Looking into the History of Miyajima/Mt. Misen／Miyajima Ropeway : Miyajima・Mt.Misen・World Cultural Heritage One of Japan's "Three Most Scenic Spots"／Hiroshima Tourism Promotion Co.

The Miyajima Ropeway is a direct way to the miracle spots “Mt. Misen” enjoyed by God naturally.

Looking into the History of Miyajima/Mt. Misen

The World Heritage. Looking into the History of Miyajima/Mt. Misen

Itsukushima, or commonly known as "Miyajima", is an island of 30 kilometers round situated on the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. Located to the southeast of the Hiroshima Bay, it is part of the city of Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture.

From the ancient times, Miyajima itself has been believed to be gods to be worshipped. The Itsukushimajinja Shrine whose building complex is constructed in Shinden-zukuri style, or a style of noblemen's palace in Heian Period (794-1192), together with the Misen primeval forest that has been regarded as a sacred area and still has untouched nature, was designated The World Heritage Site in 1996. At the same time, being one of the "Three Most Scenic Spots in Japan", Aki-no-Miyajima has prospered since Edo Period (1603-1867) as one of the best sightseeing spots. Today, it remains one of the standard visiting spots for domestic travel, attracting nearly three million visitors annually.

In Miyajima, varieties of Shinto rituals and festivals are performed in each of the four seasons, including the Kangensai (Annual Music Festival on Boats) and Bugaku (court dance and music) that show to us the gracefulness of the ancient imperial court of Heian Period.

One of the best cherry blossom viewing sites in Hiroshima Prefecture, Miyajima has approximately 1600 cherry trees that come into bloom each year. For the Kiyomori Festival, a costume parade that goes from the square in front of the pier to the Kiyomorijinja Shrine, the application for participation is invited to general public to play roles of Chigos (festival children) and samurais. You could easily take part in the ancient Heian Period scene if you wish.

The Miyajima Water Fireworks Display, which occurs on August 14 every year off the Otorii gate, will change a mid-summer night into a world of fantasy.

In the Momijidani Park that is known for its beauty of autumnal leaves, approximately 200 maple trees turn their leaves into beautiful red, delighting your eye.

The Chinkasai (Fire Subdueing Festival) that marks the end of the year in Miyajima is based on a wish to be protected against fire for the coming year. Extinguished Torches are brought home and valued as a good luck amulet for fire prevention.

The Itsukushimajinja Shrine, renowned for its Otorii gate and building standing in the sea, was worshipped and respected by the Heike family toward the end of Heian Period. In 1168, Taira no Kiyomori from Heike family built the present shrine building complex as a display of their prosperity. The Heike Nokyo, or a set of scrolls of sutra manuscripts, he donated to the Itsukushimajinja Shrine is regarded to be of the first grade among many National Treasures. Kiyomori transferred the culture of Kyoto to Miyajima: He transferred Bugaku (court dance and music) from the Osaka Shitennoji temple and donated armors and swords and other weapons and other pieces of fine art. Since he made the Heike family prosperous, greatly contributing to the prosperity of Miyajima, he is popular even today among the inhabitants of Miyajima.

Although, even today, Miyajima is respected as the island of god, it became a battleground in ancient times, or the battle ground for the Battle of Itsukushima that is known as one of the "three major battles for righteous cause." In this battle that occurred in 1555, Mohri Motonari defeated, on the island of Miyajima, to death Sue Harukata who had killed his master Ouchi Yoshitaka to seize the fief. Sue's force is said to have been an army of 20,000 to 30,000 effectives, while Mohri's having been 4,000 to 5,000. Considering the thin chance of win if fought squarely, Mohri Motonari used a trick to lure Sue's forces to Itsukushima, a narrow site. Then Mohri's forces made an all-out surprise attack to kill Sue Harukata. After the battle, Mohri Motonari had the dead carried to the opposite shore for the burial and hold a memorial service to appease their souls. He then had the blood stained buildings of the Itsukushimajinja Shrine washed and purified and blood stained soil on the island scooped away. After that time, Mohri Motonari increased his power to become the leading Daimyo (feudal lord) in Chugoku region and built and rebuilt the Itsukushimajinja Shrine and made many donations.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, that renowned warlord of the age of civil wars, is one of the historical characters closely connected to Miyajima. It is said that, in 1587, when Hideyoshi went out to Kyushu for campaign, he had Toyokunijinja Shrine (Senjokaku), a collosal building of Momoyama Period style, built in Miyajima in order to appease the soul of the deceased who had been killed in the battles and to hope for the peace and prosperity. When Hideyoshi died afterwards, the construction was terminated and ceilings and front entrance are left unfinished. Toyokunijinja Shrine (Senjokaku) is still designated a National Important Cultural Asset.

In modern times, Ito Hirobumi, Japan's first prime minister, is said to have worshipped and frequently visited Miyajima/Misen. He admired the scenic view from the mountaintop of Misen, saying that the true value of Miyajima as one of the three scenic views of Japan rested with the view from the mountaintop. He collected money and spent his own money to improve the mountain trail for the purpose of having the magnificence of Mt. Misen known to the world. His words are left as the inscription on a large natural stone in the precinct of Daishoin temple.

Misen, a sacred mountain of 535 meters above sea level or the highest peak of Miyajima, stands in the background of the Itsukushimajinja Shrine. About 1200 years ago, it was developed as a religious site by Kukai, a.k.a. Kobodaishi. He performed 100 days of Gumonji meditative practice. He left a lot of his achievements and legends in Miyajima, including the main building of Misenhondo hall where he performed ascetic training and the "Kiezu-no-Hi" or Unquenchable Fire that is still burning today after the 1200 years. Misen has natural strange-shaped rocks and stones, such as Kuguriiwa Rock or naturally built arch made of colossal stones and Iwakuraishi stone on the mountaintop where god is believed to stay. In combination with spots of historic interest, they create a magnificent scenic landscape.

From ancient times to this day, Miyajima/Misen, The World Heritage site and one of the "Three Most Scenic Spots in Japan", has been loved and cherished by people. Why don't you visit Miyajima to experience the traditions, culture, buildings and landscape that should be handed down through the ages to the future?