Educational Travel Photo of the Week: Itsukushima Shrine
An island in the western part of the Seto Inland Sea, Miyajima or “Shrine” Island hosts one of the most mystifying and most photographed sites in Japan, the Itsukushima Shrine. The scarlet shrine that is said to have first been built in the 12th century stands in harmony with the water and the mountains, appearing to float upon the sea in a way that– in tandem with its Shinto roots– connects the natural to the sacred. Built at the foot of the island’s tallest mountain, the most iconic of the Shinto shrines is the Torii, which stands as a gateway to the majestic buildings (Honsha) beyond. The shrines, and the graceful deer that roam, are emblematic of the deep value placed on scenic beauty and remain as one of the most powerful manifestations of human reverence.
Visit Itsukushima on one of the following Explorica tours: