Miyajima is a small, mountainous island just off the coast and within easy reach of Hiroshima. While officially named Itsukushima, the island is usually referred to as Miyajima, which means ‘shrine island’.
Why visit?
Miyajima is famous for its centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine, which has been designated a national treasure and is built over the water in a small inlet. The shrine and the adjacent Great Torii Gate appear to ‘float’ in the bay. When the tide is low you can walk out across the sand flats to its base. The sight of the torii from the shrine is ranked as one of Japan's three best views.
The has recently undergone extensive restoration and is looking at its best. Parts of the shrine are still being reconstructed, following typhoon damage in
