Destination: Miyajima, Japan

The Torii at low tide, from
the inside of the shrine.

The shrine's main hall.
The whole shrine is on stilts!

Miyajima is an island near the city of Hiroshima. The beauteous island boasts that it is the third most famous site in Japan. This is mainly due to Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine itself is actually listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Japanese government has designated several building and possessions as National Treasures. Shrine in Japan are always related to the traditional religion of Japan, Shintoism. 

This particular shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto, who is the Shinto deity of seas and storms and the brother of the great son deity, Amaterasu. The island itself has been declared sacred and therefore commoners were not allowed to set foot on Miyajima for most of its history. In order for pilgrims to approach, the shrine was therefore built like a pier over the water. Whenever there are high tides, the shrine seems to appear to be floating on the water - absolutely breathtaking. The shrine's signature red entrance gate, or torii, was built over the water for much the same reason. Commoners had to steer their boats through the torii gate before approaching the shrine. Today, people are allowed on the island and when the tide is low enough people often walk to the gate.



Although Miyajima is famous for the Shito Shrine, there is also quite a large Buddhist shrine present on the island. The historic Daisho-in Temple sits on Mt. Misen, which is the holy mountain on the island. Besides being one of the biggest temples that I've seen, it is quite famous for the autumn leaves and maples. The temple is comprised of multiple buildings - one housing a flame that has been burning since its foundation, for more than 1200 years.

Right - The many faces of Buddha. Center - The Seven Fortunes. Left - More Buddha in a lantern lit cave.

These are actually prayers that you
brush on your way up the stairs.

"It was prayed well today.
Please return carefully"

I actually really liked this Buddhist Temple a lot! I've been to so many - they all generally looked the same, but this one was actually pretty different. Each little building had something that I've actually never seen before - it was fascinating. This is also a rare temple where you can actually walk around in the majority of the places (and take pictures). It was very unique and different - worth the trip up the mountain! 

Cute little statues of animals at the
Buddhist Temple. 

The deer in Miyajima.

There are many cute things to see on the island too! Like the friendly Miyajima deer - unlike the Nara deer who are quite ferocious. There are many places to shop and eat on the island as well. It actually has become quite a resort too - there are many nice hotels and beaches to go to. If you ever take a trip to Hiroshima, Miyajima is definitely a place to go see! It's a simple ferry away. 

Love,

ALPHA