Miyajima (Shrine Island) is an island of some 11 1/2sq.mi/ 30sq.km in Hiroshima Bay, which opens off the Inland Sea. It is also known as Itsukushima after its famous shrine. Along with Matsushima Bay and Ama-no-hashidate it ranks among the three most celebrated stretches of coastal scenery in Japan.
From time immemorial this was a scared island on which, until Meiji Restoration, neither births nor deaths might take place and from which dogs were banned. Dogs are still not permitted, though this is now mainly for the protection of the many fallow deer on the island; and there is still no cemetery on Miyajima, so that burials must take place at Ono on the mainland, and even then the relatives of the dead must perform rites of purification before they may return to the "pure" island of Miyajima.
Itsukushima Shrine is an early Shinto shrine, consisting buildings built over the water, resting on piles. Linked by covered walkways, the structures are designed to appear as if they are floating.
The Hall of a Thousand Mats (Senjokaku) actually has only some 450 tatami mats. The hall was built in 1587 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and since 1872, as the Hokoku Shrine, has been dedicated to his memory. It is said to have been constructed from the timber of a single camphor tree.
Senjokaku is the popular name for the main hall of the Hokoku Shrine with its library of Buddhist sutras. The five-story pagoda is said to have been built in 1407.
The Daiganji Temple of the Koyasan-Shingon sect is dedicated to Benzaiten, goddess of fortune. The temple contains a figure of the goddess known as the Itsukushima Benten, and statues of Buddha and his disciples.
Daishoin Temple is guarded by fierce carved figures on either side of the wooden gate at the bottom of the entrance stairs. The temple contains numerous treasures, including examples of traditional Japanese wood construction without nails, many carved figures of saints and mythical creatures, a small carp pond, a hall of Buddhist statues and picturesque natural areas.
Homotsukan, the Treasury, is fire and earthquake proof. Of the more than 4,000 valuable objects preserved here (masks, armor, cult objects), 130 are classified as "national treasures"; of outstanding importance are the picture and manuscript scrolls recording the chronicles of the Taira dynasty kept in a richly decorated chest.
Miyajima Aquarium features 13,000 rare fish and 350 other sea creatures from all over the world. One of the most popular of these is the Commerson's dolphin, with its distinct black and white markings.
The former residence of the Egamis, a prosperous wealthy merchant family, has been preserved with the additions of a newly built exhibition hall and garden. Exhibits include an extensive collection of folklore items related to clothing, food and dwellings, industries, transportation, religion, and events of the region.
There are many traditional industrial art crafts of Miyajima, from the nationally famous Miyajima wooden rice scoops to five-colored toothpicks, turnery works, wooden spoons, and woodcarvings. The Industrial Hall has exhibition rooms where you can see masterpieces of these traditional handicrafts, rooms for practice and training for apprentices, and a Japanese tea room.
Momijidani Park is a quiet park located at the foot of Mt. Misen which is covered by an extensive primeval forest. From spring to early summer, cherry blossoms and fresh verdure are in bloom. In autumn, the park presents a splendid view with its wide variety of scarletting maple leaves.
Mount Misen (1,739ft/ 530m) is the highest point on the island. Near the summit the Gumonji-do Temple, founded by Kobo Daishi in the early 9th C offers a fine view of the bay and of Hiroshima.
The mountain has been considered sacred and an object of worship since ancient times. Weird shaped rocks, an observatory and Monkey Center are located near the summit.
Omoto Park is covered with many old trees and offers the beauty of the seasons with cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas in summer and maple leaves in autumn. The park is also famous for its large Japanese firs.
Built in 1523 by the priest Shukan, Tahoto has a height of 15.6m. Parts of the structure have Indian and Chinese architectural features. The lower level is a square shape and the upper level features a round shape.
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Itsukushima Shrine
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