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gMiyajima,h at Hiroshima prefecture, is another name for the island of gItsukushimah. The island of Miyajima is a treasure-trove of history and nature, and is counted among the three most scenic spots in Japan --- together with gAmanohashidateh(Kyoto Prefecture) and gMatsushimah(Miyagi Prefecture). Far back in the 12th century, a powerful ruler of Japan named gTaira no Kiyomorih constructed Itsukushima Shrine on this sacred island. With the vermilion torii gate serving as its symbol, Itsukushima shrine arouses in your imagination the ancient aristocratic world. The island's Mt. Misen, meaning gsacred mountain,h is famous as a location where gKobo Daishih, the renowned 9th century Buddhist monk, practiced asceticism. |
| E Itsukushima Shrine |
| E The Battle of Itsukushima |
| E Homotsukan |
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Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shirine dates back to 1168, when it was constructed by Taira no Kiyomori, ruler of the powerful Heike clan. With the grand torii gate serving as its symbol and situated on the sea, Itsukushima Shrine is reminiscent of gRyugu-joh, the underwater castle from a popular fairly tale. In addition to the shrine's splendid design, visitors can enjoy other sights, such as its Noh stage, which has been designated as a national treasure. |
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The Battle of Itsukushima
In 1555, two powerful warlords --- gMori Motonarih and gSue Harukatah --- sent 23,000 soldiers to Itsukushima (Miyajima) to wage war on each other. The ensuing fight became known as the Battle of Itsukushima, and is counted among gthe three greatest just battles of Japan.h Motonari built a fort on Miyao, an elevated area across while closing in on the latter's headquarters from the beach known as Tsutsumigaura, taking advantage of a violent storm that hit the area at that time. The battle's fiercest fighting took place on what is commonly known as gPagoda Hill,h below the Five-story Pagoda. The battlefield then shifted to Omoto Park's current location, to Daishoin Temple, and finally to Komagabayashi, a mountain adjacent to Mt. Misen, as Motonari's army pursued the fleeing enemy. Having lost all hope, Harukata eventually committed suicide. The battle thus ended in overwhelming victory for Motonari. It might be refreshing to stroll around the island with your thoughts turned from the elegant and gorgeous world of ancient Heian period aristocracy to the drama of the Warring States period. |
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Homotsukan
gHomotsukanh means a treasure house. Homotsukan is located to the west of Itsukushima Shrine's corridor. It houses an extensive collection of articles donated to Itsukushima Shrine by the Heike clan and Shinto followers: including Heike clan Buddhist sutra scrolls that have been designated a national treasure, weapons, furniture, masks for court dances, and musical instruments. |