Itsukushima Shrine stands on the island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. The first torii gate is said to have been raised in 569, in the reign of Empress Suiko, and Taira no Kiyomori contributed heavily to the shrine in 1168. Its design follows the shinden-zukuri style, with buildings set on pier-like structures over the bay, so the complex appears to float as a palace on the sea.
The vermilion torii gate, about 50 feet (15 m) tall, is built of camphor wood, and the present gate dates to 1875. A noh stage from 1590 extends from the haraiden, the offering hall. The complex has two main buildings and 17 other structures.
Typhoon Songda damaged the boardwalks and roof in 2004. UNESCO listed the shrine in 1996. Visitors arrive by ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station, and entry costs 300 yen.
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