Miyajima

1. Miyajima

2. Travel to Miyajima
 From JR Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to
Miyajimaguchi Station (25 minutes, 400 yen one way,
covered by the Japan rail pass). Alternatively, you can
take tram line number 2 from central Hiroshima bound
for Miyajimaguchi. The tram is slower, but costs only 270
yen one way (not covered by the Japan rail pass).
 From Miyajimaguchi Station, it is a short walk to the
ferry pier, from where ferries depart frequently for
Miyajima. The ferry ride takes 10 minutes and cost 170
yen one way. There are two competing ferry companies:
JR and Matsudai. The Japan rail pass is valid on JR
ferries.

4. Otorii
 A "torii" is an entrance to a Shinto shrine.
 Otorii stands in front of the shrine pavilions in the sea because people
used to visit Itsukushima Shrine from the sea. Otorii is 16 meters high
and weighs about 60 tons.
 Its two big pillars were made using natural camphor trees between 500
and 600 years old.
 Built using a traditional Japanese construction technique, these pillars
stand by themselves without requiring any other means of support.
 Because the experience of Itsukushima Shrine involves the water over
which it is built, it is good to be aware of the timings of the tides during
one's visit. At high tide the shrine and its gate appear to float above the
water, and this is certainly the time at which they are most picturesque.
At low tide, the water drains out of the bay. This is when visitors can
take the opportunity to walk out and see the gate from up close.

6. Itsukushima
shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is known
for the unique and bold concept
of being built in the sea as well
as its elegant architectural style
called “Shinden Zukuri”. It is
said to have been first built in
593, and the present shrine
pavilions were constructed in
1168.
The buildings of Itsukushima
Shrine have been designated as
National Treasures (Green) and
Important Cultural
Properties(Yellow).

8. Daiganji Temple
Daiganji Temple is an ancient Shingon
Buddhist temple that stands next to
Itsukushima Shrine.
The temple is dedicated to Benzaiten, the
goddess of eloquence, music, and wealth,
and enshrines one of the three most
famous Benzaiten statues in Japan in
addition to many other valuable Buddhist
statues.

9. Daioshoin temple
Daishoin Temple is an ancient Shingon
Buddhist temple built at the foot of the sacred
Mt. Misen.
During the time of fusion period of Shintoism
and Buddhism, this distinguished temple
governed all priests in Miyajima and was in
charge of religious ceremonies of Itsukushima
Shrine.
Its green, plant-filled precincts command a
fine view and are decorated with many
Buddhist statues.

11. Resources
 Http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3453.html
 http://www.miyajima.or.jp/english/spot/spot_daishoin.ht
ml
 http://visit-miyajima-japan.com/flash/english