New Year’s Energy Recharge Trip to Miyajima Where Itsukushima Shrine’s Otorii Unveiled for the First Time in 3.5 years!

The Otorii (Grand Gate) of Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima has been repaired extensively since June 2019 because of its aging. The restoration was completed, and the new appearance of the Otorii was unveiled to the public in December 2022. That symbol of Miyajima has been reborn in vivid orange-red. Therefore, many people visit to see the renovated Otorii (Grand Gate). We are introducing three sacred sites around Itsukushima Shrine & Otorii. Why don’t you enjoy visiting those places in this article to recharge your energy?

To get to Miyajima from the Hiroshima Washington Hotel, take the JR Sanyo Main Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajima-guchi Station, and take a 10-minute ferry ride to those spots.

“Reikado,” a spiritual place for health and sustaining love, has a fire that has been burning for over 1,200 years

First, introducing “Reikado” is near the top of Mt. Misen, the highest peak on Miyajima. You can visit on foot as the first climb of the New Year or take the Miyajima Ropeway, which passes near the Otorii (Grand Gate) of Itsukushima Shrine. This spot is famous for its “eternal flame” that has been burning for more than 1,200 years. The fire was kindled by Kukai during his ascetic practice around 806. Many tourists from all over Japan and abroad visit this temple because it is believed that “the hot water in the cauldron, boiled over an eternal flame, is effective against all illnesses.” This Reikado is also famous as a sacred place for lovers, and many couples visit with the wish to “keep the fire of love burning for a long time.”

Hours	8:00AM – 5:00PM
Address	210 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Access	A 4-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine / A 15-minute walk from Shishi-Iwa Station on the Miyajima Ropeway
URL	https://daisho-in.com/

“Kuguri Iwa Rock” is like a natural artwork characterized by its mystical shape

Kuguri Iwa Rock is located a 4-minute walk from the “Reikado” introduced above. Mt. Misen is a unique mountain consisting entirely of granite. And its summit is covered with huge, oddly shaped rocks, which have long been worshipped in the mountain. The Kuguri Iwa Rock is one of the tourist spots where giant rocks overlap with a superb balance that it is hard to believe they were formed naturally. You will be surprised by the strange shapes of the mutual rocks supported by only a few dozen centimeters of contact. Passing through here, you will reach the summit of Mt. Misen with scenery that won three stars in Michelin’s “Green Guide Japon.”

Hours	8:00AM – 5:00PM
Address	210 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Access	A 4-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine /   A 20-minute walk from Shishi-Iwa Station on the Miyajima Ropeway
URL	https://daisho-in.com/

“Hiramatsu-chaya tea house” has an excellent view of Miyajima, and Emperor Showa visited here

This tea house locates within walking distance from Itsukushima Shrine. Since the Emperor once visited to see the view from here, we recommend using the terrace seats on a fine day. It is placed on a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, Itsukushima Shrine, Otorii (Grand Gate), the five-storied pagoda, and other famous landmarks of Miyajima. Enjoy the splendid scenery while having lunch or having Momiji Manju (steamed maple-shaped buns) and a cup of green tea.

Hours	8:00AM -7:00PM　Closed on National Holidays
Address	318-1 Miyajimacho-Chuemachi, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Access	An 11-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine