They often say that the devil is in the details. But when it comes to Itsukushima, or Miyajima as it is more commonly known, they couldn't be further from the truth. Heaven is everywhere.
Resting as it does above the water, Itsukushima Shrine is a stunningly beautiful construction. Details of perspective abound, particularly with its tōrō lanterns. The shrine's famous torii floating gate is perhaps even more impressive. Simple changes in how you view the gate can be most revealing. Is it wrong to feel the gate as marking the entrance to the ocean rather than shrine complex?
Miyajima is dominated in many ways by its Shinto spiritual history. However, like much else in Japan, Buddhism is never far away. In this sense, the Gojunoto five-storied pagoda and Senjokaku Hall complement each other - Gojunoto is literally a picture perfect, an architectural beauty; rustic Senjokaku Hall is not even finished....
The divinity of Miyajima may very well be in how you find its details.
Getting there
There are regular ferries to Miyajima from both Hiroshima port and Miyajima-guchi ferry terminal. Itsukushima Shrine is about a ten-minute walk from the ferry landing on the island.
More info
Find out more about Itsukushima Shrine.
