Miyajima Island (Itsukushima)

Miyajima (formally Itsukushima) is a small island in Hiroshima Bay in Hatsukaichi city, Hiroshima Prefecture, revered in Shinto tradition as a sacred island where the divine and human coexist. For centuries, burials and births were forbidden on the island to preserve its purity, and this tradition extended to ensuring that the major shrine appeared to float above the sea rather than rest on profane ground. The island is famous worldwide for Itsukushima Shrine, founded in 593 AD according to tradition and rebuilt in its current form by Taira no Kiyomori in 1168. The shrine's buildings extend over tidal flats on wooden platforms, and the great torii gate (O-Torii) — standing 16 meters tall in vermillion-lacquered camphor wood — stands offshore, appearing to float at high tide and becoming walkable at low tide. UNESCO recognized both the shrine and surrounding forest as a World Heritage Site in 1996. Beyond the shrine, the island offers considerable depth: Mount Misen (535 meters) is accessible by ropeway from the Momijidani area, with a 30-minute hike from the upper station to the summit offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. The eternal flame on the summit, said to have been burning since Kobo Daishi lit it 1,200 years ago, is revered by Buddhist pilgrims. Wild deer roam the island freely as on the mainland at Nara. Local specialties include grilled oysters (Hiroshima Bay produces 70% of Japan's oysters) and momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes filled with red bean or custard). The ferry from Miyajimaguchi takes 10 minutes.