Picture from Flickr

Miyajima is a small island less than an hour outside the city of Hiroshima. It is most famous for its giant torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on the water. The sight is ranked as one of Japan's three best views.
 
While officially named Itsukushima, the island is more commonly referred to as Miyajima, Japanese for "shrine island". This is because the island is so closely related to its key shrine, Itsukushima Shrine, in the public's mind. Like the torii gate, the shrine's main buildings are built over water.
 
Miyajima is a romantic place, best enjoyed by staying overnight at one of the island's ryokan. There are usually many day tourists, but in the evening the area becomes much quieter and more peaceful. There are wild deer on the island that have become accustomed to people. In the day the deer wander around the same sites as the tourists, and in the evening they sleep along the walking paths.
 
Miyajima is believed to be the island where God dwells. It is said that Itsukushima Shrine is built in the coast because the whole island is believed to be God's body and is sanctified. Itsukushima Shrine was built in the end of sixth century and modified to the present building with its solemn appearance by Kiyomori Taira, who came into power for the first time as a warrior in 1168. It is located in the sea and has a bold structure because the shape changes by the rising and falling tide. Also, the scenery combined with the vermillion-lacquered shrine building, green virgin forest on the back and the blue sea duly symbolizes the Japanese sense of beauty. The beautiful scenery never ceases to attract visitors.


Picture from Flickr 

Itsukushima Shrine is lit up at night. The shrine's red color shines brightly and has a solemn beauty. Also, the shrine's graceful scenery in the sacred atmosphere in the morning is magnificent and you cannot miss it. To watch these two impressions, we recommend that you stay in Miyajima island. There are many traditional Japanese inns called ryokan in Miyajima and you can choose either a Western style or Japanese style room.
 
There are ryokans where you can enjoy cuisine with local food or a spa as well as a room with no meals. There are also many other great points from which to choose a ryokan. Please enjoy a graceful time and have a good impression of the shrine.

(source : japanguide.com & visithiroshima.net)