Asia, Japan, Honshu, Hiroshima prefecture, Miyajima Island, Statues in Daisho in temple

Getty Images/AWL Images RM

Daishō-in

Top choice in Miyajima


Just south of town at the foot of Misen, Daishō-in is a worthwhile stopping point on the way up or down the mountain. This Shingon temple is crowded with interesting things to look at: from Buddhist images and prayer wheels to sharp-beaked tengu (bird-like demons) and a cave containing images from each of the 88 Shikoku pilgrimage temples. Daishō-in is a 15-minute walk from the ferry terminal; it's another 90 minutes if you intend to hike to Misen's summit.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Miyajima attractions

1. Tahō-tō

0.12 MILES

South of Itsukushima-jinja, stone steps (before you reach Miyajima History & Folklore Museum) lead up from the road to this picturesque pagoda. There's a…

2. Miyajima History & Folklore Museum

0.22 MILES

Set in a fine garden, this museum combines a 19th-century merchant house with exhibitions on trade in the Edo period, as well as displays connected with…

3. Daigan-ji

0.24 MILES

Miyajima has several important Buddhist temples, including the 1201 Daigan-ji, which dates back to the Heian period and is dedicated to Benzaiten, the…

4. Floating Nō Stage

0.25 MILES

On one side of Itsukushima-jinja is a floating nō stage, built by local lord Asano Tsunanaga in 1680 and still used for nō (stylised dance-drama)…

5. Itsukushima-jinja

0.29 MILES

With origins as far back as the late 6th century, Itsukushima-jinja gives Miyajima its real name. The shrine's unique and attractive pier-like…

6. Momiji-dani-kōen

0.31 MILES

Momiji means 'maple', and their leaves come alive during autumn in this pretty park along the river.

7. Floating Torii

0.37 MILES

This 16m-tall vermilion torii (shrine gate) is a symbol of Miyajima and the watery entrance to World Heritage shrine Itsukushima-jinja. At high tide, it…

8. Senjō-kaku

0.38 MILES

Dominating the hill immediately to the north of Itsukushima-jinja is this huge pavilion, built in 1587 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The atmospheric hall is…