Miyajima Shrine in Hiroshima, Gate on The Ocean!!

Miyajima is known for Torii that floats in the Seto Inland Sea of Hiroshima. It is a splendid popular spot. The entire island is the symbol of faith, recognized as “the island of God”. This is a World Heritage site (Cultural Heritage ) registered in 1996.

Actually the official name is “Itsukushima”, but the designated of “Miyajima” is also widely used. It is said that Saeki Kuramoto built the Itsukushima Shinto shrine in the year 593. 1400 years have have passed and still the shirine is preserved in its impresive state. In 1150, Kiyomori Taira was advised to worship the Itsukushima Shrine by a monk who he respected. After that, they seceded the Itsukushima Shrine as a god of Heike (Taira), In 1168 Itsukushima Shinto shrine was adapted to the present shape.

As mentioned before, Miyajima with Itsukushima Shrine has long been believed to be the island itself as “God”. Due to this fact, People thought that they should not hurt the land of Miyajima by cutting the trees down digging the soil. Therefore, It is thought that the shrine of Itsukushima Shinto shrine of Torii were built on the sea instead of the land of Miyajima.