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Itsukushima Shrine
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · JP

Itsukushima Shrine

Getting around: Take the JR ferry (or Miyajima ferry) from Miyajimaguchi Station, reachable from Hiroshima Station by JR train (about 25-30 minutes) plus a 10-minute ferry ride across to Miyajima island.
Hours: Shrine grounds typically open around 6:30am-6pm, hours shift seasonally; paid admission, and tide times matter for viewing the floating torii.

Itsukushima Shrine is famous for its vermillion torii gate that appears to float on the water at high tide, one of Japan's most photographed sights. The shrine itself, built on pilings over the water on Miyajima island, dates back over a thousand years, with the current structures largely from the 12th-century rebuilding under Taira no Kiyomori.

At low tide the torii and shrine floor are exposed and visitors can walk right up to the gate on the sand; at high tide the buildings appear to float. Both are worth seeing if your schedule allows, so it's worth checking tide tables before planning your visit.

Itsukushima Shrine FAQs

Should I visit at high tide or low tide?

Both offer different experiences — high tide gives the classic floating look, low tide lets you walk out to the torii gate on the sand; check tide tables to plan around your preference.

How do I get to Miyajima island?

Take a JR train from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi (about 25-30 minutes), then a short ferry across (about 10 minutes).

Is there an entrance fee?

Yes, a modest paid admission to the shrine grounds, plus the ferry fare.

Are the deer on Miyajima tame?

Yes, wild deer roam freely around the island and are used to people, though visitors are asked not to feed them.

How long should I plan for Miyajima?

A half-day at minimum for the shrine and town; a full day if adding Mt. Misen.

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