Itsukushima (Miyajima)

Itsukushima, more commonly known as Miyajima, is a small island in Hiroshima Bay that has been considered sacred since ancient times. The island's name translates to "shrine island," reflecting its spiritual importance in Japanese culture. Itsukushima Shrine, founded in 593 AD and reconstructed to its present form in 1168, is the island's most famous landmark and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The shrine complex, built over water with interconnected buildings and corridors, represents a masterpiece of Shinto architecture that harmonizes religious structures with the natural landscape.

The shrine's floating torii gate stands 16 meters tall in the bay and has become one of Japan's most iconic images. During high tide, the gate appears to float on water, while at low tide visitors can walk out to its base. The island itself covers approximately 30 square kilometers and is home to around 1,400 residents. Mount Misen, rising 535 meters above sea level, dominates the island's interior and offers hiking trails through primeval forests that have been protected for centuries due to the island's sacred status. The mountain's summit provides panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands.

Visitors can explore the shrine's various halls, including the main sanctuary, purification hall, and noh theater stage built over water. Wild deer roam freely throughout the island, considered messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition. The island's commercial street offers local specialties including momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes) and grilled oysters, as Hiroshima Prefecture is Japan's largest oyster producer. The Miyajima History and Folklore Museum and Daisho-in Temple, a significant Buddhist temple with hundreds of statues, provide additional cultural insights.

Miyajima is accessible by ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station, which takes approximately 10 minutes and costs around ¥180-200 for a round trip. Miyajimaguchi is reached from Hiroshima Station via the JR Sanyo Line in about 25 minutes. Entry to the island itself is free, though Itsukushima Shrine admission costs ¥300 for adults. The Mount Misen ropeway operates for ¥1,800 round trip and reduces the climb significantly, though a 30-minute walk remains to reach the summit from the upper station. Most of the island can be explored on foot within a few hours, though a full day allows for mountain hiking and a more leisurely experience.