guiding shinto pilgrims
and tourists also
This Torii gate is the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine, a 16th century Shinto shrine built over the water from the shore of Miyajima Island just across from Hiroshima on Honshu in Japan. This great Torii is the boundary between the spirit and human worlds and with the shrine has long been one of the most significant Shinto Pilgrimage sites in Japan. The entire shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. To stay at least 1 night on Miyajima Island and wander around the Shrine at night is one of the most peaceful experiences one can have. I have visited Japan four times and always planned a night on Miyajima.
Haiku hound 
Beautiful images and words Denis 🙂 It looks and feels like a very spiritual place and what a treat to see this and spend a night on the island 🙂⛩
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Thanks Xenia. This is one of the 3 must visit places in japan.
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Thank you for sharing this bit of history and your lovely haiku
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I am scanning our slide collection and will find lots more to share but only with a haiku Annettte!!
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Wonderful feel to these images, Denis. The gates presence is inspiring. ❤
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Thanks Olga. It is a magical place especially in the evening when all the day tourists leave. It is so quiet.
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So beautiful dear Denis, and how amazing place to visit. Thank you, Love, nia
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Thanks Nia. It is and has a very special feel to it.
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Interesting that the boundary is on water… looking arbitrary, but not.
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Very interesting. I have seen one other Torri on water. You would really connect with the spirituality of Miyajima Sue.
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Somehwre I have always wanted to see, Denis.
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It’s worth saving up to visit if possible Sue. Cheapest? certainly the quickest way to Japan is over the North Pole.
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No room to save on a carer’s wage, Denis.
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If Boris can make it to PM you may get to Japan one day Sue
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Stranger things have happened 😉
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Serenity.
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Especially at night Sandra.
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Between two worlds indeed. I marvel at the minds who created such a beautiful gate extending their sense of the spirit world out into the water.
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The Shinto religion is very spirit/nature based, like indigenous spiritual connections. The Japanese connect to Buddhism and Shinto and this helps create a unique rounded spirituality.
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