This page looks at the dramatic 'floating' torii (gate) of Itsukushima.
Itsukushima
Last updated 2009-09-16
Itsukushima shrine
Itsukushima's torii at low tide The main building of Itsukushima shrine, in the town of Miyajima on Itsukushima Island, Hiroshima Prefecture, is believed to have been built in the 6th century.
The dramatic torii (gate) of Itsukushima is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions, and the view of the gate in front of the island's Mount Misen is classified as one of the Three Views of Japan.
At high tide, the torii appears to float on the water.
Itsukushima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because the foundations are underwater and the building is frequently battered by storms (including a major typhoon in 2004), repair and maintenance is a continual process.
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