Miyajima & Itsukushima Shrine: 7 Places You should Visit

2020/01/30

Hiroshima Japan Shrine

t f B! P L
Miyajima, one of Japan's three scenic spots, is a small island floating in calm Hiroshima Bay. Itsukushima Shrine and the primitive forests of Mt. Misen are registered as World Cultural Heritage.
There are many historical attractions such as "Daishoin", "Five-storied Pagoda" and "Senjokaku (Toyokuni Shrine)". Miyagima gourmet meals such as oyster and anago eel are also available!

What is Miyajima?

"Miyajima", the whole island is a subject of worship as "the island of God". It was named so because the shape of island seemed like a reclining Buddha in a sleeping state. Usually this island is introduced as "Miyajima" in magazines and guidebooks, but it is actually a common name and the official name of the island is "Itsukushima". The address is in Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima. It is also called "Aki no Miyajima" from the prefecture's place name (Aki = old name of Hiroshima)

A sacred Itsukushima Shrine is a symbol of Miyajima

Itsukushima Shrine, a symbol of Miyajima, was founded at the end of the 6th century in the era of Emperor Suiko, and the entire island was worshiped as a god's island. It was re-built in the current style by Kiyomori Taira (1168). On the premises including the sea, there are various shrines, stages, and music studios around the main shrine, each connected by a 108 corridor, showing a unique arrangement.

In addition, the architectural technique of the Heian dynasty, Shinden-zukuri (sleeping-style building), is used everywhere, such as the vermilion-painted / cypressed roof and the neat eaves surroundings. In 1996, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage.

Visit time 6: 30 ~ 17: 00 / 17:30 / 18:00 / 18:30 ※ Depends on the season
Price
Itsukushima Shrine / 300 yen for adults 200 200 yen for high school students 100 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students

Miyajima Great Torii Gate

Itsukushima Shrine's Great Torii gate, made of natural camphor tree, is one of Miyajima's leading buildings, which stands about 200 meters off the main shrine. The scenery at low tide and high tide are completely different and the changes are one of the attractions of Itsukushima Shrine. At low tide you can walk to the torii on foot, and at high tide you can see the red-painted shrine floating on the sea. Noteworthy this torii gate is not buried underground. It stands on the cobblestones and just stands by the weight. The size is almost the same as the Great Buddha in Nara. At high tide, pleasure boats pass through the torii gate. There are the chances of "ebb and flow" twice a day about every 6 hours. When making a travel plan, first check the tide table of the Miyajima Tourism Association!

Feeding deer is prohibited!

When you get off the ferry and get to the island, the first things you see are the Japanese deer! Deer inhabit throughout the island, but feeding on deer is prohibited. Be careful! A deer will attack you with a souvenir bag in your hand! Be caution not only for bags but also for papers such as maps and tourist pamphlets. Deer cannot digest plastic bags and paper. Please be careful about the health of the deer, who are known as the messengers of God.

Miyajima Ropeway


You will ride two types of ropeways, the "circulation type" and the "coasting type", to reach the top of Mt.Misen.
An aerial walk to enjoy the view of Seto's Shimanami is so exceptional and on a clear day you may also see Shikoku Island.
Business hours
9: 00-17: 00 (16:30 from December to February)
※open daily
Fee (round trip)
Adults (junior high school and older) 1,800 yen Elementary school students 900 yen

"Toyokuni Shrine Senjokaku" is Miyajima's largest wooden building!

This is a superb view spot with 857 tatami mats.
"Toyokuni Shrine" was left unfinished due to sudden death of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, although he ordered the construction. Located on a hill on the way from the pier to Itsukushima Shrine, it has no walls and is well ventilated and you can see the whole view of ocean. In autumn, the ginkgo tree in front turns red and reflected on the wooden floor, making a beautiful view. This is a recommended spot if you want to enjoy Miyajima leisurely because there are relatively few tourists

Visit time 8: 30-16: 30, open daily
Price
High school students and over 100 yen Elementary and junior high school students 50 yen.

Momijidani Park

The Momijidani Park, which spreads along the quietly flowing Momijidani River, creates a world of fresh greenery in spring, the cool breeze continually blowing in summer, and the whole mountain burning in autumn when maple leaves are colored.
A garden located along the Momijidani River at the foot of the Misen primeval forest and designated as a natural monument. As the name implies, there are about 700 autumn leaves in the park, and from mid-November to late November you can enjoy the wonderful beauty of autumn. Above all, the view around the Momijibashi bridge is excellent, and the flaming figures of maples are worth a look.

Omotesando shopping street

This is the most bustling shopping area in Miyajima, also known as Kiyomori Street, with souvenir shops and Miyajima specialty restaurants using oysters and eel. The street has a retractable roof sheet, so you can walk around the street without umbrella even on rainy days. The location is between Itsukushima Shrine and the pier. This is the place you want to visit at the end of Miyajima sightseeing to buy a lot of souvenirs!

Machiya Street


Machiya-dori, which was the main street of Miyajima in the past, has a nostalgic cityscape with its original buildings. If Omotesando shopping street is a modern main street, Machiya street is the main street of the good old days. At that time, it was called Honmachisuji. Townhouse architecture that retains the taste of a traditional Miyajima merchant, such as white walls and bengara lattice, is lined with retro-modern inns, shops and galleries that add a modern touch. You can take a great picture with the five-story pagoda in front.

Miyajima Gourmet Meals


Anago eel over cooked rice

Anago eel, which grew up in Ono Seto Sea with full of nourishment, is soft and plump.
Anagomeshi, a broiled version of this anago ell and placed on rice, is a specialty of Miyajima.

Oyster

It is said that oyster farming in Miyajima started about 330 years ago.
Ono Seto's oysters, which grow especially rich in nutrients from the primeval forest of Miyajima, have the best aroma, taste and texture.
Although oyster is considered expensive, you can easily taste it in front of the store during the season.

Momiji Manju (a ban shaped of Maple with red beans)

Miyajima is also famous for its beautiful colored leaves.
Momiji Manju is made in association with the maple. This confectionery made by wrapping "An (red bean)" in "Castella (bun)" and baked. It is loved by from everyone, and it is good souvenir. These days there are many kinds of "An" such as green tea, strawberry, chocolate, custard and so on instead of red beans.


Miyajima scoop for souvenir

An item that fits in your hand because you use it everyday. Shamoji is a scoop for rice. Miyajima Scoop is loved not only from its beauty, but also its meaning. In old times during war, the worriers want to have it because it means "win enemies". It may give you courage when you need it!

《Access to Miyajima》


(By train)
• A ferry ride from Miyajimaguchi Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line
• Take a ferry from Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station on the Hiroshima Electric Railway Miyajima Line
* The ferry between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima is operated by two companies, JR Miyajima Ferry and Miyajima Matsudai Kisen.
• Fee (round trip):Adult 360 yen Child 180 yen
• Service section: "Miyajimaguchi" port-"Miyajima" port
• Time required About 10 minutes





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Hi! I am Silvie, a penguin girl who loves travelling!! I would like to introduce you the wonderful places in Japan and in the world where I've visited!

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