Translated literally as ”shrine island”, Miyajima is considered one of the three most scenic views Japan has to offer, and a place where gods and humans live together.

Miyajima

Located near Hiroshima, the small island is a true subtropical paradise filled with exotic plants, hot springs, thousands of species of birds and a more than friendly wildlife. The monkeys and deer that inhabit this place are practically domesticated and love to be petted and be the center of attention.

Miyajima’s greatest attraction is the Itsukushima Shrine, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, built in 593 AD. It was enlarged to its present size in 1168 and it has been declared a national treasure by the government of Japan and added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list. Itsukushima was built on tidal land and during the high tide it gives the impression that it’s actually floating on the water. The shrine is dedicated to the three Shinto goddesses of the sea (Ichikishima, Tagori and Tagitsu), who are believed to be living in the shrine’s inner sanctum.

Itsukushima Shrine

The beautiful Torii gate built in the water and leading up to Itsukushima Shrine has become a symbol of Japan and one of the most photographed landmarks in the land. It is one of the most sacred symbols of the Shintoists, and its presence so near Miyajima means the whole island is a sacred place. The Torii gate was built in 1875 out of the wood of camphor trees, it stands 16 meters tall and it has a 24-meters-long roof. It is believed that who ever passes through the gate will live a happy, prosperous life. Although passing through it on foot is impossible most of the day, during the low tide it remains surrounded by mud and many tourists venture out to pass through and drop a coin in the cracks of its poles, for good-luck.

Torii Gate

Birth and death are not considered pure in the Shinto culture, so to maintain Myiajima Island’s purity, no births or deaths are allowed on it. If someone happens to die here they are transported off the island to be buried because there are no cemeteries here.

Gojunoto, The Five-Storied Pagoda

Myiajima offers an abundance of attractions, including Gojunoto, The Five-Storied Pagoda, Daiganji Temple, an old Buddhist temple that has strong ties to Shinto shrines, and Senjokaku, The Hall of One Thousand Tatami Mats, built by the legendary Japanese warrior Hideyoshi Toyotomi and named Senjokaku because its floor is exactly the size of 857 tatami mats. In reality, there are only 450 tatami mats in Senjokaku.

Senjokaku, The Hall of One Thousand Tatami Mats

The island becomes a very romantic setting in the evening, when most of the tourists return to the mainland and only a few remain overnight and stroll on the peaceful alleys dressed in yukata and wearing geta, gazing at the illuminated shrines.

Worshipped as a god, from ancient times, Myiajima Island still retains its mystery and magic and even though it is only 12 square miles in size, it seems all the beauty of Japan was gathered here.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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