Itsukushima Shrine, located in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is one of Japan's representative shrines. It was built in the Heian period and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 because of its magnificent scenery and historical value. Itsukushima Shrine is located on a sacred island called Miyajima, which, as its name suggests, has long been worshipped as “the island where the gods dwell. It is also known as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan and is a very popular tourist destination. The distinctive architectural style of Itsukushima Shrine is the vermilion-lacquered shrine pavilions that appear to float on the sea. This is because the entire island has been considered sacred since ancient times, and people were restricted from living on the island, which is why the shrine was designed to be built on the sea. At low tide, a sandy beach appears and visitors can walk close to the shrine, while at high tide, the shrine pavilion is reflected in the water, creating a fantastic view. This design is highly regarded as the ultimate in architectural beauty in harmony with nature. The shrine dates back to 593, when it was enshrined as a guardian deity of the sea during the reign of Emperor Suiko, the first emperor of Japan. Later, Taira no Kiyomori rebuilt the shrine in the 12th century and arranged it in its present majestic appearance. The reason behind Taira no Kiyomori's devotion to Itsukushima Shrine was to pray for the prosperity of the Taira clan. During that period, Itsukushima Shrine underwent many renovations under the protection of the Heike clan and established itself as a cultural and religious center. The center of Itsukushima Shrine includes the main hall, the Hirabutai, the Noh stage, and the corridor, and these structures are arranged to spread out over the sea. Another highlight of the shrine is the Otorii, a well-known symbol of the shrine. Standing in the middle of the sea, the majestic appearance of the Otorii is deeply impressive to visitors. The current Otorii was rebuilt in 1875, and was cleverly constructed to withstand typhoons and waves. Many events and festivals are held throughout the year at Itsukushima Shrine, the most famous of which is the Kangensai, or “Kangensai” festival. This festival, which takes the form of a unique performance of gagaku (ancient Japanese court music) on the sea, is an ancient tradition that has been handed down to the present day. Itsukushima Shrine, with its combination of sacredness and beauty, not only continues to attract tourists from Japan and abroad, but is also a beloved place of worship. Its scenery, a fusion of nature and culture, deeply impresses visitors and makes them feel the weight of history and tradition.