With over 1,400 years of history, Itsukushima Shrine was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The floating torii gate is one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. Deer roam freely on the island of Miyajima.
I took the ferry from Hiroshima early in the morning. As the boat approached, the famous red torii gate emerged from the water — at high tide, it appears to float. The shrine buildings are built over the water, and the contrast between vermilion wood and blue sea is breathtaking.
I hiked up Mount Misen for a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. On the way down, I tried the famous Miyajima oysters and maple leaf-shaped cakes. As the sun set, the torii gate was illuminated, creating a spiritual atmosphere that made me understand why this place is considered sacred.
Miyajima is more than a postcard — it's a place where nature, faith, and beauty coexist peacefully.