Miyajima - Japan

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Miyajima is well-known as a sacred island wherein people and gods dwell together harmoniously. Since ancient times, the people living there worshipped the island itself as a god. Like any old folk tale, this belief was passed down from generation to generation until today. The inhabitants have been the guardian angels of Itsukushima Shrine, the island’s one-of-a-kind culture and holy nature as well as other shrines and temples. It is their efforts that make Miyajima island a world cultural heritage site which has thousands of Japanese and international visitors travel a thousand miles just to get their feet there.

Miyajima (literally ‘Shrine Island’) is in fact the popular nickname whereas Itsukushima is the island’s real name. If you have somehow invented a time machine and traversed through time to the past, you would see no women in this holy island and old people were sent elsewhere to die in order to maintain its ritual sanctity. Though you no longer stand a chance to see this super-great-great-grandma culture, you would pretty much be able to appreciate the typically Japanese Edo-era façade as drastic measures are taken to preserve the historically rich assets.

Geographically, this island falls in the Inland Sea of Japan, near Hiroshima. It is mountainous and sparsely populated. However, it is the home for the popular ‘floating’ torii (Shinto shrine gate), one of the most snapshot tourist destinations in Japan. Miyajima, sand bar Amanohashidate (Kyoto) and Matsushima Bay (Miyagi) are classified as the three most scenic views, or in Japanese ‘sankei’, of Japan. All in all, the many bounties of nature in Miyajima make it a superstar tourist attraction that you must travel to.

The Magic of Miyajima

Led by its capital Tokyo, majority cities in Japan are all developed into well-organized modern town. You fly to Okinawa Island if you want to see an un-Japan city as it has a mixture of different culture which especially heavily influenced by American imperialism; you travel to Miyajima if you want to see an old Japan city with its Edo-era look which is pretty much a rarity in this archipelago. More accurately, there are no cities in this island but rather small towns with simple houses and privately-owned shops. The must-see site is the great Itsukushima Shrine which has red-lacquered complex of halls and pathways on stilts. The holy status of the island in the past has led to the building of pier-like structures over the bay so that the island was not going to be besmirched by the footprints of commoners. They had to enter through the remarkable floating torii gate by boat. The 16 meters high gate was built of camphor wood, in a four-legged style for extra stability purpose. The mesmerizing view of the gate before the island’s Mount Misen is categorized as the aforementioned Three Views of Japan.

Senjokaku is another attraction with a next-door scenic 5-story pagoda (Gojuto) which has quite a number of cherry trees for a pleasing sakura season. There is also a major Buddhist temple nestled in the hills and thus more often than not missed by tourists. It is Daisho-in Temple a little distance above Itsukushima Shrine. It is the home for Dai-hannyakyo Sutra, the famous golden prayer wheels believed to bring enormous fortune to the people who touch them sincerely, and Henjokutsu Cave, a captivating collection of Buddhist icons associated with the legendary pilgrimage route in Shikoku. Besides, travelers with great fitness levels could hike the 530 meters Mt. Misen, the pinnacle of Miyajima Island. The panoramic view over the island on the highest point is as rewarding as indulging oneself in the renowned Yumoto Onsen at nikko while taking in the natural scenery in the surroundings. For those who masturbate more than exercise, Miyajima Ropeway is your salvation.

What more? Miyajima’s maple trees are well-known throughout Japan. In autumn, everywhere is blanketed in crimson especially Momijidani Park (紅葉谷公園) where visitors can pamper themselves in the immortally gorgeous autumn colors while strolling pass quiet little temples along the way. Deer are the sacred animal in the native Shinto religion as they are believed to be the messengers of gods. These remarkably tame deer in the island roam freely on the streets and would occasionally ask for a hand-out, though they more restrained than their friends in Nara. Fraternize (with them) at your own risk! Lastly, tips for romantic couples on their sweet escape; the island turns into a romantic heaven in the evening, when the rampaging tourist crowds head home and the stone lanterns are lit to illuminate the seafront boulevard. Staying overnight gives you the leeway to join the groups of yukata-clad Japanese and international visitors walking the calm streets in their geta while enjoying the beautiful view of illuminated shrine.

Travel To Miyajima – Top 5 Best Places

These are the five best places of this sacred island to leave your footsteps.

Itsukushima Shrine - Famous shrine with floating torii gate.
Misen Mountain - The island’s highest mountain.
Daisho-in Temple - Buddhist temple at the foot of Misen.
Senjokaku - Large wooden hall built by Hideyoshi.
Momijidani Park – Famous for its autumn colors

3 Reasons Why I Love Miyajima

There are virtually thousand of sacred places in this world and I especially love this island which itself is seen as holy, a place where god and people live together. Amazing huh?

The first reason is to view Miyajima’s maple tree! You might say that I am too superficial but romance is one of the top reasons I travel. I wonder the renowned autumn colors here would be prettier than the sunset moment at Kamakura.
Secondly, it’s to feel the old Japan. When other travelers are drooling over the yummy Japanese food at Osaka, or are spellbound by the robots with artificial intelligence in Tokyo, I remember the urge to traverse through time to check out how Japan look in the past. This is the best place to realize my fantasy!
Last but not least, though I am not that kind of travelers whose camera would never leave them, I am keen to conquer the most photographed tourist spot in Japan; the view of floating torii gate in front of Misen Moutain at Miyajima!

Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan

Miyajima map

Miyajima map - attractions

the amazing sight of Itsukushima Shrine on the water, Miyajima

panoramic view of Miyajima Island

the view of Itsukushima Shrine with the scenic 5-story pagoda (Gojuto) at the background

Illuminated floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima, Japan

500 Rakan statues at Daishoin Temple, Miyajima

a tourist taking photo with the tame deer at Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima, Japan

an amazing garden of mini buddhas inside Daishoin Temple

Dai-hannyakyo Sutra the famous golden prayer wheels believed to bring enormous fortune to the people who touch them, Daishoin Temple, Miyajima

Miyajima food street has a kaleidoscope of shops selling delicious fish cakes, Momiji manju(Maple leaf shaped pastries with filling) and others.

Shrine on the pinnacle of Mt. Misen blends in with its panoramic background to show the spiritual side, as well as the natural beauty of the holy place.