Belfry at the Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima, Japan. The bell was rung to tell the time in the morning, afternoon and evening in the past. Now it is rung to start the time for worship.

Daisho-in Temple is an ancient one of the most important temples of Shingon Buddhism built at the foot of the sacred Mtount Misen. During the time of fusion period of Shintoism and Buddhism, this distinguished temple governed all priests in Miyajima and was in charge of religious ceremonies of Itsukushima Shrine.

Daisho-in features a variety of buildings, statues and other religious objects for visitors to admire. These include the Kannon-do Hall, the Maniden Hall, a sand mandala made by visiting monks from Tibet, a tea room and a cave filled with 88 icons representing the temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Mani Wheel. Spinning the wheel is believed to invite blessings equivalent to reading one volume of the Hannya-shinkyo, or Heart Sutra.

1000 Fudo Images. Commemorating the succession of the current (77th) head priest, one thousand Fudo myo-o, or Immovable King, images were donated by worshippers. The Goma Ritual of burning wooden sticks on which prayers are inscribed is held at ten o’clock every morning.

Sand Mandala. A gigantic mandala using colored sand depicts the divine figure of Kannon Bosatsu, the symbol of mercy. The mandala was made by Buddhist priests from Tibet.

Shaka Nehan Hall. The image shows Shaka Nyorai, or Shaka Buddha, entering Nirvana surrounded by his sixteen disciples.

Golden Roof Decoration and Maple Trees.

Woman Cleanse Her Hands at a Purification Fountain.

Golden Ladles at a Purification Fountain.

More images from Gallery of Miyajima Stock Images – Japan Stock Photography.

Itsukushima Shrine (Japanese: Itsukushima Jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as “Miyajima”, which means “shrine-island” in Japanese) in the city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan. This Shinto shrine is known worldwide for its “floating torii gate“.

The shrine and its torii gate are seemingly floating in the sea during high tide. The shrine is located in a small inlet, while the torii gate is set out in the Seto Inland Sea. The shrine’s construction is unique and consisting of pier-like structures built over the bay, is due to the holy status that the island once commanded. Commoners were historically not allowed to set foot on the island, and had to approach by boat, entering through the gate that appears to float.

The first Itsukushima Shrine buildings were probably erected in the 6th century, but the present shrine dates from the 12th century. In accordance with Shinto practice, the Principal Shrine consists of a number of separate halls. Nearest the shore is the Honden (Main Hall), and beyond this, built out into the bay, are the Offerings Hall (Heiden), the Prayer Hall (Haiden), the hall for ceremonies of purification (Haraiden) and at the far end, the stage (Takabutai) for cult dances (Bugaku, Kagura) flanked by two music pavilions. The dances (usually masked) are performed at the great festivals, in return for offerings to the shrine, and also on other occasions.

One reason for the shrine’s unusual construction may have been that the island was considered so sacred that Itsukushima’s designers were reluctant to build on the soil itself and placed as much of the shrine as possible, including the O-torii gate, in or over the water.

Retaining the ritual purity of the shrine is so important that since 1878, neither births nor deaths were permitted at the shrine. To this day, burials on the island are still forbidden.

The best time to photograph O-torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine is high tide so check tides before coming to the island. Also the best time of the day to photograph O-torii gate is sunset when they are highlighted with lamps and sunrise.

More images from Gallery of Miyajima Stock Images – Japan Stock Photography.

Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社), Miyajima 宮島, Honshu 本州, Japan 日本国

Deer is a symbol of Miyajima and you can see them elegantly wondering around the island everywhere. It is believed that there lived deer around 6000 years ago when the Miyajima Island was formed. Deer is believed to be a messenger of the gods in Shinto (Japanese native religion). Therefore, they are treated very well by the locals and are not scared with human.

Be careful as deer harassing tourists for food. In the past, waffle-like wafers and pellets could be bought to feed them. However, a feeding ban is now in place, which has led to declining numbers – and increased boldness among the remaining deer, who are willing to root in around bags or backpacks for food (even while said bags are being worn). They literally can steal and eat almost anything they can reach – your lose cloths, plastic bags, camera straps, tickets, maps and passport. Miyajima deer are harmless, but sometimes very annoying. Especially when you are having lunch.

More images: Gallery of Miyajima Stock Images – Japan Stock Photography.

Miyajima 宮島, Honshu 本州, Japan 日本国

Built in 1523 by the priest Shukan, Tahoto is a pagoda with a height of 15.6 meters. Although constructed mainly in Japanese style, parts of the structure have Indian and Chinese architectural features. It presents the unique combination of a square shape on the lower level and a round shape on the upper level.

More images: Gallery of Miyajima Stock Images – Japan Stock Photography.

Tahoto Pagoda, Miyajima 宮島, Honshu 本州, Japan 日本国

Another photo of the the floating O-Torii (Grand Gate) of Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社).

Miyajima is well-known as a sacred island wherein people and gods dwell together harmoniously. Since ancient times, the people living there worshipped the island itself as a god. Like any old folk tale, this belief was passed down from generation to generation until today. In the past, women were not allowed on the island and old people were shipped elsewhere to die, so that the ritual purity of the site would not be spoiled.

Miyajima is considered to be one of the 3 most scenic places in Japan (together with Amanohashidate and Matsuhima), but to my mind, Miyajima is the best place for a photographer.

The lanterns and the gate are not lit all night long, just for a while in the evening, as tourists enjoy a walk along the beach or a quiet supper in the restaurants nearby. I made this photo early in the morning so I used my small LED torch to highlight the lantern.

More images: Gallery of Miyajima Stock Images – Japan Stock Photography.

O-Torii, Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社), Miyajima 宮島, Honshu 本州, Japan 日本国

Miyajima’s best known symbol – the floating torii (gate) of Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社), stands in the bay 200m in front of the shrine. The current gate, dating back to 1875, is built of camphor wood, is about 16 metres high and was built in a four-legged style, that is four additional legs as well as the primary columns, to provide additional stability.

The gate appears to be floating at high tide. When the tide is low the gate is surrounded by mud and can be accessed by foot from the island.

It has been reconstructed 17 times since it was built in 6th century, last in 1875. The magical atmosphere of Miyajima is best captured at dusk when the tide rises and the stone lanters flicker. The sight is ranked as one of Japan’s three best views.

More images: Gallery of Miyajima Stock Images – Japan Stock Photography.

O-Torii, Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社), Miyajima 宮島, Honshu 本州, Japan 日本国