Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine is a major Shinto shrine located on the island of Itsukushima.

Many people call this island Miyajima. The shrine complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan. It is located in Hatsukaichi, within the Hiroshima Prefecture. The site is famous for its connection to the ocean. Its design makes it look like a palace floating on the sea. This unique architecture is a primary reason it is a top tourist attraction. The shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto.

These goddesses are known as the three female deities. They are the Shinto goddesses of the seas and storms.

The shrine complex is built using a pier-like structure. This design allows the buildings to sit over the Matsushima bay. This method was used to keep the sacred land separate from the buildings. The island itself is considered a god. Because the land is sacred, the shrine was built on the outskirts. This allows the structures to appear to float during high tide. The most famous part is the vermilion torii, or great gate.

This gate is made of decay-resistant camphor wood. It stands in the water and is accessible by foot during low tide. The current torii dates to 1875, but a gate has been there since 1168. The architecture follows a style that seeks to intertwine with nature. This reflects a trend where buildings follow their environment.

The shrine consists of many different parts and buildings. The main buildings are the Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja. There are 17 other structures that help distinguish the complex. The Honsha is an eight-by-four bay structure. It features a kirizuma roof made of cypress bark. The walls use white stucco applied in fifteen different coats. Vermilion woodwork decorates the exterior. A stage extending from the side dates to 1590. This stage is used for theater performances. These rituals act out key events from Shinto myth to honor the gods.

History shows that many powerful leaders shaped the shrine. The first shrine was said to be built in 569 by Saeki Kuramoto. However, the noble Taira no Kiyomori was a major patron in the 12th century. He was a prominent member of the Imperial Court. Kiyomori helped build the main hall to show reverence for the goddess of navigation. He also used the site as a base for maritime activities. Some say he built it after a dream about an old monk. This monk promised him dominion over Japan if he built the shrine.

Another leader, Mōri Motonari, rebuilt the torii in 1571. He was the lord of the Chōshū Domain.

Maintaining the purity of the shrine is a strict requirement. In Shinto, certain events are seen as causing pollution. For a long time, commoners were not allowed on the island. This was to keep the island's sanctity. Originally, births and deaths were not allowed on the island. This rule has continued in different ways since 1878. For example, burials are forbidden on the island. Pregnant women often go to the mainland as their delivery date approaches. The terminally ill or very elderly also move to the mainland. These traditions help preserve the sacred nature of the site.

The shrine holds many precious treasures. One famous example is the Heike Nōkyō. These are thirty-two scrolls known as the Sutras dedicated by the House of Taira. Kiyomori and his sons helped copy these religious texts. They decorated the scrolls with silver, gold, and mother-of-pearl. The shrine has also faced natural challenges. In 2004, Typhoon Songda caused severe damage. The boardwalks and the roof were partially destroyed. The shrine had to close temporarily for necessary repairs.

Every year, the shrine hosts the Kangen-sai ritual. This is a very large and elaborate Shinto festival. It began in the Heian period and was started by Taira no Kiyomori. The ritual usually occurs in late July or early August. It is one of the three largest boat rituals in Japan. During the event, a large boat called a goza-bune carries a portable shrine. This vessel is made by binding three traditional boats together. Musicians play kangen court music using flutes, drums, and strings. The boats move through the water in front of the shrine at dusk. This festival combines religious devotion with ancient courtly culture.