Itsukushima Shrine

Located in Hiroshima prefecture, Itsukushima Shrine is maybe one of Japan’s most famous shrines thanks to its iconic position on Miyajima island (formerly known as Itsukushima), its unique structure built over the water on pilotis and, finally, for its majestic Great Torii.

Itsukushima, now known as Miyajima or the “Shrine Island”, was almost forgotten until the arrival of Taira no Kiyomori in 1168. Best known for being one of the most famous military leaders of the late Heian Period, Taira no Kiyomori, selected the island as the site of his clan’s family shrine and built Itsukushima Shrine.