Island House in the Sea + Shrine on the Sea + Messenger of God - A Stroll at Itsukushima Shrine

#SeptemberGoodSpots2025 I'm not familiar with shrines, but I absolutely adore underwater torii gates. After Hakone in Kanto and Shirahige in Kansai, this is the third one I've found! I came here just for it! To get here, take the JR Hiroshima Station bound for Iwakuni and get off at Miyajimaguchi Station. Walk to Miyajimaguchi Pier and transfer to the ferry, which takes about 10 minutes. Before arriving, I'd checked that it would be low tide this afternoon, which would allow me to get down to the base of the torii gate and admire it up close. I'm looking forward to visiting again at high tide next time! The deer here aren't as voracious as those in Nara. They leisurely stroll around the square, even foraging for food on the beach and letting children pet them! They're truly messengers of the gods! Not only the torii gate, but Itsukushima Shrine itself is built on the seabed. At high tide, the large torii gate and shrine appear to float on the surface, making it a unique and rare maritime shrine. The shrine boasts a rich history spanning over 1,400 years. The ocean in front of the shrine and the primeval forest behind it are both registered as World Heritage Sites. The vermillion shrine and torii gates blend seamlessly with the azure waters of the Seto Inland Sea and the lush greenery of the Misen primeval forest, creating a truly captivating experience. A must-visit!