Itsukushima Shrine, Hatsukaichi
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine
4.5
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The famous shrine built on stilts with its torii gate set in the sea.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
249 within 3 miles

Yakigaki No Hayashi
381
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Seafood • Asian

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477
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Seafood • Gluten Free Options

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502 ft$$ - $$$ • Cafe

Miyajima Coffee
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0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe

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84
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Brew Pub

Cafe Lente
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Momijido Honten
122
0.1 mi$ • Dessert

Momijido
131
0.2 mi$ • Fast Food

Fujiiya, Miyajima Honten
89
0.2 mi$ • Dessert • Cafe • Japanese sweets parlour

Itsuki
91
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe
Attractions
104 within 6 miles

Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall
169
117 ftSpeciality Museums • History Museums

Miyajima
4,824
491 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Itsukushima Shrine Torii
537
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
3,509 reviews
Excellent
2,345
Very good
991
Average
145
Poor
16
Terrible
12
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,193 contributions
Jan 2020
We planned our trip to Japan months before our arrival date and prior to arriving, found out the Torii Gate was under renovation (i.e. covered in scaffold) but we came anyway. We made the trip on Saturday, December 28 even though we knew this was the case. It was still VERY crowded. Pretty sure not everyone knew the torii gate was under renovation.
Miyajima is a beautiful island still worth exploring.
Entrance to Itsukushima Shrine is 300 yen per person. It has a lot of viewpoints with views of the Torii Gate. It was a beautiful day. I can only imagine how awesome the torii gate would have looked. The shrine itself is not very big. Everyone walks in 1 direction. You can walk through it in less than 1 hour.
We were staying in Fukuoka and even took the very early 6:42 am special Hello Kitty train for the 1 hour and 30 minute ride to Hiroshima. Then another 30 minute train to Miyajimaguchi and a 10 minute ferry ride to Miyajima.
However, all was not lost. We walked up to the Daishoin Temple and it was very quiet and enjoyable. And we ate at Yakigaki No Hayashi (separate review) and had the most amazing oysters ever. I would have liked to spend all day in Miyajima Island however we allocated the 2nd half of our day to exploring Hiroshima.
Miyajima is a beautiful island still worth exploring.
Entrance to Itsukushima Shrine is 300 yen per person. It has a lot of viewpoints with views of the Torii Gate. It was a beautiful day. I can only imagine how awesome the torii gate would have looked. The shrine itself is not very big. Everyone walks in 1 direction. You can walk through it in less than 1 hour.
We were staying in Fukuoka and even took the very early 6:42 am special Hello Kitty train for the 1 hour and 30 minute ride to Hiroshima. Then another 30 minute train to Miyajimaguchi and a 10 minute ferry ride to Miyajima.
However, all was not lost. We walked up to the Daishoin Temple and it was very quiet and enjoyable. And we ate at Yakigaki No Hayashi (separate review) and had the most amazing oysters ever. I would have liked to spend all day in Miyajima Island however we allocated the 2nd half of our day to exploring Hiroshima.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Harald Gracholski
Cologne, Germany6,804 contributions
Nov 2019
The Itsukushima Shrine is very easy to access as it is just nearby Miyajima's main street close to the port that the ferry docks in to. The entry to the shrine is paid, but well worth the effort, as its not just the famous itsukushima shrine torii, that can be observed there. I would describe Itsukushima as the venice of shrines, as it is build practically on water and has a different vibe to it during ebb and flow. The famous orange color of the buildings adds to uniqueness, making it one of Miyajima's most valued sights and rightfully so.
Written April 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
123TEM
Jakarta, Indonesia122 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Each shrine has its own uniqueness and that’s all the locals say. It may come down to only a tiny bit different. As I am no expert in the matter, what I can see is in the physic appearance. Definitely by color it stands out and also the fact that it is like floating in the water.
Yes it was very unfortunate that the famous Torii gate is still under renovation until Jun 2020 when we visited Miyajima island. The entire structure is being scaffolded and thus you cannot see anything. Yet, to me it is very worth visiting. See the positive point, the place was not packed.
The island has a hiking trail for those looking for a bit exercise. They have a lot of wild deer wondering and not afraid of people around. You can just sit by the park to enjoy the quiet view. You can also enjoy a variety of local specialty such as fresh oysters which you might not want to miss if you are a fan.
It only takes about 30m by speed boat.
You can also enjoy the aquarium with a small fee
Go wonder and experience the island if you happen to visit Hiroshima!
Yes it was very unfortunate that the famous Torii gate is still under renovation until Jun 2020 when we visited Miyajima island. The entire structure is being scaffolded and thus you cannot see anything. Yet, to me it is very worth visiting. See the positive point, the place was not packed.
The island has a hiking trail for those looking for a bit exercise. They have a lot of wild deer wondering and not afraid of people around. You can just sit by the park to enjoy the quiet view. You can also enjoy a variety of local specialty such as fresh oysters which you might not want to miss if you are a fan.
It only takes about 30m by speed boat.
You can also enjoy the aquarium with a small fee
Go wonder and experience the island if you happen to visit Hiroshima!
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
amishwine
Chamonix, France18 contributions
May 2019
My son and I came to the island with out tour guide. He made sure we were coming here during high tide so the torii gate appeared to be floating. He also made sure we were on the correct side of the ferry to get the full effect after going around the curve. While we were on the island he took us to a shrine on a hilltop. Along the steps getting there were little buddhas with colorful knit caps. Such a beautiful island!
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Komator
Barcelona, Spain664 contributions
Aug 2019
The Itsukushima Shrine is the "house" of the famous floating toring. It's a temple by the sea and it is affected by the low and high tide. It's nice, cute, very red... and with quite a few tourists. There's an entrance fee to the Shrine (unlike Torii, which you can enjoy for free).
Written May 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AraleMelbourne
Melbourne, Australia336 contributions
Jan 2020
This shrine is so well maintained. The red design is truly captivating. A lot of photoworthy sites. If you happen to be there during a low tide, you can also walk along the wet sand. Entry fee is 300 yen for adults which is very reasonable given its beauty.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Barossa-Epicure
Bowden, Australia320 contributions
Mar 2019
The short but very busy ferry ride takes you to the island of Itsukushima. From the terminal it is an easy walk along the shore past shops, food stalls and restaurants with numerous other visitors and deer who are not the slightest bit timid. Best to see that shrine at high tide. Be prepared to take numerous photos as each time you have taken one, there is an even better vantage a bit further on.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
VinnieLondon
Doha, Qatar6,504 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Unfortunately the Torri gate in the sea in front of the shrine is currently under renovation/plastic covers so you could not see the full experience from the ferry and from the shrine (to note my guide quoted potentially another year to complete). The shrine buildings are built on shallow stilts so looks as if they are floating on the sea in the bay. Interesting history so much better with a guide. This is a popular shrine for worship and weddings so important to show the appropriate respect. Definitely worth a visit on the short 15 minute ferry crossing from Hiroshima then 10 minute walk from ferry terminal.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
53Ruta_R
Chicago, IL399 contributions
Nov 2019
On the way to the shrine, we were visited by many friendly deer who live on the island. Be careful! They follow people around for food!
The Shrine itself is beautiful. It was around noon at when we reached there, which was high tide, making the shrine looks like it is floating. Before entering, one must cleanse themselves. The Torii gate, unfortunately was under construction, so, it was not seen.
There are also stalls for food and souvenir shops around the shrine.
The Shrine itself is beautiful. It was around noon at when we reached there, which was high tide, making the shrine looks like it is floating. Before entering, one must cleanse themselves. The Torii gate, unfortunately was under construction, so, it was not seen.
There are also stalls for food and souvenir shops around the shrine.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dilbertfan
Surrey, UK414 contributions
Nov 2019
Apparently very famous shrine, but a bit disappointing inside. The key is that it appears to sit on the water at high tide, and it can look quite atmospheric at night. It looks out on the famous Torii Gate - but that is under wraps as at November 2019, so all you see is covered scaffolding. It's worth seeing if you are on Miyajima, but keep your expectations fairly low and you wont be disappointed.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Emily
London, UK6 contributions
Would someone be able to tell us whether the Itsukushima Shrine is still under construction? The only information I can find says that it started in June 2019 and is expected to last for a year. We are visiting in March 2019 and hope it might be completed sooner so that we can visit to see!
Warner L
Pasadena, CA668 contributions
I was advised that it might extend longer. It would be a shame for those that want to see it when they come for the Olympics if it is still being renovated. I saw it cherry blossom time 2018. I was hoping for a revisit at fall time; didn't happen.
marije w
Gorredijk, The Netherlands9 contributions
Is the Shrine scheduled for restauration and will not or partially not visible from June 2019 to 2020? I've read this on one site, but can't find any other to confirm this is true
Ryanandemilysmum
Brisbane, Australia82 contributions
Does anyone know why people stick coins to the base of this Tori gate? I didn't see this on any other gate I saw throughout Japan and it has me intrigued to know the purpose or reason for it
Jan_Lelie
Uganda779 contributions
As always, an offering to the spirits, in this case the spirits in the water. Some times people place small stones on a gate. A movement (like the sound in the offering box, the smoke of incense) draws the attention of the spirits. In this case the tides. The sound of a bell alerts the spirits of the underworld.
By the way, the fir trees near Tori's and shrines draw in the countless spirits through their needles.
hwahwa
Osaka, Japan29 contributions
夕方16時前に遊覧船で到着して、厳島神社、大鳥居の夕日、牡蠣を食べる、、、その後広島市内に戻りたいのですが。
オススメの周り方とかありますか?
詳治 小
Hitachinaka, Japan777 contributions
今日9月12日の日没時刻は18:22、厳島神社の閉門は18時です。日没後、大鳥居のライトアップも11時頃まで行われています。
宮島フェリーも10時頃まで運行しているようです。広島市内までは戻る時刻を気にしなければ、特に問題なく戻れるのではと思います。
飲食店の営業時間は店によって違いがありますので、事前に、直接問い合わせて、確認されることをおすすめします。
日没時刻や神社の閉門時刻は季節により違います。こちらも事前に確認されることをおすすめします。
Gibbons
Denton, TX27 contributions
How long to tour the inside of the shrine?
Carolineofspain
Almeria, Spain143 contributions
Let's say it depend if you like to tour around, get lost and discover... The temple itself could be 1 hour but there is often wedding so you might want to hang out a little bit more. Than you have other temples on the island to see, a little walk on the top of the ''mountain''. If you like oysters, we will be delighted with the wide choice of place to eat. Try also the cookies, you even can see the making of them in the ''village''. Have fun!
Ghada F
Laval, Canada116 contributions
Hello, I just read that jr passes allows you free ferry riding, but can we buy on the internet the tickets to the island to avoid the queue? since we are very tight on our time. What time should we go to walk to the tori gate, (low tide) I guess. We will be in myajima on the 18 of april 2017.
thanks
Brett M
21 contributions
yes, Japan Rail passes will give you a free ferry ride to and from miyajima. the train station is very close to the ferry. we saw no queues at the ticket box and there were lots of regular ferries across.
we went just before sundown which was spectacular but wish we went a little earlier to see the shops, village etc. not sure if the tides make any difference.
Kim B
Incheon, South Korea2 contributions
What shoes should we wear? Are we going to be in the water? It will be high tide when we visit. Thanks!
WayneBD
Paris, France189 contributions
You gonna take the ferry and arrive on the island. You have nothing specific to wear. The torii can be seen from the pier near the shrine. And when the water isn't hight around noon, you can walk close to it and touch it. At this moment, it's wet and muddy so wear some real shoes, not summer open sandals.
Snoopygarfield
Singapore, Singapore
Is it possible to get there by public transport, preferably by bus?
Please reply :D
KeenTraveller12372
Sydney, Australia466 contributions
Take the JR trains to the Ferry terminal (miyajima-guchi station), then the JR Ferry across to the island. Once on the island, the shrine is within walking distance from the Ferry terminal.
Allow yourself a day for the island in fact if you can stay on the island that way tu can climb Mt Misa but if not catch the cable car to the top.
If you stay you will experience the shrine with tide out that allows you to walk right up to it and with tide in so it appears to float in the water.
Beware of the cheeky deer they love a pat but do not feed.
This island has so much to offer other than the shrine take the time to explore
Happy Trails
Frequently Asked Questions about Itsukushima Shrine
- Itsukushima Shrine is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Itsukushima Shrine tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 25 Itsukushima Shrine tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Itsukushima Shrine:
- (0.13 mi) Miyajima Guesthouse Mikuniya
- (0.10 mi) Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto
- (0.13 mi) Iwaso
- (0.15 mi) Ryoso Kawaguchi
- (0.21 mi) Watanabe Inn
- Restaurants near Itsukushima Shrine:
- (0.10 mi) Sarasvati
- (0.10 mi) Cafe Lente
- (0.07 mi) Iwamura Momojiya
- (0.07 mi) Tori-I
- (0.10 mi) Yushikasatojaya
- Attractions near Itsukushima Shrine:
- (0.02 mi) Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall
- (0.09 mi) Miyajima
- (0.09 mi) Itsukushima Shrine Torii
- (0.09 mi) Gojuno To
- (0.10 mi) Senjokaku