Five Recommended Power Spots in Hiroshima

1. Itsukushima Shrine

This is a shrine on Miyajima, which, together with Matsushima and Amanohashidate, is considered to be one of the three most scenic places in Japan. In 1996, it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It has a long history, with the inception of the shrine dating back to 593, and the construction of the shrine buildings as they are today to 1168. At high tide, it can appear as if the shrines are floating atop the sea. It has long enshrined the god of the seas and is a place where you can get the goriyaku (blessings from the deities) for traffic safety. The large torii gate gate, which is a symbol of Miyajima, is in the water and can be reached by foot during low tide. There are different ways of enjoying the site at high tide and low tide, so be sure to check the tide times before going!

2. Sensuijima Island

This is a small island that is 6km in circumference in the famous scenic area of Tomonoura in eastern Hiroshima. The name comes from a story that a sennin (a mountain wizard or hermit) was so entranced by the beauty of the area that he lay down prostrate and became an island. The island retains nature untouched from ancient times with masses of fern and chameleon plants. There is a variety of paths on the island that visitors can walk along to enjoy its unique plants and birds. A particular recommendation is the Goshiki-iwa (five colored) rocks, which are said to have mysterious powers. The only place in Japan with multicolored rocks of blue, red, yellow, white and black stretched out along the coast, it is said to be a spot where the ki energy from the heaven and earth converges. Here, you are sure to be moved by the wondrous beauty created by nature.

3. Mt. Misen

At 535m, this is the highest peak on Miyajima, where Itsukushima Shrine is. The entire island had long been an object of worship, and in 806, it became a training ground for esoteric Shingon Buddhism when Kobo-Daishi (a monk who lived during the Heian Period (794 - 1185) and established the Shingon Sect of Buddhism) built a temple on Mt. Misen. There are three hiking routes to climb the mountain, but the Miyajima Ropeway, which allows you to easily get close to the top, is recommended. With many historic relics such as the Misen Hondo main temple building and Reikado, with its eternal fire which is said to have burned continuously since the time that Kobo-Daishi was training, it is a place of great goriyaku benefits. At the top of the mountain, there is the Mt. Misen Observatory from which you can see a beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea.

View from the top of Mt. Misen

"Reika-do" with its eternal flame

Mt. Misen

4. Daishoin Temple

Official Name: Takiyama Suishouji Daishoin
This is the main temple of the Shingon Buddhist school of Omuro that sits at the foot of the sacred Mt. Misen on Miyajima. It has the oldest history among temples on Miyajima, and is responsible for managing the Reikado at the top of Mt. Misen. Numerous Kannon, Acala, Sanki Daigongen, and Shichifukujin Seven Gods of Fortune statues, including the Juichimen Kanzeon Bosatsu, are enshrined here so it can take quite some time to see them all. Many people pay respects to the Sanki Daigongen that has goriyaku benefits for peace and prosperity in the household and prosperous business. If you have time, you may want to visit the many Buddhist statues to gain more goriyaku benefits.

The "Nio-mon", where the Nio statues welcome visitors.

5. Ushitora Shrine

This is a shrine in Onomichi in eastern Hiroshima. It is right near Sanrokueki Station on the Senkoji Ropeway, and is the oldest shrine in Onomichi. Particularly impressive is the grove of enormous camphor trees near the main shrine. The trees are said to be 900 years old, and are designated as natural monuments of the prefecture. It is said that the area around the torii gate was once the seashore, but there are no traces of that long-ago landscape today. However, the continuing visits and sentiments of worshipers remains unchanged. You may want to quietly ruminate on the flow of time in the solemn atmosphere of the shrine grounds.

Hiroshima is famous for the World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine, but there are many more power spots! Visit these places to draw power from them and invigorate your trip.