Itsukushima Shrine is a rare shrine in Japan, with wooden buildings built in the middle of an inlet with an island in the Seto Inland Sea in the background.
The construction of the shrine building began in the 12th century, but it was later destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1241.
Although it is a wooden building built on the sea in a harsh environment, it has been supported by the patronage of successive governments and has preserved its old style to this day.
Itsukushima
It is said that it was founded by Saeki Kurashiki in the first year of Emperor Suiko’s reign (593), and was renovated into its current form by Taira no Kiyomori in the third year of Nin’an (1168).
The majestic beauty of the architecture and the Seto Inland Sea spread out before your eyes. The mysterious shrine building, which combines the natural beauty of Mt. Misen in the background, attracts people all over the world.
Misen
The area that has been registered as a World Heritage Site is a complex of cultural heritage sites such as Itsukushima Shrine, the ocean in front of it, and natural heritage sites including Mt. Misen’s primeval forest.
Mt. Misen is an abbreviation for Mt. Shiyumisen, an imaginary mountain based on the Buddhist cosmology.
Since ancient times, the main peak, Mt. Misen (530m above sea level), has been a subject of veneration, and the entire island has been considered sacred. This is probably why the shrine was built here.
The area has a unique vegetation that includes southern to coniferous trees and primitive plants that remain in their natural state.
Various types of vegetation can be found on Mt. Misen, including temperate plants, northern temperate plants such as conifers, and primitive plants.
Itsukushima Shrine, which has a unique structure, stands facing the sea in this natural landscape.