#itsukushima

"Wait, shouldn't that be Miyajima?", you might be asking. Yes, in the sense that 宮島 Miyajima is the island's nickname, meaning "the Shrine Island". That's just how famous the shrine on Itsukushima is, and the torii in the sea is the most recognisable shrine gate in the country.

Miyajima torii with my Mamiya RB67

Torii Floatin’ Fabulous: High Tide at Itsukushima Shrine

We somehow managed to time our arrival with high tide—an actual miracle considering we’d been winging the schedule all day. And there it was: the iconic Itsukushima Torii gate, rising majestically out of the sea like it was auditioning for a Studio Ghibli film.

It really does look like it’s floating. Majestic. Serene. And surrounded by 500 people all trying to get that perfect shot while politely elbowing each other in the ribs.

This was my second time seeing it, and honestly? Still gave me goosebumps. There’s just something magical about a giant red gate chillin’ in the ocean like it owns the place—which, to be fair, it kind of does.

Built originally in the 12th century (this version is from 1875), the whole thing is made of camphor wood and has no nails. Just vibes and impeccable craftsmanship. How it’s still standing is beyond me.

It’s one of those classic “you have to see it to believe it” sights. And yeah, it absolutely lives up to the hype. Just don’t expect a peaceful, solitary moment unless you show up at 4AM in stealth mode.

Unidentified servicemen feed a white horse at an animal park at Miya Jima, Japan

Accession Number: DUKJ3882

Maker: Dunkley, Harold Vaughan

Place made: Kure, Japan

Date made: c. February 1951

Conflict: Korea, 1950-1953, British Commonwealth Occupation Force, 1946-1952 (Japan)

Description: Unidentified servicemen feed a white horse at an animal park at Miya Jima, Japan.. The servicemen are patients from the British Commonwealth General Hospital at Kure, Japan, and are visiting during a sightseeing trip. They are recovering from injury or illness after having been evacuated from the Korean War.