The Most Beautiful Torii Gate and the Itsukushima Shrine Kangen Festival

Don't miss visiting Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan's "Three Most Scenic Views"! Stroll through the iconic floating torii gate in a yukata, feel the mystical charm of this thousand-year-old shrine, and you might even witness the romantic Kangen Festival ritual～🏮

🏯 Itsukushima Shrine Travel Guide:
【Grand Torii Gate】
- Best photo time: During low tide, you can walk right up to the torii base; at high tide, it appears to float on the sea (check tide tables in advance)
- Address: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
Feeding Deer Tips: The island has many wild deer - keep your paper tickets and shrine fortunes safe 🦌

【Kangen Festival】
- Held annually in mid-August, featuring over 100 gorgeously decorated boats parading to traditional court music
- Book an island ryokan with hot springs to see the illuminated night shrine

【Shrine Visit】
- The corridor leading to the torii offers perfect photo ops - rent a yukata (shops near entrance)
- Admission: ¥300 adults, ¥200 high school students

🍡 Miyajima Food Recommendations:
1. Momijido's Maple Leaf Cakes
- Freshly baked red bean cakes shaped like maple leaves, crispy outside and chewy inside
- Address: 457-1 Miyajimacho

2. Kakiya Oyster Hut
- Super-fresh Hiroshima oysters, best charcoal-grilled
- 5-minute walk from ferry terminal

3. Shiori Teahouse
- Must-try conger eel rice! Window seats overlook the torii
- Address: 539 Miyajimacho

🚢 Transportation:
- From Hiroshima Station: Take JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (~25 mins)
- Transfer to ferry to Miyajima Pier (10-min ride)
- Get the "Miyajima Free Pass" covering roundtrip ferry + Hiroshima transit

Tips:
1️⃣ Never feed human food to deer
2️⃣ Shrine approach shops close by evening
3️⃣ Take early ferries for crowd-free photos
4️⃣ Multiple free foot baths on island - bring a towel