Hiroshima Part 3 - Itsukushima Shrine

As you travel to Miyajima by ferry, the first thing you see is the famous Torii gate. This is considered to be one of the three best views of Japan. The gate sits over the water and looks spectacular and hints of the beauty yet to come. Directly behind the Torii gate is Itsukushima Shrine. It also sits over the water and looks like it is floating at high tide.

The famous Torii gate and Itsukushima behind

Itsukushima consists of a Noh theatre stage, a main hall and a prayer hall. All of these are joined together by corridors all built over the water.

Typical of the Japanese, Itsukushima is simple in its design. Painted red it stands out and highlights the beauty of its surroundings.

Itsukushima is a stunning shrine. Its positioning over the water makes it unique and because of this it should be on everyone's 'to do' list. The solitary red Torii gate is perfectly complimented by the subtley complex Itsukushima. When you stand on the furthest point of Itsukushima and look out through the Torii gate to the Seto Inland Sea, you have a sense of ages past and of a calm which is reflected throughout Miyajima.

The next time I visit Japan I will be coming to Miyajima and staying a few nights at one of the Ryokan. This is because I want to wander around the island at dusk/night after all the day tourists have gone when Itsukushima will be lit up and look even more spectacular.

The view through the Torii gate from Itsukushima

I enjoyed Itsukushima, but like with everything else in Japan, I want more time to appreciate it. I will be going back!

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