The island where God lives
Travel | Sacred Travel | Japan
13 April 2024
The World Heritage island of Itsukushima — known as Miyajima, ‘the island where God lives’ — where the entire island is considered sacred and the iconic vermillion torii gate rises from the sea. (3 min read)
The world heritage listed Island of Itsukushima, in the Seto inland sea, known as “Miyajima”, has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times.
The first shrine buildings on the island were erected in the 6th century. The present shrine dates from the 13th century and was founded by the most powerful leader of the time, Taira no Kiyomori.
“Miyajima” is thought to be the island where God lives.
It is said that Itsukushima Shrine is built on the coast because the entire island is considered the body of God and is sanctified.
The shrine is located in the sea and has a bold structure that changes shape with the rising and falling tide.
The iconic vermillion torii gate, located in the water, marks the transition from the normal everyday world to the sacred. As you pass through the torii, you are entering the realm of the gods.
There were many pilgrims visiting the shrine and making their prayers today… and I saw several boat loads go through the torii gate.
The landscape combined with the vermilion lacquered shrine building, the green virgin forest at the back, and the blue sea duly symbolizes the Japanese sense of beauty.
There are numerous other temples on this island, wild deer (that seem totally at ease with humans) and lots of tourist tat and places to eat.
I took a ferry from the Hiroshima Peace Park and it took about 45 minutes. Apart from the Marimekko store and Noboricho Church, these are the main attractions and they can easily be done in a day.
Namaste.
© Paul McCarthy & Iluminar.au
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