A Land Associated with the Heike, Often Featured in Noh Plays
Miyajima Island has long been revered as a sacred place of prayer, with the island itself worshipped as a deity. The Itsukushima Shrine, built on the sea, is surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the verdant primeval forest of Mt. Misen and the clear blue sea. Known as "Aki-no-Miyajima," Miyajima is celebrated as one of Japan's three most scenic spots, along with Matsushima and Amanohashidate, and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1996.
The shrine's current architectural style, known as "shinden-zukuri," was developed by Taira no Kiyomori, who brought the Heike (Taira clan) to the height of its glory during the Heian period. Miyajima is a land associated with the Heike. However, after the Heike's defeat in the Genpei War, the power of the Genji (Minamoto clan) began to rise. There are many Noh plays featuring warriors who distinguished themselves in the Genpei War, and these are known as "Shura Noh" plays.
Itsukushima Shrine boasts the only Noh stage in Japan built on the sea. Since the Sengoku period, military commanders have dedicated Noh performances here.
Miyajima Island Itinerary
This itinerary allows you to visit ancient sites such as Itsukushima Shrine, on Miyajima Island, known for its sacredness.
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine Noh Stage
Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall
Daishoin Temple
Senjokaku Pavilion
How to Enjoy Miyajima Island
Access to Miyajima Island
From Miyajimaguchi Pier to Miyajima: 10-minute by ferry
Itsukushima Shrine
A Globally Rare World Heritage Site Built on the Sea
Founded in 593, Itsukushima Shrine was believed to be a divine entity, with the island itself considered a deity. For this reason, it is said that the shrine was built over the sea to avoid damaging the divine entity by cutting trees or digging the land.
In 1168, Taira no Kiyomori constructed the current grand shrine complex. Many of the buildings are designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Six structures, including the Main Hall, Worship Hall, and Corridor, are designated as National Treasures. Additionally, eleven structures and three objects, including Daiganji Shrine Main Hall (auxiliary shrine), Noh Stage, Five-Storied Pagoda, and the Great Torii, are designated as Important Cultural Properties.
At high tide, the Great Torii and the shrine buildings seem to float on the sea, while at low tide, you can walk up to the base of the Torii and experience its imposing presence up close.
The Noh stage, Hashigakari (bridge), and dressing room are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan and can be viewed from the West Corridor of Itsukushima Shrine. The stage was originally built and donated by Mōri Motonari, and the current stage was reconstructed in 1680 by Asano Tsunanaga.
The Noh stage, built over the sea, is designed with a flexible floor to enhance the resonance of the performance sounds. It is characterized by an independent Fuebashira (pillar) at the back right of the stage and a spacious Jiutaiza (chorus seating area).
Even today, the 'Shin Noh' is dedicated annually for three days from April 16th during the Toka-sai festival period. It is a full-day performance of the traditional five-part sequence, a formal performance format that dates back to the Edo period.
Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall
A Collection of Precious Noh Costumes and Masks
Among the treasures stored at Itsukushima Shrine are valuable art and historical artifacts dedicated by the Heike clan. While the original "Heike Nōkyō" (Heike Sutra Scroll) is part of the collection, a replica is displayed in the Treasure Hall. The collection also includes swords, armor, costumes, masks, painted fans, votive tablets, and paintings. Of these, approximately 260 items are designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, and a selection of them is on display.
There is also a significant collection related to Noh, including a Noh costume used in the Edo period for the Kita school's performance of "Shichikiochi".
The Oldest Temple in Miyajima Founded by Kōbō Daishi
Daishoin Temple, located behind Itsukushima Shrine, is the oldest temple on Miyajima Island, with a history of 1,200 years. It was founded in 806 by the famous monk Kobo Daishi.
The temple is also known for a visit by the historical figure Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who held a tea ceremony there. Visitors can explore many buildings within the temple grounds, and there are several tour options available, including guided tours with monks, tours of an underground hall dedicated to Kannon, and workshops for making prayer beads.
Kannon Hall: This hall houses the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva, which was originally located in the inner sanctuary of Itsukushima Shrine.
Chokugan Hall: This hall houses a statue of Hasekiri Fudo Myo-o, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi is said to have prayed for victory and maritime safety during his invasions of the Korean Peninsula.
Ichigan Daishi: This is a Jizo statue believed to grant a single wish. Many votive tablets are dedicated here in hopes of having wishes fulfilled.
Senjokaku Pavilion, also known as the Main Hall of Toyokuni Shrine, is the largest wooden structure on Miyajima Island and is located near Itsukushima Shrine. It was commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a Noh enthusiast, in 1587 as a hall for sutra chanting. However, construction was halted due to Hideyoshi's sudden death, leaving some parts of the ceiling and walls unfinished.
One of the hall's attractions is the names of Edo-period kabuki actors and haiku poems inscribed on its large pillars, indicating that it was a place of leisure for commoners at that time. Additionally, the program of the Shin Noh performance at the Toka-sai festival in the Showa era is on display.
Adjacent to Senjokaku is a five-story pagoda built in 1407, showcasing a lavish blend of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles.
During the time of Taira no Kiyomori, it is said that people would visit Itsukushima Shrine by boat. Today, you can still experience a boat visit on high tide days using a "Rokai boat." These boats, as the name suggests ("ro" for oar and "kai" for rowing), are rowed around the area of the Great Torii. The boat, powered by human effort, has no engine noise, allowing you to enjoy a 20-minute boat trip while listening to the sound of the waves and the wind.
Another option is the Night Cruise, where you can see the illuminated Itsukushima Shrine and Great Torii from a sightseeing boat. This nighttime view offers a magical experience, quite different from the daytime scenery.
Two Major Delicacies of Miyajima: Grilled Eel Rice and Oysters
Grilled Eel Rice: This signature dish from Miyajima features tender eel caught in the Ono Seto Strait, grilled to perfection, and served on a bed of rice with a special sauce. Originally created as a station bento at the former Miyajima Station, which opened in 1897, it has become a must-try specialty representing Miyajima.
Oysters: Cultivated in the Ono Seto Strait like the eel, Miyajima's oysters are a premium delicacy known for their fragrance, flavor, and texture. You can enjoy a variety of oyster dishes, including grilled, raw, oil-marinated, and oyster-filled okonomiyaki, all of which are popular choices.
Exploring the Mystical Rocks and Stunning Views on Mount Misen, the Sacred Mountain Where Kobo Daishi Practiced
Mount Misen, rising behind Itsukushima Shrine, is the highest peak on Miyajima Island, standing at 535 meters above sea level. Since its establishment by Kobo Daishi in 806, Mount Misen has been revered as a sacred mountain of mountain worship. The untouched primeval forest of Mount Misen is registered as a World Heritage Site along with Itsukushima Shrine.
Near the summit, you'll find numerous historical sites and peculiar rocks associated with Kobo Daishi. Access to the summit involves taking the Miyajima Ropeway and then hiking on foot. After transferring between two ropeways, you will embark on a roughly 30-minute mountain trail. Along the way, you will encounter the Misen Main Hall, where Kobo Daishi is said to have practiced asceticism for 100 days, and the Reikado Hall, also known as the "Eternal Flame Hall." The Reikado Hall houses a mysterious flame called the "Eternal Flame," which has been burning for over 1200 years since Kobo Daishi lit it during a fire ritual. This flame serves as the source flame for the Peace Flame in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Passing through the giant rock arch known as "Kuguri-iwa," you will reach the summit. The view from the Mount Misen Observatory is breathtaking, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and the Shikoku mountain range.
Due to the steep slopes on the way to the summit, make sure to equip yourself properly for the hike.
During breaks from exploring historical sites on Miyajima or on rainy days, visiting the Miyajima Public Aquarium is highly recommended, as it is just a 5-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine. The aquarium showcases approximately 13,000 exhibits of around 350 species, mainly from the Seto Inland Sea.
One of the aquarium's stars is the finless porpoise, known as the "Seto Inland Sea Whale," which features its cute smiling face.
Unique attractions at the Miyajima Public Aquarium include an oyster raft tank that recreates oyster-raising at sea, and the "Tidal Pool Interaction" area, where visitors can observe and touch coastal creatures up close, offering a uniquely Miyajima experience.
When you visit Miyajima, consider adding a trip to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in central Hiroshima City to your itinerary. This park, much like Miyajima, is a place of prayer and contemplation that holds great significance.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome): This structure serves as a powerful reminder of the devastation caused by nuclear weapons and now stands as a symbol of peace and nuclear disarmament. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Here, you can explore exhibits featuring items, photos, and documents from survivors, offering insight into Hiroshima's history before and after the bombing, as well as the realities of the nuclear age. Cenotaph for the Victims of the Atomic Bomb: Within this cenotaph is a stone chamber housing a register of names of those who perished as a result of the atomic bombing.
