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World Heritage : Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

By Staff Writer
January 06, 2023
Itsukushima Shrine, located in Hiroshima Prefecture, was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Itsukushima is an island about 30km around in the Seto Inland Sea. The island has been an object of nature worship for centuries, and people have believed it to be an "island of God," with Taira no Kiyomori building the Itsukushima Shrine on this site in 1168. The building was destroyed by fire on two occasions, but has been revuilt each time. Itsukushima Shrine consists of seven structures, including the Otorii (Grand Gate), Honden (main hall), and connecting corridors. The beautiful vermilion color of the shrine combined with the sea and the mountains create a majestic and overwhelming sight to behold. This place has long been famous as one of the most scenic spots in Japan and attracts many tourists throughout the year.
The torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine during low tide
A view of the torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine from inside one of the column-lined halls
The buildings of Itsukushima Shrine, raised on stilts above the water
A multi-storied pagoda of Itsukushima Shrine
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