Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine occupies the northern shore of Miyajima (Itsukushima Island) in the western Seto Inland Sea, at the foot of Mount Misen. The shrine's principal enshrined kami (shusaijin) are the three goddesses of Munakata: Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, Tagirihime-no-Mikoto, and Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto. According to the *Kojiki* (Records of Ancient Matters, 712 CE), these deities were born from the sword covenant between Amaterasu-no-Omikami and Susanoo-no-Mikoto. They are revered as protectors of sea travel and fishing.

Tradition holds that the shrine was founded in 593 CE when Saeki no Kuramoto presented the three goddesses here. The *Engishiki* (Procedures of the Engi Era, 927 CE) lists it in the Register of Shrines as a major shrine. In 1168, during the Heian period, Taira no Kiyomori commissioned the present form of the sea-based sanctuary and made offerings of the Heike Nōkyō (Heike Sutra scrolls, designated National Treasure).

The shrine's distinctive architecture—its main hall (honden), worship hall (haiden), and great torii gate—stand over the sea at high tide, creating the celebrated appearance that defines the site. The surrounding Misen primeval forest is designated a Natural Monument of Japan. The entire island has been venerated since ancient times as sacred ground forbidden to ordinary habitation.

From the medieval period onward, the three goddesses were identified with the Buddhist deity Benzaiten, and the shrine attracted patronage from the Taira clan. Major festivals include the Kangen matsuri (held on the sixth lunar month), during which the goddesses are carried by sacred boat, and the Mōka matsuri in April.