Itsukushima Shrine
The great floating torii gate of Miyajima is Japan's most iconic image — a vermilion gateway standing in tidal waters, framing the island's forested mountains. At high tide it appears to float. UNESCO World Heritage and National Treasure.
3–5 hours
¥300 (shrine interior)
6:30–18:00 (summer); 6:30–17:00 (winter); tide schedule affects when the torii appears to float
year-round
JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi, then JR ferry 10 min, ¥200
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Floating torii gate — Japan's most recognisable image
- 2
High tide and low tide give completely different experiences
- 3
Sacred deer wander freely around the shrine
- 4
No cars on the island — 10 min ferry from mainland
Local Tips
Visit at both high and low tide for completely different experiences — at low tide you can walk out to the torii. The shrine interior is best in the early morning before the first ferries arrive. Stay overnight on Miyajima Island to experience the shrine lit at dusk after day-trippers leave — a completely different atmosphere.
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