The Itsukushima shrine is a Shinto temple on the island of Miyajima (aka Itsukushima) in the Seto inland sea near Hiroshima, Japan. The island has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. The first shrine buildings here were probably erected in 593, while the current structures, which are constructed over water and feature the famous floating torii gate, were constructed in 1168. The vermilion-coloures main buildings create a beautiful contrast with the blue sea and green mountains. The shrine is supposed to be accessed by passing through the dramatic torii gate, one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. The view of the gate in front of the island's Mount Misen is classified as one of the Three Views of Japan. The tsukushima shrine has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.
01 View of torii of Itsukushima shrine 02 View of torii of Itsukushima shrine 03 Panoramic view of the Itsukushima shrine
04 Panoramic view of the Itsukushima shrine
05 Front view of Itsukushima shrine
06 Panoramic view of the Itsukushima shrine 07 Five-storied Gojunoto red pagoda 08 Lantern and five-storied pagoda
09 Shrine and five-storied pagoda 10 Senjokaku pavilion 11 Five-storied Gojunoto red pagoda 12 Five-storied Gojunoto red pagoda 13 Main entrance to shrine
14 Pier and shrine buildings on stilts 15 Pier and shrine buildings 16 Bronze lion statue 17 Corridor lined with red wooden pillars
18 Marodoharaiden purification hall
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