Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
A Shrine Registered as a World Heritage Site as of 1996.
Itsukushima Shrine stands on the island of Itsukushima, which is also known as the island of gods. It is said that the shrine was founded in 593 by Saeki no Kuramoto, and the 3 goddess “Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto,” “Tagorihime-no-Mikoto,” and “Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto” are enshrined there. Famous for granting a wide list of benefits, these three goddesses as are worshipped as the goddesses of the sea, transportation, fortune, and art.
Most of the shrine buildings on the grounds have been designated as national treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The grand torii gate, standing in the sea, has undergone a significant renovation known as the "Reiwa Great Renovation," spanning three and a half years and completed in 2022. The gate has been restored to its vibrant vermillion color, exhibiting an even more imposing presence.
There is also an illumination held that starts around sunset and lasts until 11:00pm, creating a fantastical and stunning view different from that of the daytime.
Be sure not to miss the Miyajima Omotesando shopping district that leads up to Itsukushima Shrine; there you’ll find lots of shops, including places where you can enjoy Hiroshima’s specialty dishes like oysters and momiji manju. Stopping by to indulge in some delicious foods after worshipping at the shrine is a great way to spend time.
World Heritage Site: Itsukushima Shrine
Corridor of Itsukushima Shrine
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
English pamphlets available.
Q
Do you have shrine’s red ink stamps?
Yes.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
The most breathtaking thing about the great torii gate in the sea at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima is how dramatically the scenery changes with the tides throughout the day.
At high tide, this massive vermilion structure seems to float on the deep blue sea, set against the greenery of Mt. Misen in the distance, creating an incredible sense of elegance and sacredness. When the water recedes and the tide reaches its lowest point, you can walk right up to it.
Up close, you can really feel the powerful presence of this all-wooden torii, which has stood for centuries relying on its own weight. The most fascinating detail is on the thick camphorwood main pillars. At low tide, when you get close, you’ll see that the natural cracks in the wood and gaps around the barnacles are packed with Japanese coins pushed in by visitors making wishes! From a distance, they look almost like metallic scales, faintly glittering in the sunlight. The grandeur of the natural tides and the unusual traces left by people’s wishes come together to create the torii’s most unique and thought-provoking sight.
The place that amazed me the most—and that I’ll never forget—on my first solo trip was Miyajima.
I usually get seasick super easily, so I was honestly a little worried before leaving. Maybe I was just too excited, but surprisingly I didn’t feel seasick at all during the whole ferry ride. The ocean views along the way were already beautiful, and once I actually arrived on Miyajima, I was even more blown away.
As soon as I got off the ferry, I saw deer everywhere, casually wandering around the island without being afraid of people at all. The whole island made me slow down without even realizing it. I walked along the streets feeling like I had somehow wandered into a hidden paradise. Even though there were plenty of tourists, it didn’t affect my enjoyment one bit.
I really loved all the little details hidden around Miyajima. The guardian-beast statues at the shrine had such cute expressions—one of them looked adorably goofy, and it made me laugh. The one on the other side looked totally serious, like it was there just to set the tone.
I happened to visit at low tide, so I got to admire the Great Torii up close. That’s when I noticed the pillars were covered in moss, which made me laugh again—it was such a different side of it.
Even now, when I think back on it, I’m still impressed with myself. Even though I knew I get seasick easily, I still chose to take this trip. I didn’t mind that the hems of my pants got covered in wet sand, because everything in front of me was absolutely worth it.
And because of Miyajima, my lucky trip to Japan was given its most unforgettable page.
So beautiful and so fun! I also happened to catch both high and low tide, so I could walk down there. Super cool~~
Itsukushima Shrine is truly breathtaking. The giant torii gate out on the water is especially impressive—at high tide, it looks like it’s floating on the sea.
At low tide, you can walk right up to it and see the details. The whole atmosphere feels sacred without being overwhelming, and with the deer and ocean views on Miyajima, it’s actually more relaxing than I expected.
It’s such a shame I can only give this 5 stars.
Itsukushima Shrine looks completely different in each moment—the shrine under the clear daytime sky, the shrine at night when the tide goes out, and the shrine floating on the sea the next morning. It feels majestic, solemn, and dreamlike...
At low tide, you can walk down to the tidal flats and get close. At high tide, you can admire the torii gate floating on the water from afar. Absolutely worth the trip!
I quietly promised myself I’d come back again.
![[Itsukushima Shrine Travel Guide] Visit a Breathtaking View Where Grand Nature and a Shrine Blend in Harmony](https://static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20411/20230914_135352_c1207391_w640.webp)
![[Complete Guide to Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites] Everything You Need to Know: Highlights, Must-Sees, and Locations](https://static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20746/20240722_095040_bb7890cb_w640.webp)
![[15 Popular Date Spots in Hiroshima] A Couple’s Trip Through World Heritage Sites and Spectacular Views](https://static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/22000/21096/20250815_135034_171386d3_w640.webp)
![[3-Day, 2-Night Journey Starting from Osaka] To the Scenic and Cultural Towns of Setouchi-A Rail Trip into Daily Life and Heritage](https://static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/22000/21042/20250623_102329_7255dd3b_w640.webp)