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.
Itsukushima (Miyajima) island considered divine ground since 593 AD
JapanHeritage
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
Site mentioned
Sources
Visiting the Gods of Miyajima Islandorphanednation.com
The name Itsukushima translated to “Island dedicated to the gods”. At one time, no person was allowed to set foot on Miyajima because the entire island was ...
Itsukushima Shrineitsukushimajinja.jp
Itsukushima Shrine, a national treasure, was registered as a World Heritage site in 1996. The three deities of Itsukushima Shrine were born when Amaterasu ...
Itsukushima Shrinegethiroshima.com
locals call it kami no shima, “the island of the gods.” Miyajima was revered as kami no shima — “the island of the gods.” Three Munakata ...
Hiroshima Miyajima Island Guide: Itsukushima Shrine & Toriimachupicchu.org
Itsukushima, translates to “island dedicated to the gods,” reflecting its spiritual significance since ancient times when the entire landmass served
About Itsukushima Shrine | The Official Guide to Hiroshimadive-hiroshima.com
The name Itsukushima literally means 'island of worship' and from ancient times the island itself was worshipped as a god. The mystical Itsukushima Shrine ...
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