ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE

Itsukushima Shrine Miyajima is a World Heritage Site famous for its floating torii. Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine on Miyajima Island.

Itsukushima Shrine (Japanese: 厳島神社, Itsukushima Jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima) in the city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan. Itsukushima Shrine is actually most famous for its torii or gate, commonly known as Miyajima Torii. Itsukushima Shrine forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site on Miyajima. The Japanese Government has designated several buildings and possessions as national treasures.

The first Itsukushima Shrine buildings were probably erected in the 6th century, but the present shrine dates from the 12th century.

The current Itsukushima Shrine has been in its present state since 1168 when funds were provided by the warlord Taira no Kiyomori. The shrine's construction, consisting of pier-like structures built over the bay, is due to the holy status that the island once commanded. Commoners were historically not allowed to set foot on the island, and had to approach by boat, entering through the gate that appears to float. Beside the shrine is a noh stage.

(Article based on Wikipedia article and used under the GNU Free Documentation License)
Photos provided by Hiroshima Prefecture.