A deeply historical shrine and Buddhist temple adorned by cherry blossoms
Marvel at the World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine floating on the sea, while enjoying the cherry blossoms and scenery of Miyajima Island (Hiroshima)
The World Cultural Heritage Itsukushima Shrine is rare in the world for its wooden structure that seems to float on the sea as the tides shift. The shrine was built with funds from Taira no Kiyomori, a prosperous warlord in the Heian Era. Its majestic and splendid main building (shaden) incorporates features of the palatial style of architecture favored by aristocrats in the Heian Era. At full tide, the shaden magically looks as if it is floating on the sea. Miyajima Island also has around 1,900 cherry blossom trees, and when standing near the Tahoto (two-storied pagoda) on the west side of the shrine, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the large Torii gate that appears to be floating on the sea framed by cherry blossoms. You can also enjoy the elegant scenery of the island’s five-storied pagoda accented by cherry blossoms.
Miyajima
- Address
- Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima [Map]
- Open
- 6:30 to 18:00 *Time varies at different periods
- Closed
- None
- Price
- None *An entrance fee is required to enter Itsukushima Shrine
- Cherry blossoms
- Approx. 1,900 trees
- Full bloom
- From late March to early April
- Light up
- None
- Parking
- Parking is only available around the Miyajima-guchi Sanbashi area.
- Access
- From JR Miyajima-Guchi Station, walk for around 5 minutes to Miyajima-Guchi Sanbashi, and take the JR West Miyajima Ferry (connecting ferry) or Miyajma Matsudai Kisen ferry for 10 minutes to Miyajima Sanbashi, then walk for around 10 minutes.
- Contact
- Miyajima Tourist Association
- TEL
- +81-829-44-2011
- URL
- Website
MAP
Kumadani-ji Temple impresses with its rare Hachisuka-Zakura cherry blossoms accenting its grand temple gate (Tokushima)
The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage is popular even among foreign tourists these days. It was started by the Japanese Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai), who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism, as a journey to visit the sacred grounds of the island. As the eighth temple on the pilgrimage, Kumadani-ji strikes a splendid view with its vermilion tahoto (two-storied pagoda) accented by soft pink cherry blossoms. It also has the grandest temple gate of all the temples on Shikoku’s pilgrimage route. During cherry blossom season, the gate is adorned by the light red petals of the rare Hachisuka-Zakura blossoms. It is a truly elegant scenery that enthrals all who see it.
Kumadani-ji Temple
- Address
- 185 Maeda Donari, Awa City, Tokushima [Map]
- Open
- 7:00-17:00
- Closed
- None
- Price
- None
- Credit card
- None
- Cherry blossom
- 300 trees
- Full bloom
- Mid-to-late March
- Light up
- None
- Parking
- 50 cars (temple donation system)
- Access
- Approx. 20-minute taxi ride from JR Kamojima Station
- Contact
- Kumadani-ji Temple
- TEL
- +81-88-695-2065
- URL
- Website
MAP
(This information is as of March 2018)
External links
Nearby
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Night-time Food & Drinks Guide
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Seasons
Destinations
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A peaceful body of water surrounded by Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, the Seto Inland Sea is renowned for its many beautiful islands and scenic views. Known also as the Aegean of the East, it attracts countless visitors from around the world.
Okayama, the Land of Sunshine, abounds with the blessings of lush mountains and a bountiful sea, the beauty of nature and the crossroads of prominent Japanese historic heritage. Always a key transport hub in the Setouchi region, in recent years it has also become the gateway to the art of the Seto Inland Sea.
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Hiroshima, the International City of Peace, is known throughout the world for its two World Heritage sites and for being the setting of superb literary works. This is a compulsory stop for connoisseurs from around Japan looking for unique food culture, not least of which are okonomiyaki, said to be Japan's national dish, and oysters.
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SHIMANE
Shimane Prefecture is redolent of tradition, boasting a large number of nationally-recognized historical and cultural treasures such as the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine and Matsue Castle. Its large number of hot springs means it attracts a large number of people seeking healing in body and soul. It is also popular among visitors who can enjoy the fresh seafood from its Japan Sea coast and traditional foods such as soba noodle and Japanese sweets.
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Many people flock to Ehime prefecture to soothe their mind and body with the healing waters of Japan's oldest hot springs resort Dogo Onsen, and the breathtaking Tashimabi scenery of numerous islands scattered throughout the Seto Inland Sea, as seen from the Shimanami Kaido bridge route connecting six of the larger islands. In addition to these and other attractions, Ehime is also blessed with a warm climate and locally grown citrus fruits, as well as an abundance of seafood sourced from the three coastal waters that surround it.
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TOKUSHIMA
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