In the immediate vicinity of Hiroshima, along the coast of the Japanese Inland Sea Seto, lies Itsukushima, a small island of great significance to Japanese history and culture. Itsukushima is home to the most important Shinto shrine in this part of Japan, which is why the island is also known as Miyajima, derived from the words miya, temple, and jima, island. Some buildings and objects preserved here have been declared national treasures by the Japanese government and are specially protected, and in 1996, the Shinto shrine on Itsukushima was also included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Itsukushima is a sacred place for Shintoists. The island is home to Mount Misen, whose peak, as the highest point, rises 530 meters above sea level, and it has been revered since ancient times. The respect for the spirits of nature residing there was so great that access to the island was once only allowed for priests, and all others could only honor them from a distance.
Although ancient records state that in 811, it became an official shrine for rulers. In the region of Aki, it is believed that the shrine Itsukushima (Itsukushima-jinja) was established by Saeki-no-Kuramoto, a member of the powerful Saeki family, in 593 AD. It is dedicated to the three sea goddesses, daughters of the wind and storm god Susanoo-no-Mikoto. They were called Ichikishima, Tagori, and Tagitsu, and according to legend, they lived in the inner sanctuary of the temple. In order to allow the people to come as close as possible to the island while preserving its purity and sanctity, the temple was built on the coast, on wooden pillars rising from the sea, making it appear to float on the water during high tides. People would reach the shrine by boats through the torii, traditional red-painted wooden gates that are found at the entrance of every Shinto shrine, marking the boundary between the sacred and profane space. Passing through the torii symbolically purified those who entered the shrine.
The torii at Itsukushima is special because it is located in the sea, about two hundred meters away from the coast, and the shrine, as well as the torii, is named after it today. The entire island is located in the water during high tide, while during low tide it is possible to reach it on foot from the torii to the island. The first torii at this location was built as early as the 12th century. Since then, it has been changed several times due to water damage. The current eighth torii, dating back to 1875, is 16 meters high and made of very durable camphor wood. Unlike the usual simple torii, this one at Itsukushima is reinforced with four additional pillars to remain stable against large waves.
After passing through the torii, you reach the shrine, whose buildings are facing and open to the sea, emphasizing the boundary between the blue sea in front and the green mountains in the background with their red color. Each of them has extremely great architectural value. Built with simple and elegant lines, in the architectural style characteristic of the Heian period (794-1184), they are entirely made of wood, without the use of nails and metal joints. Some of the old wooden planks that were used The ceremonial boards, which were wide a meter and a half and over ten meters long, were transported from remote forests in northern Japan.
The main building of the shrine consists of a series of interconnected halls. In front of them, protruding towards the sea, there is a ceremonial platform with an open stage surrounded by a red fence. Here, dances that originated in the Heian period and were preserved by the Itsukushima priests for over eight centuries were performed. From this platform, characteristic open covered corridors on pillars lead to other buildings and shrines, which have been added to over the centuries alongside the main Marodo shrine, including Gojunoto (a five-story pagoda), Tahoto (a two-story pagoda), a stage for Noh theater, and others. In addition to the Itsukushima Shrine and its accompanying buildings on the coast, there are a number of smaller shrines and ceremonial spaces scattered throughout the island. Adjacent to the summit of Mount Misen, there is the Reikado Hall where an eternal flame has been burning for 1200 years. It is believed that water boiled on this fire has special spiritual significance. All diseases scream here. The fire that was used to ignite the Flame of Peace in the Memorial Park in Hiroshima was brought from here. The sanctuary also includes a treasury, built in 1934, where treasures are kept (4500 different items: swords, weapons, paintings, costumes, armor…).
As is often the case in Japan, Buddhist temples were also built alongside Shinto shrines, but many of them were destroyed after the rejection of Buddhism during the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Those that did survive, mostly in the surrounding hills, now have equal historical importance to Itsukushima Shrine.
The area of the Itsukushima Shrine has been expanded and modified several times, and it has been destroyed twice by fire. Due to its proximity to the sea, it is also prone to deterioration, so frequent renovations and reconstructions have been necessary. The last destruction occurred in 2004 when the roofs and pier were partially destroyed in a typhoon. The shrine acquired its present appearance in 1168. The most recent complete renovation was undertaken in 2005. The construction of the entire complex was completed in 1241, and the oldest preserved buildings date back to that time. Since then, a complete restoration of the complex has become a monumental undertaking, and buildings have only been restored individually. However, this has never compromised the perfect harmony of dignified and elegant structures and the beautiful nature that surrounds them. Gradually, access to the island was opened to everyone, and over time, it gained permanent residents. Today, there are about 2000 people living in small scattered villages there. However, in order to preserve its purity, a decree was issued in 1878 prohibiting childbirth, death, and burials on the island, so pregnant women and elderly people are still transported to the mainland. According to Hayashi Shunsai, a philosopher who lived in the 17th century, the view of Itsukushima is among the most beautiful landscapes in Japan. Thanks to the care, preservation, and respect for this sacred place, Itsukushima is still as beautiful today as it was during Hayashi’s time. w][/fusion_builder_container]