The Otorii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine

One of the most widely recognized structures in Japan, the brilliant red Otorii gate of Itsukushima Shrine stands in the sea about 200 meters out from the shrine itself. At high tide, the Otorii straddles the waves. When the water recedes, visitors stroll out across the tidal flats to press coins into the cracks in its wooden pillars for luck. During the annual Kangensai Festival, the Otorii is shown to its best advantage as the Goza Boat, lit by lanterns and carrying the gods to visit shrines on the mainland coast, passes beneath the gate to the accompaniment of Heian era court music.

The present gate, according to shrine records, is the eighth since the Heian period. While no one knows what the original gate looked like, the present Otorii is a large, camphor wood structure built in a stable, four-legged (yotsu-ashi) style in 1875. Timber for its construction was carried from Shikoku and Kyushu. Standing about 16 meters tall, the Otorii is a dramatic symbol of Miyajima’s ancient heritage, and a revered sight for many Japanese.

More Info.:
Itsukushima Shrine
Bugaku
The Kangensai Festival
The Tamatorisai Festival
The Chinkasai Festival
Making the New Year's First Prayers

Matt Mangham

1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi

10 minutes walk from Miyajima pier

Hiroshima station===(Street car No.1, 30min.)===Hiroshima Port===(Ferry, 20min.)===Miyajima

Hiroshima station===(Street car No. 2, 55min.)===Miyajima-guchi===(Ferry , 10 min.)===Miyajima

Hiroshima station===(JR Sanyo Honsen Line, 25min.)===Miyajima-guchi===(Ferry, 10min.)===Miyamima

Miyajima Tourist Association: http://www.miyajima.or.jp