temple_shrine
Itsukushima Shrine
The vermilion shrine on stilts over the sea, with its great torii gate appearing to float.
Typical duration
75 min
Price
~¥300 shrine entry (≈ €1.8 / $1.9)
From port
20 km / 12.4 mi
Transfer time
70 min
Indoor / Outdoor
outdoor
Queue risk
medium
🕐 Best time to visit
High tide for the floating effect; check tide tables
Itsukushima Shrine has stood over the tidal flats of Miyajima since the 12th century, its vermilion halls and walkways built on stilts so that at high tide the whole complex, and its great 16-metre torii gate offshore, appear to float on the sea. The island was long considered so sacred that commoners could not set foot on it, approaching instead by boat through the torii. It is one of Japan's most photographed sights and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; check the tide tables, as low tide lets you walk out to the gate but drains the floating effect.
Getting there from the port
Tram/JR to Miyajimaguchi, ferry to Miyajima, then a 10-minute walk