Dejima

厳島神社. “Beautiful form, Harmony with the Mountains & the Sea and Spirituality” … that’s what the “island of worhip”, Itsukushima, has been since 593. It was built by Saeki no Kuramoto and later expanded by Taira no Kiyomori (118-1181) who erected this shrine on top of the water after becoming the first samurai to assume the role of the Daijō-Daijin (the head of the imperial government). In 1571, the Mōri clan renovated the main hall and reconstructed the O-Torii Gate and arched bridge. The island is worshipped by many Shinto followers and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

So why is it at a location, where the tides rise and fall? Because Itsukushima Island was considered a god, it is said this location was chosen specifically so the god (Kami) would not by damaged when they constructed the shrine. Worshippers come to Itsukushima Shrine to pray for the safety of the Seto Inland Sea. At high tide the shrine and its gate appear to float above the water. At low tide, the water drains out of the bay. This is when we were there and were able to walk out and see the gate up close.

With its blue sea in front, the green of the virgin forest of Mount Misen behind and the vermilion of the shrine, Itsukushima Shrine is considered one of the 'Three Views of Japan” (along with Matsushima Island and Amanohashidate). The Main Shrine connected by beautiful corridors to the Marodo Shrine (shrine for the guest deities), the five story pagoda, Hokoku shrine for prayer, Daikoku shrine (deity of matchmaking), the Tenjin Shrine (devoted to the god of learning and study) and the Noh theatre stage (ancient court dances called bugaku were performed here since Kiyomori time and still are), the worship hall and the purification hall are all in balance with the nature surrounding it.

Located 700 feet off the shore from Itsukushima's Main Shrine, the O-Torii gate has been rebuilt in 1875, the 8th time it has been rebuilt, 52 feet tall. The O-Torii construction is based on the Ryobu-torii style, which is a wooden Shinto gate design with four supporting pillars. Its roof is thatched with Japanese cypress bark, and the entire body coated with vermilion (bright red) lacquer. Look at photos to see how it stands out.

The photos we took of this incredibly interesting island and day we were there, try to tell the story.Read more