509m above sea level

Community CenterO-shakushi(25min)Boat bound for Atomic Bomb Dome(45min)・・・History and Tradition with Blue Seas, Mountains, and Greenery...
Full of Beautiful and Charming Highlights
Miyajima Island: A World Heritage Site

The Itsukushima Shrine was officially designated as a Cultural
World Heritage Site by the World Heritage Committee in Dec.
1996. The area designated as a World Heritage site consists of431.2 hectares, including Itsukushima Shrine, with the sea infront of it and the primeval forest of Mt. Misen (Natural Monument) behind it. This expansive World Heritage Site area covers
some 14% of Miyajima Island.

Miyajima: One of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan

Shunsai Hayashi, a Confucian scholar, wrote a book about hisexperiences while traveling throughout Japan on foot. In thebook, "Nihonkokujisekikou", he praised three sites with outstanding scenery, Matsushima (Miyagi), Amanohashidate (Kyoto),and Miyajima (Hiroshima), as the "Nihon Sankei" or the "Three
Views of Japan".
Itsukushima Shrine
The Itsukushima Shrine is dedicatedto the three Munakata goddesses ofIchikishima-hime, Tagitsu-hime, andTagori-hime. These three goddesses
are worshiped as deities of the seas, traffic safety, good fortune,
and fulfillment of wishes. The shrine is known for its uniqueconstruction, which expresses the artistic beauty of the Shinden
style of architecture. First built in 593, it was remodeled into its
current grand structure by the powerful leader Taira-no-Kiyomori in1168. Its placement on the water, beautifully framed by themountain in the background is testimony to Kiyomori's
extraordinary vision and achievement. Itsukushima Shrine consistsof a main shrine, Noh stage, music rooms, worship and purificationhalls, Marodo shrine, and other structures, all of which areconnected by corridors with an overall length of some 260 meters.
The vermilion color of the shrine and O-torii Gate is considered tokeep evil spirits away. The shrine buildings are now coated with a
special vermilion paint that also protects against corrosion.
O-torii Gate

The O-torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine has been
designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It
has a height of approximately 16.6 meters and weighssome 60 tons. The roof, made of thatched Japanesecypress bark, measures 24.2 meters in length, while
the main pillars, 9.9 meters in circumference are made of natural
camphor trees and the four supporting pillars are made of natural
cedar. The present O-torii Gate, the ninth since the Heian period, wasbuilt in 1875. The top and under rails of the gate are formed in box
shape and filled with fist-sized stones that serve as weights (total ofapprox. 4 tons). The gate is able to stand under its own weight.

Hokoku Shrine (Senjokaku)
Hokoku Shrine (also known as Senjokaku) is a library of Buddhist
sutras that Hideyoshi Toyotomi started to build in the Irimoya style asa memorial for war dead. Although construction was suspended
midway with the death of Hideyoshi and it remains unfinished to thisday, it is the largest wood structure on the island.
Five-storied Pagoda
The Five-storied Pagoda, thought to havebeen built in 1407, has a height of 28 meters,
and harmoniously combines Japanese and Chinese styles ofarchitecture. A main feature is central pillar that stops at thesecond story for a construction that is highly resistant to wind.
Treasure HallThis hall displays some of the treasures, sculptures, paintings, andhandicrafts of Itsukushima Shrine, such as Heike Clan sutras replica
used by the clan to pray for their prosperity. 130 of these items havebeen designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
Tahoto Pagoda
Built by a priest named Shukan in 1523, the Tahoto Pagoda has aheight of 15.6 meters. Although mainly constructed in the Japanesestyle, some parts of the structure have Indian and Chinese architectural features. It presents the unique combination of a square shapeon the lower level and a round shape on the upper level.
Daiganji Temple
This temple was responsible for the repair andconstruction of Itsukushima Shrine until theMeiji Restoration (1868). The Itsukushima
Benzaiten of Daiganji Temple is known as oneof the three most famous Benzaitens in Japan.
Daishoin Temple
As the headquarters of the Omuro School ofShingon Buddhism, Daishoin Temple is the oldesttemple on Miyajima, having been in charge of therituals as the "Betto" or administrator of Itsukushima
Shrine prior to the Meiji Restoration (1868).
Miyajima History and Folklore Museum
This museum preserves the main house and part of the storehouse that formerly belonged to the Egami family who were wealthy
merchants in Miyajima. It features some 1,000 items of Miyajima
folklore materials on display including ancient documents,paintings, and wood crafts.

Miyajima Tourist Association

1162-18 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture 739-0588
TEL + 81-829-44-2011 http://www.miyajima.or.jp

Miyajima Aquarium
Using the Seto Inland Sea as a main theme, this aquarium provides
a relaxing atmosphere that allows you to get close to and eventouch marine wildlife. Visitors can enjoy watching penguins swim as
quickly in their water tank as birds in the sky as well as an up-closeview of the sea lion show. There is also large-scale fish on display
with more than 15,000 animals and some 380 species living
comfortably in various sized water tanks.
Momijidani Park
This is a quiet park at the foot of Mt. Misen. It provides
a particularly beautiful view in the fall with fiery coloredautumn leaves and maple trees, while you can enjoy
fantastic views of the lush greenery from spring until
the start of summer.
Mt. Misen and Ropeway
Covered with lush primeval forest, Mt.
Misen is the highest mountain on Miyajima, rising 535 meters above sea level.
The mountain has been consideredsacred and an object of worship since ancient times. There aretemples related to Kobo Daishi, a great Buddhist monk, near thesummit. There are also unusually shaped rocks and an observatory. The Miyajima Ropeway connects Shishiiwa Station on Mt.
Misen with Momijidani Park.
Miyajima Traditional Crafts CenterThe Miyajima Traditional Crafts Center is a three-story building.
The first floor consists of displays and sales of traditional Miyajima
handicrafts such as wood crafts and clay bells. On the second floor,
you can try your hand at making Momiji Manju (a sweet beanpaste-stuffed cake shaped like a maple leaf). On the third floor, you
can make your own "Shamoji" rice scoop and have a first-handexperience of Miyajima-style carving.
Tsutsumigaura Recreation Park
This park is located along the seaside with a beautiful sandy beachthat extends for 570 meters along the north-east coast of theisland. You can enjoy outdoor activities, sports, camping, fishing,and trekking in this park.
O-Shakushi (Big rice scoop)
This "world's largest rice scoop" was created to pass down the traditional handicraft of Miyajima woodwork and as a symbol of Miyajima as
the birthplace of the rice scoop. Length: 7.7 m, Max. width: 2.7 m,Weight: 2.5 tons, Material: Japanese zelkova (270 years old)

Hatsukaichi City Tourism Section

1-11-1 Shimohera, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture 738-8501
TEL + 81-829-30-9141 https://www.city.hatsukaichi.hiroshima.jp/site/kanko英語 2022.11