Travelers and religious pilgrims journeying through the Hiroshima region of Japan all set their course for the island of Itsukushima and the Shinto Shrine that made the destination a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Marked by the world famous, Torii Gate (above) that rises high above ferries carrying visitors from the mainland, the Itsukushima Shrine was originally built around 15 centuries ago. It was destroyed snd rebuilt on multiple occasions, and the current incarnation originated in the 16th century.
The island’s strong tide rolls in under the sprawling shrine complex, making it look as though it’s floating on the bay and somehow separate from the sacred island Itsukushima calls home.
The shrine’s most famous feature is the orange Torii Gate. Standing more than 45 feet high and made of camphor wood, the water-anchored gate decayed over the years and has been rebuilt multiple times — with the current construction originating in 1875.
Also: 2015 Tokyo Motor Show: Visiting the Mazda Museum, Hiroshima
When it comes time to rebuild the gate again, locals are concerned it could prove difficult to find materials. The main posts are single massive trees, and such ancient growth is protected in our 21st century world. When the wind and water take their toll on the gate again, new trees that can take the load could be hard to find.
For Shinto pilgrims, the shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of Susano-o No Mikoto (the Shinto god of the sea and storms) and brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu (god of the Imperial Household). There are locations throughout the shrine where those who come to pray to Shinto deities can leave their prayers as offerings on small scrolls or wooden slates.
The view of the Torii Gate at sunset is described as one of the essential sites in Japan, and I had a chance to catch the moment on a recent trip to Hiroshima while covering Mazda and the Tokyo Auto Show. You can explore other images from Itsukushima in the gallery below.
All photos by John Scott Lewinski
Japan's Itsukushima Shrine
The Itsukushima Shrine in Hatsukaichi off the coast of Hiroshima is sacred to the Shinto religion and a World Heritage Site.
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Japan's Itsukushima Shrine
A pilgrim should bow before entering the Itsukushima Shrine.
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Japan's Itsukushima Shrine
Male and female lions guard the gates of the Itsukushima Shrine.
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Japan's Itsukushima Shrine
Centuries ago, travelers to the Itsukushima Shrine brought a white horse as a gift offering.
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Japan's Itsukushima Shrine
The tide rolls into the Itsukushima Shrine at night, leaving the grounds dry by day.
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Japan's Itsukushima Shrine
Small temples within the Itsukushima Shrine welcome "Guest Gods."
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Japan's Itsukushima Shrine
The Five Tiered Pagoda rises above the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine.
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Japan's Itsukushima Shrine
Travelers leave prayers for good fortune inside the Itsukushima Shrine.
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Japan's Itsukushima Shrine
Orange is the signature sacred color at the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine.
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Japan's Itsukushima Shrine
Students hoping to pass their exams leave their prayers hanging on a wall within the Itsukushima Shrine.
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Japan's Itsukushima Shrine
Students leave artwork and prayer messages inside the Itsukushima Shrine.
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Japan's Itsukushima Shrine
Different regions of Japan brought their signature Saki barrels as gifts to the Students hoping to pass their exams leave their prayers hanging on a wall within the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine.
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Japan's Itsukushima Shrine
From dawn to dusk, the Itsukushima Shrine welcomes both religious Shinto pilgrims and travelers.
