Itsukushima (Miyajima) island considered divine ground since 593 AD. Itsukushima means "island dedicated to the gods" The entire island functions as the shrine, not just a building on it The island has been considered divine ground since 593 AD
Itsukushima literally means "island dedicated to the gods," and the entire island functions as a Shinto shrine rather than just housing one. Considered sacred ground since 593 AD, no one is born or dies there — expectant mothers and the gravely ill cross to the mainland as their time approaches. The island has no hospitals or cemeteries.
Key Facts
- Itsukushima means "island dedicated to the gods"
- The entire island functions as the shrine, not just a building on it
- The island has been considered divine ground since 593 AD
- No one is born on the island and no one dies there
- Pregnant women and the gravely ill cross to the mainland as their time approaches
- There are no hospitals or cemeteries on the island
Related site: Itsukushima shrine — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Japan's Hidden History & the Ancient Philosophy That Explains It All by Wandering Wolf