Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, located on the island of Miura in Chiba Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 593 AD during the Asuka period, the shrine is famous for its magnificent torii gate that appears to be floating on water at high tide. The shrine complex also features numerous other structures and artifacts from various historical periods, including the Heian and Edo periods. Visitors can explore the innermost sanctum of the Hoshigaki tree, believed to be the shrine's primary enshrined deity.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Itsuki-no-kami
- Kami enshrined
- Itsuki-no-kami
- Coordinates
- 35.5307598, 139.7435127
Visitor tip
For the best viewing experience of the floating torii gate, visit during high tide at dawn or dusk when the light is soft and golden.
Cultural notes
Itsukushima-jinja Shrine is closely associated with the Shinto deity Itsuki-no-kami, who is believed to reside in the Hoshigaki tree. The shrine also features a unique architectural style known as 'torii-zukuri,' which features a gateway-like structure that symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth.
Historical note
The shrine was originally founded during the Asuka period in 593 AD and has since been rebuilt and renovated numerous times throughout Japanese history.