MIYAJIMA
Travel guide to Miyajima Japan including getting to
Miyajima, Miyajima temples and
Miyajima hotels.
MIYAJIMA HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
 Miyajima
Island floats like a diamond in the Inland Sea of Japan. From the misty beginnings
of Japanese history Miyajima has been classified as one of the most scenic
islands of Japan.
Out of respect for the Miyajima Gods no one dared to live there. For more
than a thousand years, visitors who were mainly fishermen, left the Island
at the end of each day.
The first shrine was founded
in 593 AD. The land was regarded as so sacred that the famous Tsukishima Shrine
was built over the water to avoid offending the Gods. When people eventually
inhabited the island they were forbidden to till the ground, give birth, die
or be buried on the sacred ground. . Even today there are no hospitals or
cemeteries on Miyajima Island.
MIYAJIMA SHRINES AND TEMPLES
 The
Itsukishima Shrine extends out over the water so that at high tide it seems
to be floating on the sea. It consists of the Main Shrine and many subsidiary
shrines and buildings all connected by wide corridors and galleries. Itsukishima
been designated as a National Treasure.
In the water near the
Itsukishima Shrine stands the world renowned Torii, one of the largest in
Japan. The view through the Torii framing Mount Misen in the background is
one of the most photographed scenes in Japan
 The
Senjokaku Shrine-the Hall of a Thousand Mats-is an outstanding building containing
a library of Buddhist sutras which Toyotomi Hideyoshi began to collect in
1587AD
The vermilion red Five-Storied
Pagoda built in 1407AD shows a splendid structural beauty which skilfully
combines the beauty of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles.
The Daiganji Temple is
dedicated to Benzaiten the Goddess of eloquence, music, wisdom and wealth
and is one of the 3 most famous Benzaiten Temples.
The Daishoin Temple is
the most distinguished temple of Miyajma and is in charge of all the rituals
and ceremonies of the Itsukushima Shrine
Next Page Miyajima Festivals and Natural Features
Hiroshima is one of
closest and most convenient locations for accommodation close to
Miyajima.
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Photos provided by Hiroshima
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