What other travelers are saying about Itsukushima Jinja (Itsukushima Shrine)
From the moment I stepped off the ferry, I was greeted by the delightful sight of the island’s deer, eager for a nibble.
The serenity of the surroundings was striking, and the atmosphere was truly calming.
A short walk just offshore leads to the magnificent Great Torii Gate, partially submerged at high tide, which marks the entrance to the historic Itsukushima Shrine, originally established in the 12th century.
Exploring the village was equally enjoyable, with a myriad of delightful eateries and charming spots to relax.
I found the local cuisine to be remarkable, adding to the overall experience.
I highly recommend visiting Itsukushima Island for anyone seeking a peaceful escape while immersing themselves in rich cultural heritage.
A very picturesque place. Walking under the red gate Torii means good luck, but you have to wait for low tide to do so. There are a lot of people around, but you still feel peaceful and calm. Getting from the center of Hiroshima takes quite a long time - about an hour and a half if you use the tram and ferry combination, and about 40 minutes by direct boat from the Peace Memorial. Nevertheless, you will definitely not regret the visit here and the time spent.
very busy here. interesting shrine, not too big. easy to get around. wild deer on the island. lots of shops for souvenirs and food. best when tide is in to see the beauty of the floating shrine, otherwise a big mudflat. about a 10min walk from the ferry port.
Visiting Itsukushima Shrine was nothing short of magical. Even with some sections under construction, the shrine’s ethereal beauty and serene atmosphere remained untouched. The iconic floating torii gate, standing majestically against the tide, was every bit breathtaking.
Walking through the shrine’s wooden walkways, I was struck by the harmony between nature and sacred architecture. The sound of the waves, the rustling leaves, and the distant chants created a profound sense of peace and tranquility. Despite the ongoing renovations, the spiritual essence of the place was ever-present.
The construction work was handled discreetly, and the staff ensured visitors could still appreciate the shrine’s grandeur. If anything, it was a reminder that even ancient treasures need care—preserving their wonder for future generations.
Whether at high tide, when the shrine seems to float on water, or low tide, when you can walk up to the torii gate, Itsukushima is a place of awe and reverence. A must-visit for anyone seeking beauty, history, and a moment of quiet reflection.
We took the boat from the river in Hiroshima over and the big ferry back then used the trams to get back into Hiroshima. It was easy. Would recommend get the river boat ticket early but we got the large ferry at the end of the day with our IC card and same for the tram.
Was lovely to visit when the tide was coming in. Also note that unlike the deer at Nara Park the deer on the island are very pushy and we watched them take food and drink from out of people's hands and bags etc... just be mindful of this. And you have to pay to go into the main temple area. There are heaps of streets to walk and other shops.
