Itsukushima Shrine


Itsukushima shrine is dedicated to "Princess Ichikishima*".
(*1) Princess Ichikishima is the "God of Water" described in Japanese mythology and enshrined in the shrine of the pond.

Princess Ichikishima is known as the guardian god of "family prosperity", "business prosperity", "safe delivery", and "sewing".
It is also said that she gives a divine favor if you visit and worship her.
In Japan, the shrines with the name of "Itsukushima" are about 500 and the Headquarters is the Itsukushima Shrine in Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima prefecture that was registered as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO.
Masako Hojo, a fervent worshiper at the Itsukushima shrine, organized its "transfer**" to Mishima.

(*2) The meaning of "transfer" in Shinto (Japanese religion) is the ceremonial relocation of a deity to a new location.

The lantern placed in front of the shrine is called the "Lankei-Toro".
The two ponds of "Shinchi" are arranged on either side of the approach that runs for about 100m from the gate.
The meaning of "Shinchi" is "God's pond".
Minamoto-no-Yoritomo in Kamakura period organized a Buddhism event, "Hojoe***" in the ponds.

(*3) "Hojoe" was an event that involved birds, animals and fish following the "Five Precepts of Buddhism****".

(*4) The "Five Precepts of Buddhism" are that the believers must observe the following five commandments.
1.Do not kill anything that has life.
2.Do not steal.
3.Do not engage in improper sexual conduct.
4.Do not make false statements.
5.Do not drink alcohol.

Taking the red bridge across to the shrine from the approach, you can see large carp swimming gracefully in the pond.
If you are lucky, you can also find the "kingfisher" that is the symbol of Mishima city.
In spring, you can appreciate the gorgeous cherry blossoms around the ponds.
The harmony of the two colors is amazing; the red color of the shrine & the bridge, the pink color of cherry blossoms.