Everything about Itsukushima Shrine totally explained
Itsukushima Shrine (
Japanese: 厳島神社, Itsukushima
Jinja) is a
Shinto shrine on the island of
Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima) in the city of
Hatsukaichi in
Hiroshima Prefecture in
Japan. It is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as
national treasures.
The shrine dates back to the
6th century, and has been in its present form since
1168 when funds were provided by the warlord
Taira no Kiyomori. The shrine's construction, consisting of
pier-like structures built over the
bay, is due to the
holy status that the
island once commanded. Commoners were historically not allowed to set foot on the island, and had to approach by boat, entering through the gate that appears to float. Beside the shrine is a
noh stage.
The dramatic gate (
torii) of Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions, and the view of the gate in front of the island's Mount Misen is classified as one of the
Three Views of Japan (along with the sand bar
Amanohashidate, and
Matsushima Bay). The gate has existed since 1168, though the current gate dates back to
1875. The gate, built of
camphor wood, is about 16 metres high and was built in a four-legged style to provide additional stability.
The gate only appears to be floating at high
tide; when the tide is low, the gate is surrounded by
mud and can be accessed on foot from the island. It is common practice for visitors to place coins in the cracks of the legs of the gate and make a wish. Gathering
shellfish near the gate is also popular at low tide. At night, powerful lights on the shore illuminate the gate.
Retaining the purity of the shrine is so important that since 1878, no deaths or births were permitted at the shrine. To this day,
burials on the island are still forbidden.
On
September 5,
2004, the shrine was severely damaged by
Typhoon Songda. The boardwalks and roof were partially destroyed, leading to its temporary closure.
Gallery
Image:Itsukushima floating shrine.jpg|The buildings that make up the shrine itself are also built in the water.
Image:Itsukushima torii angle.jpg|A close-up of the shrine's torii
Image:torii_low_tide.jpg|The torii at low tide, from the inside of the shrine.
Further Information
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