Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

Here are 6 things you must know about the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine. Take a look!

1. It is a World Heritage Site, for one.

This shrine, which may be found on Miyajima Island in the Japanese prefecture of Hiroshima, is a protected historical monument. The shrine was constructed on piers that extended out into the Seto Sea.

This island was believed to be too holy for regular people to visit. The colors of the shrine are exquisite, from the apex of Mount Misen to the blue sea and green woodland.

Along with Matsushima Island and Amanohashidate, it is regarded as among Japan’s “Three Views.”

One of the three key levels is referred to as the main Shrine. Shitenno-ji Temple, as well as Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine in Osaka, are the other two.

 

2. Since the sixth century, the Island has served as a spiritual site.

It is believed that the first shrine to have been established here did so in the sixth century. Itsukushima Shinto Shrine has been around since the thirteenth century.

Its architectural layouts are an obvious representation of styles from the 12th century. Taira no Kiyomori, a highly powerful leader at the period, erected this Shinto temple.

Within the compound, there are two shrines and 17 structures altogether. A mountain, a verdant forest, and a blue sea encircle the temple.

3. The shrine’s surroundings alter with the tide.

The O-Torii gate and the shrine look to be gracefully floating atop the sea whenever the tide is rising. You may still walk up to the gate when the tide is low.

Inside the dunes surrounding the shrine, there are actually three ponds known as mirror ponds.

 

 

 

 

4. Three sisters are honored at this shrine.

The temple on Itsukushima is devoted to Susano-o no Mikoto’s three daughters. Ichikishimahime no mikoto, Tagorihime no mikoto, and Tagitsuhime no mikoto are the names of these three.

The three female goddesses are what are regarded as one of these sisters. They were revered as the wind and sea deities.

Taira Kiyomori thought that bodhisattvas lived on the island. Itsukushima is Japanese for “island consecrated to the gods.” The island alone was seen as a divinity by the Japanese.

5. Its architecture is distinctive.

The Shrine’s location is breathtaking. The shrines’ aesthetic layout next to nature is distinctive. The