What other travelers are saying about Itsukushima Jinja O-torii (Grand Torii Gate)
Really beautiful, impressive and huge. The red colour stands in an amazing contrast to the greenery of the mountain and the blue of the sea and the sky. If you go with a guide, she/he will also explain you the meaning of the statues at the entrance and inside the shrine (one has the mouth open and the other one the mouth closed, based on Sanskrit sound of the first and last letter, and meaning the beginning and the end), how to go through the tori gate (bow before passing through and leave the centre free for the deities to pass), how to pray and make a wish, etc, so it’s worth to hire a guide.
Also, beautiful place for memorable photos ❤️
Visiting Itsukushima Jinja Temple in Hiroshima was an unforgettable experience! As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple is absolutely stunning — especially the iconic “floating” torii gate over the water. The atmosphere is peaceful yet full of life. I loved meeting and gently petting the friendly deer that roam the island — such a unique experience! I also tried the pull-bicycle (rickshaw) service, and the driver was incredibly nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. He explained the history of the temple and made the whole visit even more special. A must-see spot in Japan for its beauty, culture, and amazing hospitality!
🏯 Itsukushima Shrine Great Torii (Miyajima, Hiroshima) Review
When I visited Itsukushima Shrine, the tide was low, and the water around the famous red Torii gate had receded. Even though it wasn’t surrounded by the sea at that moment, seeing this World Heritage Site up close was still a deeply moving experience. Standing before such a historically and spiritually significant place filled me with admiration and peace.
Many visitors from around the world were there, all captivated by the shrine’s atmosphere and beauty. I also took a boat tour around the area, which offered a lovely view of the island and the Torii gate from the water. The nearby resort area was a wonderful place to relax — the air was fresh, the environment was clean, and the food was organic and delicious. The staff were very kind and welcoming, making the stay even more enjoyable.
Overall, visiting the Itsukushima Shrine and its Great Torii was an unforgettable experience. Even during low tide, the site’s spiritual energy and natural beauty left a lasting impression. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hiroshima who wishes to connect with Japan’s culture, history, and nature in a peaceful setting.
Itsukushima Shrine is one of the most famous Shinto shrines of Japan, famous for its floating torii gate. The torii gate was built on water as the island is considered sacred. Apparently the place is from twelfth century but the current structure dates back to nineteenth century. The shrine is peaceful and beautiful and looks out over the sea. There are many deers on the street, but feeding them is not allowed.
Really nice area and in general beautiful shrine.
I was there in a week day in September 2025 where the tide was low.
The prices was okay
- The ferry it was around 200 Yen for an adult ticket.
- The entrance to shrine Itsukushima Jinja it was 300 Yen for an adult.
It's not because it was really expensive, but personally I was a bit disappointed about the shrine it self. It's very similar to other big shrines (where a lot of places you don't need to pay entrance) so it was not so out standing it self, as I have expected. There was good sight to the red gate, there maybe the most popular by this shrine.
But beside this it was in general really lovely area.
If the tide is low, as when I was there, I personally will recommend to go down on beach, instead of pay to go in to shrine. I think that it at least as beautiful, of not more, to be down around the gate than in the shrine.
