most challenging course has many large boulders. A ropeway takes you close to the summit. JNTO says the Spiritual Flame in the Reikado hall, lit by Kobo Daishi himself, has been burning ever since and was used to light the Flame of Peace at the Peace Park in Hiroshima. The association lists the seven wonders of Misen, including a flame it says has burned for over 1,200 years. The primeval forest is described by JNTO as a natural botanic museum.

Deer and craft

JNTO says deer roam freely on the island and are commonly seen along the trails. It also mentions woodblock prints by Hiroshige, who captured the shrine and gate at both low and high tide, and says Miyajima is famous for wood carving, with Miyajima-bori a good souvenir. The association's craft center lets visitors try making momiji manju, the maple-leaf cake, and shakushi, a rice scoop.

What we could not verify, and therefore left out

• Admission fees for the shrine and the temples, and visiting hours.
• The ropeway fare and its seasonal hours.
• Which of the island's sights are open on a given day.

Related guides

• How do you get to Miyajima and get around from Hiroshima?
• What is Miyajima like through the year? Festivals, fire walking and oysters

Sources

All URLs retrieved 2026-10-04.

1. Miyajima (JNTO) — (overview, temples, deer, craft)
2. Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima Tourist Association) — (history, buildings, corridor)
3. O-torii Gate (Miyajima Tourist Association) — (designations)
4. Sightseeing (Miyajima Tourist Association) — (gate height)
5. Daishoin Temple (Miyajima Tourist Association) — (history)
6. Daiganji Temple (Miyajima Tourist Association) — (history)
7. Other Shrines (Miyajima Tourist Association) — (pagoda, Senjokaku)
8. Mt. Misen (Miyajima Tourist Association) — (seven wonders)
9. Mt. Misen (JNTO) — (routes, Reikado)
10. Sightseeing (Miyajima Tourist Association) — (craft center)