Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima, Japan - Encircle Photos

35 Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima, Japan

The Itsukushima Shrine was founded in 593 by Saeki Kuramoto. He considered the island to be a deity (kami). Hence the name: Itsukushima means “Island of Worship.” The Main Shrine was built in 1168 using a shinden-zukuri syle and reconstructed in 1571. Throughout its history, sailors and fisherman have prayed here to the three daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto, the goddesses of the sea, transport and fortune. The Main Shrine is connected to the Marodo and Tenjin Shrines plus the Noh Theatre. They are all painted a bright vermillion to ward off evil and disease. They are also built on piers to accommodate the ebbs and flows of the changing tide. In the background are the Toyokuni Shrine and the Five-storied Pagoda.

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Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima, Japan

Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture 739-0588, Japan

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