Itsukushima Floating Torii
About This Gate
The iconic 'floating' torii appears to rise directly from the sea. Built in 1875, the current gate is the eighth iteration — the originals were repeatedly damaged by typhoons. At high tide, it stands in the water. At low tide, you can walk right up to it. The deconstruction and reconstruction process (last completed in 2022) revealed fascinating Edo-period joinery techniques.
History
The first torii at Itsukushima was erected in 1168, though the shrine itself dates to 593 AD. The current gate, built in 1875, is the eighth iteration. The gate was designed to look like it floats because the entire island was considered so sacred that commoners were not allowed to set foot on it — they had to approach by boat and pass through the torii in the water. The most recent restoration (2019-2022) was the first in 25 years and used traditional techniques.
Symbolism
The floating torii represents the boundary between the human world and the divine realm of the island. Its vermilion color (when freshly painted) symbolizes purity and keeps evil spirits away. The gate stands in the Seto Inland Sea, which Shinto considers the dwelling place of the kami (deities).
Photography Tips
Check tide tables — both high and low tide offer unique compositions
Getting There
Take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station, then a 10-minute ferry ride to Miyajima Island. The torii is a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal.