厳島神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, located on the island of Honshu, Shimane Prefecture. The shrine's main hall, Haiden, was built in 1896 and its vermillion gate, Torii, dates back to 1869. Visitors can walk through the sacred forest of Mt. Iwai, said to be the birthplace of the Sun Goddess.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu
- Coordinates
- 35.0927729, 132.3490056
Visitor tip
Visit during the annual Matsuri festival (July), when locals perform traditional dances and offerings at the shrine's torii gate.
Cultural notes
厳島神社 is famous for its connection to the legend of Matsuo Bashō, a renowned Japanese poet who visited the shrine in the 17th century. The shrine is also said to be the site where the Sun Goddess Amaterasu was said to have descended from heaven.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1921.