The Itsukushima Shrine is a distinctive shrine well-known to many. Located on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, it was established around the year 593 AD, boasting a history of approximately fourteen centuries. Renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in Japan, Itsukushima has long been regarded as a sacred island where the goddess resides, gradually evolving into a focal point of Shinto beliefs.
Due to Itsukushima Shrine's construction on the sea, the scenery undergoes various transformations with the changing tides. When the tide rises to 250 centimeters or more, the shrine appears almost magically afloat on the sea. Conversely, when the tide descends to 100 centimeters or below, visitors can stroll near the Great Torii, allowing them to experience both "admiring the floating Great Torii from a distance" and "leisurely walking beside the Great Torii" in a single day.
The tidal schedule can be checked on the official website of the Miyajima Tourism Association.
Miyajima, beyond the renowned Itsukushima Shrine, offers local delicacies and specialties worth exploring:
Maple Leaf Steamed Buns（もみじ饅頭）
Maple Leaf Steamed Buns are a type of snack crafted into the shape of maple leaves, exhibiting an adorable appearance. The maple tree, serving as both the prefectural flower and a prominent tree on Miyajima, inspires the design. These steamed buns come in a variety of flavors, with local vendors creating options such as granular red bean paste, cream, cheese, chocolate, matcha, chestnut, potato, assorted fruits, and more. The extensive array of choices is sure to captivate your taste buds.
Fresh Oysters（生かき）
Oysters (Nama Kaki), serving as a crucial source of protein and a common sight at night markets in China, are a must-try on Miyajima to savor the flavors of the Seto Inland Sea. Since ancient times, the Hiroshima Bay has been home to natural oyster beds, clinging to rocks and stones. Oyster cultivation in Hiroshima has a history of approximately 450 years, and it currently constitutes around 70% of Japan's total production. The Hiroshima oysters shipped nationwide during winter have become a traditional delicacy.
Potter's Wheel（ロクロ）
In the early Meiji period, the local area began to flourish in the production of foot-operated potter's wheels. Representing a specialty of Miyajima, trays, pastry utensils, tea utensils, and more are crafted to showcase the aesthetic appeal of wood grain and tree bark.
Miyajima Earthen Bell（宮島土鈴）
Earthen bells in Miyajima have been crafted since ancient times, dating back to the Jomon period. They were often used in rituals to invoke deities and ward off evil spirits with their resonant sounds. Typically made from clay, these bells feature striking designs, shapes, and colors, making them excellent choices as souvenirs to gift to friends.
How to get to Itsushima Shrine (Miyajima Shrine)? Detailed traffic guide
From Hiroshima Airport
① From Hiroshima Airport, take リムジンバス to JR Hiroshima Station, about 45 minutes;
② From JR Hiroshima Station, transfer to "Sanyo Main Line" to JR Nishinoshima Station, approx. 29 minutes;
③ Walk 5 minutes from JR Nishilijimaguchi Station to Miyajimaguchi ferry and take JR Nishilijima Ferry or Miyajima Matsu Steamboat to Miyajima.
From JR Hiroshima Station
① From JR Hiroshima Station, transfer to "Sanyo Main Line" to JR Nishinoshima Station, approx. 29 minutes.
② Walk 5 minutes from JR Nishilijimaguchi Station to Miyajimaguchi boarding area, take JR Nishilijima ferry or Miyajima Matsu Steamboat to Miyajima Island, about 10 minutes.
From Hiroshima Electric Railway Hiroshima Station
① It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get from Radio Hiroshima Station to Radio Miyajimaguchi Station by streetcar
② 5 minutes walk from Radio Miyajima Guchi Station to Miyajima Guchi ferry Station. Take JR Nishilijima Ferry or Miyajima Matsu Steamboat to Miyajima.
In addition, you can also get to Miyajima from Iwakuni Airport, Hiroshima Port, or by car, more information please visit the Miyajima official website.
Itsushima Shrine (Miyajima Shrine) information
Official Homepage: http://www.itsukushimajinja.jp/index.html
Address: 1162-18, Miyajima Town, Kojima Prefecture
Tel: (0829)44-2011
Viewing time:
January 6 - February 28 / October 15 - November 30 6:30-17:30
March 1 to October 14, 6:30 to 18:00
December 1st - December 31st 6:30 ~ 17:00
Viewing material gold: Free of charge, visit shrine 300 yen, treasure museum 300 yen, shrine + treasure museum discount a total of 500 yen
Tidal schedules: http://www.miyajima.or.jp/sio/sio01.html
