Mysterious Miyajima at Night

Seeing the island with fresh eyes - 4

Larry Knipfing Mar 10, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>The famous torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine</p>

<p>Itsukushima Shrine from a distance, with Daisho-in Temple behind it on the hill</p>

<p>The shore, lined with many beautiful lanterns</p>

<p>The torii gate from a different angle, with some lanterns in the foreground</p>

<p>One of the island's thousands of deer resting in front of a souvenir shop</p>

<p>The torii gate as seen from way down the beach, close to where the ferry boats reach the island</p>

<p>One of a pair of lion guardians to the shrine</p>

<p>A quiet dark corner - See any ghosts?</p>

<p>A sign and paper lantern above a shop window</p>

<p>The torii gate in B&W, with lanterns in silhouette</p>

I strolled the island at night. Warm during the day, it started to cool down after the sun set. There was a mysterious feel to everything in the dark that was also lonely and beautiful. The famous torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine stood by itself, reflecting off the shimmering water. Daisho-in Temple was shone high up on the hill. Lanterns along the shore cast off eerie light. And the number of people out taking photos quickly diminished. Suddenly, I was alone with a gorgeous view all to myself of one of the most iconic scenes anywhere in Japan.

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Find out more about Itsukushima Shrine.

Miyajima Island Series

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...