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Itsukushima Shrine stands on the island of Miyajima (Itsukushima) in Hiroshima Prefecture. It is traditionally said to have been founded in 593 CE. In the late Heian period, the warlord Taira no Kiyomori gave it its distinctive sea-platform form, and the vermilion shrine buildings rising from the water alongside the great torii gate have become one of Japan's most internationally famous scenes. The shrine was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1996. It is counted among Japan's Three Views (Nihon Sankei), and welcomes visitors from Japan and around the world throughout the year.
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この記事で分かること：Guide to Itsukushima Shrine: history, the Great Torii at high and low tide, the Hira-Butai stage, the treasure house, and access from Hiroshima.
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The Floating Torii Gate — One of Japan's Three Views
At high tide, the vermilion torii gate appears to float on the sea — one of Japan's most recognizable images. At low tide, you can walk right up to its base and touch the pillars, a completely different experience that makes Miyajima unique among all shrine visits.
UNESCO World Heritage Shrine Built Over the Sea
Founded in 593 CE, Itsukushima Shrine was given its current sea-platform form by the Heian-period warlord Taira no Kiyomori in the 12th century. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1996, it holds numerous National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
A Landscape That Changes with Every Tide
At high tide the shrine buildings appear to float on the water in a dreamlike scene; at low tide the torii gate rises from sand and you can walk up to it. Checking the tide schedule before your visit and planning to see both states is strongly recommended.
Kagura and Noh Performances on the Hira-Butai Stage
The Hira-Butai (flat stage) extending over the sea is the setting for offerings of gagaku court music, noh, and kagura sacred dance. Evening performances held after sunset create an especially atmospheric and memorable experience.
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Basic Information
Opening Hours
approx. 6:30–18:00 (varies by season)
Admission
¥300
Best Time
Early morning just after opening / around sunset
Address
1-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
Ferry
From JR / Hiroden Miyajima-guchi Station — ferry approx. 10 min → approx. 10 min walk from pier
On the Island
Approx. 10 min walk from Miyajima Pier (along Omotenashi-dori)
What to See
1The Great Torii — Two Faces at High and Low Tide
The Great Torii stands about 16 m tall and weighs approximately 60 tonnes. It is held in place not by posts driven into the seabed but by its own weight alone. At high tide it appears to float on the sea surface, its reflection shimmering alongside the shrine buildings — a scene unlike any other in Japan. At low tide you can walk right up to the gate and touch the pillars directly. Check the tide table before your visit and plan to see both if you can.
2The Corridors and the Hira-Butai Stage
The shrine buildings are built extending out over the water, connected by covered corridors totalling about 275 m in length. The Hira-Butai (flat stage) faces the sea and is the setting for offerings of gagaku court music, noh, and kagura sacred dance. During spring cherry blossom season and autumn foliage, the vermilion corridors are framed by vivid natural colour, adding another layer to an already extraordinary landscape.
3The Treasure House and National Cultural Properties
Itsukushima Shrine holds a remarkable collection of objects donated by Taira no Kiyomori, the Mori clan, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi — many of which are designated National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. The Treasure House displays Heian-period fans, armour, and divine statues of exceptional historical value (separate admission). Worth visiting for anyone interested in Japanese history or art.
Getting There
By JR + Ferry (Recommended)
JR San-yo Main Line — "Miyajima-guchi Station": JR Ferry approx. 10 min to Miyajima
From Hiroshima Station to Miyajima-guchi: approx. 25 min by rapid train
By Hiroden Tram + Ferry
Hiroden Miyajima Line — "Hiroden Miyajima-guchi Station": Matsudai Kisen Ferry approx. 10 min
From Hiroshima Station tram stop: approx. 50 min by tram
Tips & Things to Know
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