麻豆APP

By Johnny Guitaro – Wikimedia

Top 10 Facts about the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, Japan

This ancient Japanese Shinto shrine is found on the island of Itsukushima, in the Seto inland sea. It has been a sacred place since the 5^th century before the shrine was built.

Construction of this shrine began in the 6^th century and was completed in the 12^th century. The architecture of the shrine reveals great artistic and technical skills of the master architects.

One unique aspect of the shrine is how it beautifully blends with the surrounding mountains and sea. Its beautiful colours are quite scenic.   

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as part of the National Treasure of the Japanese government.

AS one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan, the Shrine is famous for its artistic gate on its borders. From this gate, one is able to see the ocean, forest and the peak of Mount Misen.

There are 17 different buildings within the complex including the Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja.

Here are the top 10 facts about the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine.

1. It is a World Heritage Site

By Rdsmith4 – Wikimedia

Located on Miyajima Island, in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, this Shrine is a protected Heritage site. The shrine was built on piers over the water of the Seto Sea.

This island was considered to be too sacred for commoners to traverse. The Shrine has beautiful colours, from the blue sea, green forest to the peaking Mount Misen.

It is considered to be one of the Three Views of Japan together with Matsushima Island and Amanohashidate.

The main Shrine is known as one of the three big stages. The other two are Shitenno-ji Temple and Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine in Osaka.

2. The Island has been a sacred place since the 6^th century

The first shrine built here was estimated to have been built in the 6th century. Itsukushima Shinto Shrine dates back to the 13^th century.

Its architectural designs are a clear depiction of the 12^th century styles. This Shinto shrine was founded by Taira no Kiyomori who was a very powerful leader of that time.

There are a total of 17 buildings and two shrines within the complex. The shrine is surrounded by the blue sea, a green forest and a mountain.

According to the traditional Japanese architecture, the Shrine needed to be surrounded by nature.  This is considered to be their standard of beauty.

3.Its architecture stands out

By Dariusz Jemielniak – Wikimedia

The site of the Shrine is spectacular. The artistic design of the shrines alongside nature is unique. The harmony of the man-made structures and nature is seamless.

It also shows the prowess of Taira no Kiyomori. This shrine has been reconstructed twice, and not once did it miss its original style, all that was repeatedly restored.

This shrine is unique in the entire world and attracts millions of tourists annually. It is not only because of the architecture, but also the religious and cultural significance.

4. The Itsukushima Shinto Shrine was very popular during the Edo period

Even before the Shinto shrine was erected on this Island, pilgrims from the Endo period used to visit the island to pray for the safety of the Seto Inland Sea.

Taira no Kiyomori visited the island to worship towards the end of the late Heian period. Soon after, word on the shrine spread far and wide and more pilgrims visited.

Fishermen and tradesmen would pay homage at the shrine when they sailed the Seto Inland Sea. Most of the people that lived in the western region of Japan would frequent this shrine to worship.

The original Shinto shrine on this island was built by Saeki no Kumamoto.

5. This Shrine is dedicated to three sisters

By Utagawa; Kunisada (I) – Wikimedia

The Itsukushima shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto. They are Ichikishimahime no mikoto, Tagorihime no mikoto, and Tagitsuhime no mikoto.

These sisters are known as the three female deities. They were considered to be the goddesses of seas and storms.

Taira Kiyomori believed that the island was home to bodhisattva. The name Itsukushima means island dedicated to the gods. The Japanese believed the island itself was a god.

6. The Shrine and the surrounding environment is breath-taking

By Sjaak Kempe – Wikimedia

This is the only Shrine in Japan that was built close to the sea where the tide changes depending on the time of day.

The Main Shrine is connected by beautiful corridors to three other Shrines; Marodo Shrine, Tenjin Shrine and the Noh theatre stage.

Its buildings are a beautiful contrast of the mountain, the sea and the forest around it.

The entrance of the shrine is through a floating bridge, there are wooden posts that are brightly painted. These have been around since the 13^th century.

7. The scenery at the shrine changes with the tide

By Dariusz Jemielniak – Wikimedia

When the tide is high, the O-Torii gate and the shrine appear to be elegantly floating on top of the water. This changes during low tide, you can access the gate by walking.

There are also three ponds that are called mirror ponds in the sand around the shrine.  

One structure that stands out in this shrine is the towering O-torii gate that floats in the sea during high tide. This shrine offers a unique experience to the lovers of Japanese performing arts.   

The performances are usually done at night at the floating stage mostly at night.

8. Commoners were not allowed at this Shrine

This shrine was a no-go zone for the commoners. Births and deaths on the island were prohibited because they were seen as pollution. It was also because the entire island was considered to be sacred.

The absence of commoners on the island meant that it maintained its purity. Expectant women are also not allowed on the island, they are returned after they give birth.

Old people and those that are terminally ill are always sent to the mainland. This practise still happens today. No burials or funerals are held on the island.  

9. The Itsukushima Shinto Shrine was dream-inspired

Shrines built in the 16^th century were a display of power, splendour and architectural wonder. The Taira who are responsible for the construction of this shrine, were known for their maritime trade.

Legend has it that Kiyomori had a dream where an old monk asked him to build a shrine and in return, he would have dominion over Japan.

They were also popular for attempting to monopolize overseas trade along the Inland Sea.

Kiyomori commissioned the construction of the Shinto Shrine. This was to display reverence for the tutelary god of navigation and to serve as a base for maritime activities.

He used the shrine together with his family. Kiyomori loved entertaining his guests on the island.

10. The only Noh stage on water in Japan is found at this Shrine

By Rdsmith4 – Wikimedia

In the entire country, this is the only Noh stage that has been constructed over water. It was presented to the shrine by the M艒ri clan during the Combatant States period.

The stage was repaired during the Endo period by the Asano clan. Urns filled with water are usually placed under the stage to improve the sound quality.

This is however not possible in this shrine, instead, the floorboards have been specially constructed to create a similar effect.