Miyajima Island: Itsukushima-jinja Shrine Gate

Friday, 3rd April, 2014.

To reach the shrine and gate, we had to walk along the sea front for ten minutes past strategically – placed enticing shops …..

 

….. interesting things to eat …..

 

….. the odd lion …..

 

….. people in rickshaws …..

 

….. pretty little bell-like flowers …..

 

….. and deer that trotted unconcernedly along the street, or just sat around looking bored.

 

This vermilion torii (gate) to the Itsukushima-jinja Shinto Shrine gives the impression of floating on the waves at high tide, and has traditionally been ranked as one of the three best views in Japan.

I took several thousand photos of it.

 

The shrine’s present form dates from 1168.  The island’s holy status meant that commoners were not allowed to set foot on the island, and had to approach the shrine by boat through the torii.

Tourists could don traditional hats and approach the island like commoners of old.

 

Frances’ “black hat” asked to be photographed with the torii.

 

We were lucky to have arrived at high tide.  When we were leaving the island in the afternoon, the tide had gone out, and the aspect wasn’t quite the same …..