Miyajima, also known as Itsukushima, is a small island located less than an hour away from Hiroshima. Famous for its floating torii gate, which appears to hover serenely above the tides, Miyajima has long been revered as a site of spiritual significance and natural beauty.
The island’s history stretches back centuries, its identity intertwined with the Shinto religion. Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of this sacred landscape. Built on stilts to appear as if it floats, the shrine is a masterpiece of harmony, blending seamlessly with the shifting tides and the lush mountains beyond. Its vermilion corridors, elegantly framed by the blue waters, feel like an invitation to step into another world, one where human craft is seamlessly integrated with nature.
Beyond the shrine, Miyajima’s architecture reflects a deep respect for tradition. Simple yet refined wooden structures dot the island, some serving as tea houses where visitors can pause for matcha and sweets, while others as ryokans offering warm hospitality and quiet retreat. Even in its more modest buildings, there’s a reverence for craftsmanship and the surrounding environment.
Miyajima’s cultural life is as vibrant as its landscapes. The island is home to lively festivals, such as the Kangen-sai, where ancient court music fills the air as decorated boats glide across the bay. Local artisans craft treasures from wood and lacquer, while the culinary offerings—fresh oysters, saltwater eel, and delicate momiji manju pastries shaped like maple leaves—capture the essence of the island’s bounty.
At its core, Miyajima is a place of balance, beauty, and history. To stand on Miyajima is to feel deeply connected to the land, to its past, and to the enduring spirit of Japan.
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Enquire NowIwaso Ryokan is a timeless sanctuary nestled within the tranquil embrace of Momijidani Park on Miyajima Island, a stone’s throw from the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and its famed floating torii gate.
View this hotelKurayado Iroha Ryokan on Miyajima Island is a retreat of understated elegance, perfectly situated in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, the ryokan provides guests with breathtaking vi... View this hotel
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