📕 Goshuin from visitors
Itsukushima Shrine
〒739-0588 広島県廿日市市宮島町１−１
Located on Miyajima in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, this shrine enshrines the Munakata Three Goddesses (Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, Tagorihime-no-Mikoto, and Tamayori-hime-no-Mikoto). According to shrine tradition, it was founded in 593 CE (Suiko 1). Since ancient times, Miyajima itself has been revered as a sacred entity. It is said that the shrine buildings were constructed over the sea rather than on the island to avoid harming the sacred ground. Around 1168 CE (Nin'an 3), Taira no Kiyomori, who became the governor of Aki Province, built the current seaside shrine complex, which garnered deep devotion from the Taira clan. The 'Heike Nogyo' (Taira Pilgrimage Record) presented here remains a National Treasure today. The vermilion-painted shrine buildings and the large torii gate, which appear to float on the water at high tide, are iconic symbols. The site was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1996.
Enshrined deities
Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto
History
Founded in 593 SA (Suiko 1) by Saeki Kuramitsu. In 1168 CE (Nin'an 3), Taira no Kiyomori renovated the main shrine buildings in the Shinden-zukuri (aristocratic palace) style, attracting reverence from the Taira clan, Emperor Go-Shirakawa, and Emperor Takakura. Known as 'Aki no Miyajima' and ranked among the Three Views of Japan alongside Matsushima and Amanohashidate, it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1996.
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Blessings
The enshrined deities, the Munakata Three Goddesses, have long been revered as guardian deities of maritime traffic and are famous for blessings related to safe navigation and transportation safety. Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto is syncretized with Benzaiten (Bengaven), and is worshipped as a deity for artistic achievement and attracting wealth. As a shrine associated with the Taira clan, many visitors pray for victory and enduring martial fortune.
What visitors say
The vermilion shrine buildings and large torii gate floating on the sea are fantastical, offering an experience more moving than photographs. At low tide, visitors can walk close to the torii gate, while at high tide, the sight of it floating on the water is beautiful. Located on Miyajima in the Seto Inland Sea, its solitary presence is a major attraction. It is also a registered World Heritage Site. Reviews often mention encounters with deer and the experience of purchasing omamori (protective amulets).
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:30 – 18:00
- Tuesday: 6:30 – 18:00
- Wednesday: 6:30 – 18:00
- Thursday: 6:30 – 18:00
- Friday: 6:30 – 18:00
- Saturday: 6:30 – 18:00
- Sunday: 6:30 – 18:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
New Year's visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Miyajima, greeted by the great torii gate and vermilion-painted buildings on the sea.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, traditionally said to have been founded in the first year of Empress Suiko's reign. The New Year celebrations begin with the Gosonki-jouzen-shiki (Rite of Offering Divine Robes) and Saidan-sai (New Year's Rite) in the pre-dawn hours of New Year's Day, continuing with festivities beneath the vermilion-painted buildings and great torii gate floating on the sea.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Great torii gate on the sea
- ・Vermilion-painted corridors and shrine buildings
- ・Bungaku (court music and dance) performance
- April 15-18Touka-sai (Peach Blossom Festival)
Bungaku (court music and dance) is performed, followed by three days of Touka-sai Noh (Peach Blossom Festival Noh) starting the next day.
Bungaku (court music and dance) is performed in the evening of April 15, and from April 16 to 18, the 'Touka-sai Goshinnou' (Peach Blossom Festival Imperial Noh) is held for three days on the Noh stage. On the first and second days, the Noh play 'Ukigumo' (or 'O') is performed.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Bungaku (court music and dance) performance
- ・Touka-sai Goshinnou (3 days)
- ・Noh play 'O'
- June 17Reisai (Annual Grand Festival)
The once-a-year most important festival at Itsukushima Shrine.
The annual grand festival honoring the enshrined deities, the Munakata Three Goddesses. Ancient and solemn rites are performed with great reverence.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Most important festival of the year
- ・Solemn rites
- June 17 on the old lunar calendar (usually around July)Kankyo-sai (Festival of Music)
One of Japan's three great boat festivals. An elegant Shinto rite where a ceremonial boat sails across the sea.
A maritime festival said to have been started by Taira no Kiyomori. The enshrined deity is carried on a ceremonial boat, and musicians play traditional instruments as the boat visits Chihomen-jinja and other shrines on the opposite shore. It is one of Japan's three great boat festivals.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Maritime procession by ceremonial boat
- ・Performance of traditional music
- ・One of Japan's three great boat festivals
- October 15Kikka-sai (Chrysanthemum Festival)
An autumn festival featuring chrysanthemum offerings and dedicatory performances of bugaku (court dance and music).
In the evening of October 15, chrysanthemums are offered and bugaku is performed as a dedicatory offering in this autumn festival.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Offering of chrysanthemums
- ・Dedicatory performance of bugaku
- December 31Chinka-sai (Fire-Quelling Festival)
A vigorous New Year's Eve rite where torches are used to ward off fire disasters.
On New Year's Eve, large torches are lit at Okasa Beach. Participants bathe in the sparks to pray for protection from fire and for health and safety in the coming year in this vigorous Shinto rite.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Flames of large torches
- ・Protection from fire and prayers for health
- ・Vigorous New Year's Eve rite
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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