A Detailed Guide to the History and Overview of Itsukushima Shrine

 

 Table of Contents

1. Overview of Itsukushima Shrine
2. History of Itsukushima Shrine
3. Highlights of Itsukushima Shrine
   

Introduction

Itsukushima Shrine is a representative shrine of Japan located on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, known for its magnificent maritime shrine buildings and vermilion-lacquered grand torii gate. Due to its beautiful scenery and historical value, it has been registered as a World Heritage Site and continues to leave a strong impression on visitors from both Japan and abroad.

In this article, we will provide a detailed introduction to the overview, history, and highlights of Itsukushima Shrine. Please use it as a reference when planning your visit.

Overview of Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most representative shrines, located on Miyajima (official name: Itsukushima) in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, and its historical and cultural value has been recognized worldwide. The G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held at Itsukushima Shrine attracted significant global attention. The shrine was chosen for this meeting as a symbol of peace and culture in Hiroshima, where the ministers shared their commitment to peace.

The principal deities are the Munakata Sanjoshin (Three Goddesses of Munakata), guardian deities of maritime navigation:
– Ichikishimahime no Mikoto
– Tagorihime no Mikoto
– Tagitsuhime no Mikoto
These three deities were born through the oath between Amaterasu Omikami and Susanoo no Mikoto in Japanese mythology, and have long been believed to bring blessings of safe navigation, traffic safety, business prosperity, and improvement of performing arts.

The shrine is said to have been founded in 593, and has been revered since ancient times as a guardian deity of the Seto Inland Sea, which was a key hub for maritime transportation. In the late Heian period (12th century), Taira no Kiyomori developed the magnificent maritime shrine buildings as they appear today. Kiyomori deeply worshipped Itsukushima Shrine and actively carried out construction and donations to the shrine, enhancing its prestige. Through his efforts, Itsukushima Shrine prospered as the tutelary shrine of the Taira clan.

The island on which the shrine was built, Itsukushima — now known as Miyajima — has itself been regarded as sacred. The entire island is considered a divine body (go-shintai) and has been revered since ancient times as “an island where gods dwell.” For this reason, entry by ordinary people was restricted, and activities such as birth, death, logging, and cultivation were also prohibited.

The most distinctive feature of Itsukushima Shrine is its shrine buildings, constructed as if floating on the sea. At high tide, the shrine buildings appear to float on the water, while at low tide the seabed is revealed and visitors can walk right up to them. The harmony between the vermilion-lacquered shrine buildings and the lush greenery of Mount Misen in the background has made this site widely known as “Aki no Miyajima,” one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views.

The shrine buildings feature an elegant architectural style based on the shinden-zukuri of the Heian period, and many structures including the main shrine, main hall, worship hall, and Noh stage are designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. In particular, the grand torii gate — the symbol of the shrine — stands approximately 16.6 meters tall with a main pillar circumference of about 9.9 meters, and its figure standing in the sea has become one of Japan’s most iconic views. The current grand torii was erected in **1875 (Meiji 8)** and is primarily made from natural camphor wood.

At Itsukushima Shrine, bugaku (court dance and music) — which conveys the elegant culture of the Heian period to the present day — is performed as offerings several times a year. Particularly famous is the Kangen-sai Festival, held annually on the 17th day of the 6th month of the traditional lunar calendar, which recreates an elegant boat excursion on the waters of Miyajima. This festival is said to have been started by Taira no Kiyomori and is counted among Japan’s Three Great Boat Festivals.

Additionally, the “Kiyomori Matsuri” commemorating Taira no Kiyomori is held every March, featuring processions in Heian-period costumes and performances of traditional arts. There are also many other colorful Shinto rituals and festivals throughout the year, including the Peach Blossom Festival in autumn and sacred Noh performances, conveying the seasonal charms to visitors.

History of Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine has existed as a center of Japanese history, religion, and culture from ancient times to the present day. Here we accurately explain the history of Itsukushima Shrine, organized by major events.

 1. Founding and Early History (593)

The founding of Itsukushima Shrine is generally traced back to 593 (the first year of Empress Suiko’s reign). It is said to have been established by Saeki no Kuramoto, a powerful local clan leader who governed Aki Province (present-day western Hiroshima Prefecture) during this period. As a prominent local figure, he is believed to have built the shrine to pray for safe maritime transportation and prosperity.

The principal deities are the Munakata Sanjoshin (Three Goddesses of Munakata), guardian deities of maritime navigation, enshrining three female deities.These deities have long been believed to protect navigation on the Seto Inland Sea, and have received deep devotion from many sailors and fishermen. In Japanese mythology, the Munakata Sanjoshin are children of Susanoo no Mikoto, and their divine status is highly valued.

 2. The Heian Period and Taira no Kiyomori’s Involvement (1168)

*Illustrative image

In 1168 (Nin’an 3), Taira no Kiyomori, who had been appointed Governor of Aki Province, deeply worshipped Itsukushima Shrine and constructed the magnificent shrine buildings floating over the sea. These shrine buildings incorporated the shinden-zukuri style of Heian-period aristocratic residential architecture, and still convey their form today.

As a symbol of Kiyomori’s authority, members of the Imperial family such as Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa and Retired Emperor Takakura also made pilgrimages to Itsukushima Shrine, which served as an impetus for spreading the culture of the capital.

 3. Restoration During the Sengoku Period (1571)

*Illustrative image

The Sengoku period (1467-1590) was a time of continuous warfare throughout Japan, during which many temples and shrines fell into disrepair. Itsukushima Shrine was no exception, with its magnificent shrine buildings and structures aging and in need of restoration.

In this context, Mori Motonari (1497-1571), the Sengoku-period warlord who governed Aki Province (present-day western Hiroshima Prefecture), deeply worshipped Itsukushima Shrine. As Motonari expanded his power, he strongly felt the divine protection of the shrine’s deities, and particularly believed that his victory in the “Battle of Itsukushima” in 1555 was due to divine favor.

In the Battle of Itsukushima, Motonari defeated his archrival Sue Harukata on Itsukushima (present-day Miyajima). This battle was also groundbreaking in terms of Sengoku-period military tactics, and Motonari’s strategy of defeating a large army with a small force has gone down in history. After his victory, Motonari resolved to restore Itsukushima Shrine as an expression of gratitude to the gods.

 4. From the Edo Period to the Modern Era (1875)

During the Edo period, Itsukushima Shrine became popular among common people as “Itsukushima-mode” (pilgrimage to Itsukushima). With the increase in visitors, tea houses, inns, souvenir shops, and other establishments lined up around the shrine, and Itsukushima developed as a tourist destination. Ukiyo-e artists such as Utagawa Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai depicted Itsukushima Shrine in their works, spreading its beautiful scenery throughout the country.

In 1875 (Meiji 8), the grand torii gate was reconstructed. This is the 8th generation of the grand torii gate that has become the symbol of Itsukushima Shrine. This grand torii stands approximately 16 meters tall with a main pillar circumference of about 10 meters, and is primarily made from camphor wood.

During the Meiji period (1868-1912), the Shinbutsu Bunri (Separation of Shinto and Buddhism) edict of 1868 led to the removal of Buddhist elements from Itsukushima Shrine. As a result, temples, Buddhist statues, and other items adjacent to the shrine were removed, and some structures and cultural properties were lost. However, many restoration and preservation efforts have been carried out since then, passing down the current form of Itsukushima Shrine.

 5. World Heritage Registration (1996)

In 1996, Itsukushima Shrine was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in recognition of its unique landscape and historical value. The registration covers not only the shrine buildings but also the natural environment and historical heritage of the entire island. This has led to its value being widely recognized internationally, attracting many visitors from overseas.

Even after the World Heritage registration, regular restoration and preservation activities continue at Itsukushima Shrine. For example, in 2004, it suffered damage from a typhoon, and large-scale restoration work was carried out. Today, Itsukushima Shrine continues to be cherished by many as one of Japan’s most important historical and cultural heritage sites. Traditional festivals and events are also maintained, and the annual Kangen-sai Festival in particular attracts many worshippers.

Highlights of Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine is known for its beautiful maritime shrine buildings and offers numerous highlights. Below are the main spots that are particularly worth visiting.

 ■ The Grand Torii Gate 

The vermilion-lacquered grand torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine is the most iconic structure of the shrine, particularly famous for standing in the sea. This grand torii is 16.6 meters tall, weighs approximately 60 tons, and its main pillars are made of camphor (kusunoki) wood, which is highly water-resistant. Furthermore, the structure of the grand torii is not embedded in the ground but is supported by stakes called “senbon-gui” (thousand-pillar foundation) driven into the base, standing by its own weight alone.

At low tide, visitors can walk up to the grand torii, while at high tide it appears as if floating on the sea. During high tide, it is also possible to pass through the grand torii by small boat, an experience that is very popular.

 ■ The Corridors and Shrine Buildings 

The corridors of Itsukushima Shrine extend approximately 275 meters over the sea in a vermilion-lacquered walkway, captivating all visitors. These corridors are designated as National Treasures, and their beautiful structure and scenery are characterized by their harmony with the sea. Notably, gaps are left between the pillars of the corridors, a design intended to reduce water pressure during high tides and storm surges.

As you walk along, you can enjoy this spectacular scenery, and there are also vantage points from the shrine buildings offering panoramic views of the grand torii. The vista created by the vermilion corridors, blue sea, and the green of Mount Misen in the background is a uniquely beautiful scene found only at Itsukushima Shrine.

 ■ The Takabutai (Elevated Stage) 

The Takabutai (Elevated Stage) of Itsukushima Shrine is designated as a National Treasure and is an important stage where bugaku (court dance and music) has been offered as a sacred ritual since the Heian period. This stage is a place for performing dances dedicated to the gods, featuring a black-lacquered base and vermilion-painted railings.

The bugaku introduced by Taira no Kiyomori is particularly famous, and is still performed several times a year during specific sacred ceremonies. The Takabutai has stairs at both front and rear, and as elegant and graceful dances are performed, visitors can experience the atmosphere of the Heian period.

 ■ The “Kagami no Ike” (Mirror Pond) Revealed at Low Tide

At low tide, “Kagami no Ike” (Mirror Ponds) appear on the sandy beach of Itsukushima Shrine. There are three of these ponds, which reveal themselves only at low tide. The spring water in the ponds is pure and clear, and during the autumn full moon, they are known as “Kagami-ike Shugetsu” (Mirror Pond Autumn Moon) when the moon is reflected in the water. The Heian-period shinden-zukuri style was incorporated, and the pond water is also considered significant as a symbol of Pure Land Buddhist faith.

 ■ Senjokaku (Toyokuni Shrine)  

Senjokaku (Toyokuni Shrine) is a large sutra hall that Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered to be built in 1587 for the memorial of fallen soldiers. However, after Hideyoshi’s death, construction was halted, and it remains in an incomplete state without a ceiling or walls. This vast building is equivalent to 857 tatami mats in area, hence the name “Senjokaku” (Hall of a Thousand Tatami), and its open space is a distinctive feature.

The interior features wooden flooring with orderly rows of pillars, conveying a sense of historical gravitas. As it enshrines the deified Hideyoshi, the building itself has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of national significance.

 ■ Itsukushima Shrine Illuminated at Night 

At night, Itsukushima Shrine is illuminated in a magical light display, offering an atmosphere completely different from the daytime. The illumination focuses on the grand torii gate and shrine buildings, and the vermilion shrine buildings floating over the sea, glowing against the dark night, create an extraordinarily beautiful scene. In the silence, with the sound of waves echoing around, visitors can experience a truly fantastical world.

The illumination runs from 30 minutes after sunset until 11:00 PM, and the illuminated shrine can also be viewed from excursion boats. The grand torii at high tide is particularly spectacular.

Summary

In conclusion, Itsukushima Shrine has been revered by many as a symbol of Japanese culture and faith, thanks to its magnificent historical background and beautiful architecture. From the Heian period to the present day, it has maintained its unchanging elegant atmosphere and mystical scenery.

When you visit, you can enjoy different scenery depending on the tides and time of day, which is another part of its charm. Please use this article as a reference to fully appreciate the allure of Itsukushima Shrine.