Miyajima Island is one of those very attractive places that I’m afraid is going to get destroyed by tourism.  

Originally settled in the ancient times, it is very near Hiroshima and features a historic shrine, the iconic Torii gate, a park, lots of deer and a bustling area of touristy shops. It is located in the Seto Inland Sea. 

The Itsukusima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. Folks come for day trips from Hiroshima and when I was there in October, it was packed with school groups and tourists.  They all seem to want to take photographs of the famous red Torii gate. 

I toured the shrine, finding the fact that it is basically built on stilts appealing.  I loved the reflections.  It not only includes main hall, but theater and many of the normal elements of a Shinto Shrines.  

Shinto Wedding

On my second visit to the Shrine I was fortunate to be able to observe a Shinto Wedding.   It was  open to the public so those of us visiting the shrine could watch.  The bride and groom were lovely. 

It is always interesting to read the traditional messages to the gods of the shrine (called Kami) on wooden slabs. Naturally the ones here included a photo of the Torii gate..  

We learned that the traditional way to pray at a Shinto Shrine is to bow twice, clap hands twice, pray, and then bow once more.  It is appropriate to throw a small coin  into a wooden box at the entrance.

The Torii gate is iconic.  You often see this one in Japan advertising, because it is built in the water.  Historically folks coming to visit the shrine, sailed through it first.  Torii gates are a symbol that one is entering a sacred space.  

I enjoyed seeing the famous gate during both low and high tide. 

The island is known for its deer, who are very bold and will snatch food right out of your hand.  There are also lots of shops for tourists to buy souvenirs and meals often with a deer theme. 

Pagoda

The five roof pagoda associated with the Toyokuni Shrine is also an attraction.  The five roofs stand for  the great elements –earth, water, fire, wind, and space.

Pagodas are beautiful, tall, multi leveled structures with square base, tiered sloping roofs and a spire. 

Overtourism is an issue.  The island is actually starting to charge a tax for visiting both to curb the crowds, but also to have money to pay for garage removal and other impacts of too many tourists. 

The island, which has a population of about 1,400 people, attracted a record 4.65 million visitors in 2019 before Japan closed its borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

I stayed on the Island for two nights seeing the difference between between the bustling daytime and quiet period after the last ferry  departed. I loved the people watching and all the activity, but the peacefulness after the crowds were gone was charming and serene.