Itsukushima Shrine's Floating Torii Gate Welcomes You to Miyajima, Japan

Miyajima island`s Itsukushima Shrine, off the coast of Hiroshima, is one of the most scenic spots in all of Japan...

If the weather is good.

Oh, and if your timing is good too.

The shrine itself was founded in the 590`s with its current form dating back to 1168.

Itsukushima is best known for its "floating torii gate" also called "Otorii" which is the sea entrance to the shrine.

And here is where good luck and/or preperation is needed.

Thanks to their unique placement and construction, the torii gate, and the shrine`s beautiful Shinto architecture look absolutely amazing, when the tide is high.

Water surrounds them and creates a surreal look, almost as if they are floating on the sea.

When you enter this famous Japanese shrine, you go from building to building via boardwalks, again surrounded by water.

It really is something to behold. That is, until, the tide goes out.

Then, there is mud. Lots and lots of mud.

However on the plus side when the tide is out you can actually walk out to the Otorii, where its immense size is even more apparent up close and personal.

If you are planning to spend most of the day on Miyajima though, you shouldn`t have too much trouble seeing the Shrine and its Torii gate in all their "floating" glory.

As far as weather goes, Spring and Autumn tend to be the best time to go. It is milder and the flowers are in full bloom or the leaves are changing color, respectively.

But no matter the time of year, if you happen to be in Hiroshima, it is well worth trying to make time to visit Miyajima.

Itsukushima Opening Hours:

6:30am year round.

Closed:

November, January, February: 5:30pm

March - October: 6:00pm

December: 5:00pm

Shrine Entry:

300 yen Adults

170 yen Senior High School Students

150 yen Junior High and Elementary School Students