On June 8, SJMC Japan students took a journey to Miyajima Island and despite rainy weather that increased throughout the day, students were able to appreciate the beauty of the shrines and temples on the island, as well as view the prominent O-Torii Gate.
The O-Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine is believed to keep evil spirits away and stands at more than 54 feet tall and weighs nearly 60 tons. The cultural significance, beauty and size of the O-Torii Gate make it a tourist hotspot and one of the most recognizable landmarks of Japan.
The Itsukushima Shrine is dedicated to the three Munakata goddesses of Ichikishima-hime, Tagitsu-hime and Tagori-hime. The three goddesses are worshiped as deities of the seas, traffic safety, good fortune,and fulfillment of wishes.
First built in 593, it was remodeled by the powerful leader Taira-no-Kiyomori in 1168. The O-torii Gate, the ninth since the Heian period, was built in 1875.
The Itsukushima Shrine consists of a main shrine, Nōh stage, music rooms, worship and purification halls and the Marodo Shrine.
While taking in the sounds of waves crashing, fresh air against skin and the stunning greenery, students were greeted by sika (Japanese deer) that reside on Miyajima Island. These deer are unlike American wildlife. Many approached students and other visitors, begging for food instead of running away. Students noticed these deer casually walking around or resting and even waiting outside restaurants.
Unfortunately, students were not able to experience a stroll out to the O-Torii Gate as it remained high tide for the entirety of their time spent on the island, but they made the most of it by exploring shrines and temples and walking up Mount Misen, the tallest peak on Miyajima Island at 1,755 feet.
Some students took the ropeway to soar to higher elevations on the island as well. Some tourists weren’t bothered by high tide and walked out to the gate anyway. The brave souls were not afraid of the sea, but students opted to visit Miyajima Public Aquarium and hike the trails around Mount Misen.
The high tide causes the O-Torii Gate to appear as if it is floating, granting students lots of photo opportunities with the beautiful water and the giant gate.
Another fun aspect to the high tide is the Miyajima Kayak tour. A group rested near the gate on the water when SJMC Japan students had just arrived. It seemed to be a peaceful excursion, but the whole island inhibited nothing but peace.
Digital media innovation junior Faith Williams enjoyed the views on Miyajima Island, especially the O-Torii Gate.
“I thought it was cool to see it up close,” Williams said. “It’s definitely not something you get to see every day in Texas. When we were on the ferry, I could kind of see the gate. The view of the gate and the mountains was so pretty I had to take a picture.”
Photos were taken all around by students and other tourists. Whether it was the gate, the shrines, the sea, the mountains or even the deer, many visitors appreciated the gorgeous scenery of Miyajima Island by capturing physical memories.
Many shops were available on the island for more physical memories to take back home. Mass communication senior Celeste Montoya purchased a good luck charm wishing for a future partner at the Itsukushima Shrine, and most students purchased souvenirs from the aquarium gift shop.
Other students used some of their time on the island to grab a bite to eat, or stop at a cafe.
Tour guide Michio Akutsu took a few students to have steak for lunch, which electronic media freshman Evan Luna told his fellow classmates later that they missed out on. Meanwhile, recent communication studies graduate Christina Saenz explored Miyajima Omotesandō shopping street where she enjoyed ramen and grapefruit lemonade. Journalism and digital media innovation senior Taylor Carrasco stopped at a cafe with electronic media junior Eric Gonzalez to grab a matcha and a latte.
The rain began to pour as students wrapped up their day. However, that didn’t dampen their spirits because they spent it on Miyajima Island. They all left with a greater appreciation for one of Japan’s most iconic sights. The glorious nature, cultural significance of the island and the great O-Torii Gate will be an experience forever remembered by SJMC Japan students.
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