The Japanese consider Miyajima Island to possess the best view in the country. Complete with the beautifully forested Mount Misen, pagodas, shrines, temples and more than a thousand years of inhabited history dating back to the Kamakura period of the 12th Century, Miyajima retains a subtle atmosphere that allows visitors to peacefully absorb history. It is possible to visit the island for a day trip, or stay a night in one of its amazing traditional ryokans (traditional Japanese-style inns). No matter the length, a sightseeing trip to Japan should include a visit to the island of the Great Torii.
The iconic view of the Great Torii
The first of many reasons people visit Miyajima Island is to see the Great Torii. First built in 1168 200 meters offshore, the Great Torii symbolizes a boundary between the spirit and human worlds. The reddish-orange structure stands 16.6 meters high and is best viewed during high-tide, when it appears to be floating. The Great Torii has been reconstructed several times throughout history, the current one dating back to 1875. On a spiritual island complete with a sacred mountain and shrines, the Torii continues to symbolize Miyajima, and often it is used as one of the symbols for Japan.
Machiya-Dori: the street drunk on happiness
Machiya-Dori Street dates to the beginning of the Edo period (1603-1868) and still serves as the main commercial street of the island. The street is lined with shops offering food and drink, and some of the island’s specialties. Historically, men would walk happily on drunk through the streets and enjoy their community. Today, guests enjoy eating at the many oyster shops and buying a maple lead-shaped cake filled with custard or sweet beans, known as “momiji manju”. Those spending an evening in a ryokan, can dress in a yukata (summer-style kimono) and walk the streets in the evening. Nighttime also offers an amazing second look at the beautiful pagoda and shrine.
Learn to worship the many gods of Japanese history
Itsukushima Shrine is known in English as the “Floating Shrine on the Sea” because at high-tide water floods the ground beneath it. Today the shrine is a registered World Heritage site due to its long history and significance to Japanese religion. First constructed in 593, the Shrine has stood more than a thousand years. Miyajima Island has many Buddhist temples and Shinto Shrines; the Shinto religion being the oldest indigenous faith in Japan. Buddhism was introduced in the late 6th century, and was interwoven into Shinto religion, which already worshipped many gods. Visitors to Miyajima can try worshiping at a shrine along with the locals.
Visiting the Island of the Great Torii
Miyajima Island is located near Hiroshima and Iwakuni, and can easily be reached from both. The best way to get there is to take the local train to Miyajimaguchi Station and then walk to the ferry port. A ferry ticket costs 360 JPY (3 USD) and only takes a few minutes to cross to the island. For those planning to return to the mainland, be sure to check the ferry schedule. The last ferry departs for the mainland at 8:15 pm. The first ferry from the mainland to the island leaves at 7:15 am. Miyajima Island is an excellent place to relax after spending days in busy cities, airports, and train stations. The Great Torii is an amazing symbol of Japan that should definitely be included in your journey to this country.
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