Itsukushima Shrine in Japan: Itsukushima Shrine in Japan, located in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a renowned tourist spot globally. The iconic orange torii gate on the Seto Inland Sea has been the site’s highlight for centuries.
This ancient Shinto temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting its historical and artistic significance for over 1,400 years. It symbolizes Japan’s spiritual and environmental balance with its ethereal beauty and unique architecture. This year, President Joe Biden visited the temple.
Despite its fame, the shrine has not always been easily accessible. Hatsukaichi, known for its shrine on Miyajima island, faces tourist overcrowding issues. More visitors strain community facilities and resources despite popularity.
To address these issues, officials imposed a tourist tax. The tax was delayed due to the pandemic. Each tourist to Miyajima now pays a fee of 100 yen (about 67 cents) due to a new tax. To learn about the shrine and its surroundings, get a pass for 500 yen ($3.33). It works for a year.
The tax money is saved for important things. It will assist in funding tourist facilities and maintaining the shrine’s architecture. Also, these funds encourage eco-tourism to preserve the island’s natural beauty for future generations.
Shunji Mukai, from the city’s planning department, stressed the need to preserve residents’ jobs and provide a serene destination for visitors. He hoped tourists would actively protect Miyajima as island owners and share the responsibility of caring for this special place.
ALSO READ: Dorney Park Iron Menace: Dorney Park Introduces New Dive Roller Coaster Iron Menace 2024
Behind this project is “Another Thousand Years,” a group aiming to care for and protect Miyajima and the Itsukushima Shrine. In their goal statement, they promise to care for and preserve the island for another century. Like previous islanders, they invite future visitors to be guardians of this refuge.
Hatsukaichi’s work and “Another Thousand Years” program inspire hope amidst tourism’s negative impact. They say we can preserve our precious natural and cultural wonders for future generations with responsible tourism, eco-friendly practices, and community involvement. We must do this proudly and responsibly, ensuring the safety of these islands for the next millennium as we anticipate our next global journey.
Our Reader’s Queries
Why is the Itsukushima Shrine famous?
The Itsukushima shrine stands as a must-see destination for tourists in Japan. Its renowned torii gate and Mount Misen’s sacred peaks, along with its vast forests and stunning ocean panorama, make it a top attraction for visitors.
What is unusual about Japan’s Itsukushima Shrine?
The shrine and the torii gate are constructed above the water, a one-of-a-kind feature not found in other Japanese shrines. When the tide is high, the torii gate and the shrine appear to be suspended in the water. In addition to the torii gate, the shrine includes a prayer hall, a main hall, and even a Noh theater stage.
Is Itsukushima Shrine worth visiting?
The stunning sight of the grand tori gate rising from the ocean is considered a must-see in a lifetime. Miyajima, or Itsukushima, is often referred to as Aki-no-Miyajima and is recognized as one of Japan’s top three scenic spots. Itsukushima Shrine is situated on the island.
What is special about Miyajima?
Miyajima is renowned for the Itsukushima Shrine, also known as Itsukushima-jinja in Japanese. This Shinto shrine is famous for its “floating” torii gate.