Worship Itsukushima Shrine in an old traditional way

We believe that there is no one who doesn't know Itsukushima Shrine in those who visits Hiroshima.
How do you worship there?

The shrine on the sea was built by Taira-no-Kiyomori, a samurai of dating back the 12th century. Miyajima island itself was considered as a sacred body, and the shrine was built in the sea so it would not damage the body of God.

At that time, the worship was carried out only from the sea on a boat.

That is the reason why O-torii (Grand Torii Gate) is standing in the water.

After arriving at Miyajima, do you walk to the Itsukushima shrine and worship? It’s good, of course. But there is another good way to visit when you feel like to worship from the sea in the old traditional way; except, due to the ebb and flow of the tide, there is limited time to pass through the torii gate by boat, just as you can walk through it only during the low tide.

As it is only for 2-3 hours before and after high tide, please check the schedule carefully.

Check the schedule here: http://yu-ran.com/linkpage.html

*Although the website is written only in Japanese, you can check the calendar in the lower part of the website. The dates with red circles are the operating days, and the numbers in the circles are the operating times (described in 24-hour format).
**During the O-torii renovating period, you see the O-torii under construction from the sea side and go around into the shrine side. Then, move to the front of the shrine and worship from the sea on the boat.

Renovating period is also a historical moment. The value of O-torii will be explained later, but by knowing it, the value of this renovation can be understood.

The attraction of the boat

This is a traditional row boat that uses paddles.
With no engine, you can hear the waves hit the boat and feel the sea breeze.
Why don't you visit the sacred shrine quietly while feeling the magnificence of nature?
(It is safe on the boat, since the waves are calm in the Seto Inland Sea.)
The O-torii, looked up from below, is a masterpiece.

Do you know what O-torii is made of?

It is made of wood.

The main pillar is "Kusunoki", Japanese camphor tree, and the sleeve pillar is cedar. Each pillar is one naturally grown tree.

If you look closely, you can see the shape of each tree.

You can't easily find such a fine tree.

Even by looking at the O-torii gate only, it is worth something irreplaceable.

It is said that the first one was built by Taira-no-Kiyomori back in 1168, and the present one is said to be the 8th or 9th generation built in 1875.

Boarding Point

About 10-minute-walk from Miyajima Port.
A yellow-green flag is standing on the coast.
Board the boat from the beach.