Miyajima

by Ryoki Toku

Do you know the three most famous spots in Japan, called "Nihonsankei" ?

They are Matsushima in Miyagi, Amanohashidate in Kyoto, and Miyajima in Hiroshima. For this article, I would like to talk about Miyajima.

Miyajima is an island located in the Seto Inland Sea, just in front of Hiroshima.

It is said that Miyajima has been the object of nature worship from the time immemorial.

The Ituskushima shrine, built in 12 century, is one of the symbols of Miyajima.

The most recognizable characteristic of Itsukushima shrine is that it was built on the sea.

You can walk to the big shrine gate which stand on the off-island side when the tide is low and, during high tide, the surface of the sea reaches just under the floor of shrine.

The Itsukushima shrine took the Shindentsukuri style, and it is said that the aristocracy house of the Heian-era was its motif.

The Itsukushima shrine and the surrounding area have been designated as a world cultural heritage site.

The shrine uses the Seto Inland Sea and makes it resemble a pond, and the dynamic view is a must see.

If you have a chance, while traveling in Japan, why don't you add Miyajima to your list of travel destinations, as it's one of the most famous sites in the country?