Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima
By Nicole Bauer
Miyajima is also called Itsukushima Island. The name means "Place where God came down." Because of this, the people strongly believed in the holiness of this island. Around 850 years ago, Tairano Kiyomori (samurai and political leader; 1118-1181), sponsored the building of this "Shrine on the Sea". The original building that he had built was completed in around 1168.
The fine view of Itsukushima Shrine changes minute by minute, as the sunshine, wind, and the ebb and flow of the tide changes. At high tide, the reflection of the vermilion building flickers on the surface of the sea. While at low tide, a large sandy beach appears. The original formal procedure to worship here at Itsukushima Shrine was to enter the shrine through the big famous red torii gate on a special boat.
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