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.
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.
It was busy, a Sunday and Miyajima was full…
We caught the ferry from the Peace park direct to the Island which was a great way of travelling there.
I’m sure it’s very serene and beautiful but… not today.
A stunning Shinto shrine with a floating tori gate. This is the location where to G7 meeting took place in 2023.
This location has 2 modes, a low tide and high tide. During low tide you can walk along side the tori gate and take a closer look at the gigantic structure. During high tide you can feel as if the shrine is floating on the water. You can check the tide information online.
Amazingly the tori gate is not bolted to the ground and somehow is not swept away after so many years. You can also see that the constructing is ancient as the pillars are not equal, you can see the shape of a tree trunk in the pillar.
The area is huge even though there is a lot of people it does not feel crowded. It is a stunning location that definitely deserves a visit if you are in Hiroshima.
This is place also has a lot of deer, I feel like the deer here are more wild compared to the ones in Nara. This island feels more like a deer place than Nara in my opinion.
Visited at 27 Mar 2025
Worth the visit but not just for the shrine, the island also has a rope way, small aquarium and lots of shops to look at, the views on the island and ferry are great
Take the tram back to Hiroshima to avoid the crowds on the JR train
Note for JR pass holders the ferry needs 100 Yen visitor tax paid before boarding too
