The shrine and the torii are just breathtaking. Arriving by ferry the torii is visible almost immediatly and then you can see everybody going to the front of the boat to take pictures. For the shrine itself you have to pay entrance, it is mostly corridors painted in bright red and orange. It looks very cheerful and seeing the torii from the pier with the main land in the back just adds to the experience. The best view is when the tide is in. At the ferry terminal there is a tourist office where they have a list with the tides. When the tide is out the torii is standing in the mud. When that happens you can go and walk under the torii, only then you can see how big the torii is.

Whether you into religious sites, roaming to see the top visited places in Japan, or have no idea why you stumbled across Miyajima, Itsukushima is an absolute most. It is the start shrine on the ancient island, with the world-renowned Torii gates floating (or sticking in the mud depending on the tide) in the distance. The red shrine is filled with history and precision that will have almost anyone yearning for more. My only complaint is that, like everything in Japan, it carries a price. It is not expensive, however, the walk through the shrine can be quick. If you did not come to Miyajima to see anything more than the Torii, do not bother with the shrine.

Very nice and very "Miyajima" shrine. It was built up for unauthorized holy island visitors, who couldn't step on its ground. So shrine was built up on the poles, that's where you go in the orange corridors. Good for buying fortune totems.

Very peaceful and relaxing. Take a picnic lunch, but be sure to keep it out of reach of the deer. Also be sure to see the temple at both low and high tide. It's a great day excursion.

Like a floating labyrinth. If you like to take photos, you can find here some very good pieces. This deep orange on the water...Wonderful!