Overview:

- Itsukushima Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine located on the island of Miyajima in the Hiroshima Prefecture of Japan. Built in the 12th century, it is dedicated to the three goddesses of the sea-Ushinohama-no-mikoto, Tagori-hime-no-mikoto, and Iwanaga-hime-no-mikoto. The shrine is known for its "floating" torii gate, which seems to be suspended in mid-air when the tide is high. The actual structure of the shrine is built atop wooden pilings, standing above the water level. The shrine is also home to several important artifacts, some of which are several centuries old. Itsukushima Shrine is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Japan
Prominent Features:

1. Red Floating Shrine: The recognizable feature of Itsukushima Shrine is the prominent red shrine building that appears to be floating on the surface of the Seto Inland Sea during high tide. 2. Giant Torii Gate: The entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine is the imposing, giant red Torii gate. This symbolizes the line between the worldly and the divine. 3. Shinto Worship: Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine, and visitors can participate in rituals that honor the gods of the sea and land. 4. Aesthetic Design: The shrine is characterized by its attractive, minimalistic design that incorporates the elements of nature such as water, trees, and rocks into the architecture. 5. Unique Location: Itsukushima Shrine is located in Japan’s Miyajima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated on the Seto Inland Sea, and its location makes it a special place to visit. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Japan.

History:

Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, in the Hiroshima Prefecture of Japan. It is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. The shrine complex consists of multiple buildings and pagodas, several gates, and a 500 meter long walkway over the bay. The shrine is believed to have been founded in 593 AD, when EmpressSuiko commanded a priestess to consecrate a shrine on the island. Since then, the shrine has been a fixture in the spiritual lives of the Japanese people. In 1168, an Imperial edict proclaimed that Itsukushima Shrine should have the same level of reverence as the Grand Shrines of Ise. In 1555, Toyotomi Hideyoshi declared Itsukushima as a holy site and pledged his support for its development. He made it a central shrine in the "Izumo Province", and endowed it with extensive lands and taxable income. The shrine was destroyed during the bombing of Hiroshima in World War II, but it was then restored in 1950. To this day, Itsukushima Shrine remains one of the most important and iconic Shinto sites in Japan. Visit one of the famous monuments of Japan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan's most famous and popular shrines. It is situated on the island of Itsukushima (also known as Miyajima), in the city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture. 2. Itsukushima Shrine is unique in its location of being completely surrounded by the sea. 3. The shrine’s front gate, the Otorii, has been built halfway across the sea and is visible during high tide. 4. Itsukushima Shrine was built on top of a mudflat and is believed to have been constructed in the year 593. 5. The shrine was periodically repaired and rebuilt throughout its history and the red and vermilion wooden structures seen today were rebuilt during the 12th century. 6. Itsukushima Shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of the Shinto god Susano no Mikoto. 7. Itsukushima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a National Treasure of Japan. 8. The shrine hosts large festivals such as its annual Grand Festival on August 16-17 and its New Year’s Festival on January 1. 9. Itsukushima Shrine is known for its beautiful views of the park with its Torii gate, chief deity hall, and prayer hall which are lit up at nighttime. 10. Also, the neighboring mountains of Mt. Misen and Mt. Misenhama provide picturesque settings for the Itsukushima Shrine. One of the historical monuments of Japan, it tells the story of a bygone era