How to Choose from Hiroshima's 10 Best Shrines and Temples
On a first trip to Hiroshima, choosing shrines and temples not only by fame but by their mix of architecture, history, nature, and townscape makes the journey far more memorable.
As you visit these places of worship quietly, take a moment to notice the culture that each locale has nurtured over the centuries.
Choosing by Differences in History, Architecture, and Scenery
At Itsukushima Shrine (Itsukushima-jinja) and Jōdo-ji Temple you can admire cultural-property architecture designated as National Treasures, while at Mitaki-dera Temple and Senkō-ji Temple you can enjoy scenery where the terrain and the temple blend together.
Some places, like Kōsan-ji Temple, combine the character of both a temple and a museum, making them ideal for travelers interested in both traditional architecture and fine art.
Combining Sites Easily from Your Travel Base
Grouping shrines and temples in the same area—such as Itsukushima Shrine and Daishō-in Temple in Miyajima, or Senkō-ji and Jōdo-ji in Onomichi—makes it easier to understand how these places connect to the land.
The table below summarizes each spot's features and the kind of traveler it suits.
| Name | Area | Main Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Itsukushima Shrine | Miyajima | Over-water shrine halls | World Heritage tours |
| Daishō-in | Miyajima | Mountainside temple complex | Interest in Buddhist culture |
| Hiroshima Tōshō-gū | Hiroshima City | Castle-town guardian shrine | Learning samurai history |
| Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine | Hiroshima City | Hiroshima Castle grounds | City strolling |
| Fudō-in | Hiroshima City | National Treasure main hall | Admiring old architecture |
| Mitaki-dera | Hiroshima City | Waterfalls and mountain temple | Enjoying nature walks too |
| Senkō-ji | Onomichi | Vermilion hall on the slope | Port-town views |
| Jōdo-ji | Onomichi | National Treasure architecture | Interest in medieval history |
| Kōsan-ji | Ikuchijima | Temple and art museum | Architecture and art lovers |
| Kusado Inari Shrine | Fukuyama | Vermilion shrine halls | Castle-town touring |
Shrines and Temples to Visit in Miyajima
On Miyajima, the histories of Shinto and Buddhism live on within close reach of each other.
By walking from the seaside shrine halls to the temples at the foot of the mountain, you can sense how the entire island has long been cherished as a place of worship.
1. Itsukushima Shrine | A World Cultural Heritage Where Sea and Shrine Become One
Itsukushima Shrine (Itsukushima-jinja) is Miyajima's most iconic shrine, known for its vermilion corridors and halls extending over the sea and its great torii gate.
It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1996 (Heisei 8), and its shrine buildings are also designated National Treasures.
The way the water appears changes with the ebb and flow of the tide, showing different faces at low and high tide, so checking the day's tide table before you visit lets you observe more deeply the beauty of architecture that embraces its natural setting.
Because the direction of movement and accessible areas within the grounds are sometimes set, follow the signage and take care not to linger too long in the corridors.
2. Daishō-in | A Mountainside Temple Conveying Miyajima's Buddhist Culture
Daishō-in (Daishō-in) is the head temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism, with a history as the bettō-ji temple that once supported the rituals of Itsukushima Shrine.
According to temple tradition, it was founded in 806 (the first year of the Daidō era) when Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai) trained on Mount Misen, and it is said to be the oldest temple on Miyajima.
Its halls are scattered across the mountain slope, and as you climb the stone steps the atmosphere shifts to that of a quiet mountain temple typical of Miyajima.
Since photography may not be allowed inside the halls or near the Buddhist statues, check the photography signs and keep a distance that does not disturb sutra chanting or prayer.
Historic Shrines and Temples to Explore in Hiroshima City
Within Hiroshima City, you can trace the city's history in three dimensions through the formation of the castle town, samurai culture, and buildings that survived the war.
Broadening your view beyond the area around Hiroshima Castle to Mount Futaba, along the Ōta River, and toward Mount Mitaki, you'll come across calm shrines and temples quite different from those downtown.
3. Hiroshima Tōshō-gū | The Guardian Shrine of the Castle Town of Hiroshima
Hiroshima Tōshō-gū (Hiroshima Tōshō-gū) enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu and was built at the foot of Mount Futaba, which lies at the demon's gate (northeast) of Hiroshima Castle.
Founded in 1648 (the first year of the Keian era) by Asano Mitsuakira, the fourth lord of the Hiroshima Domain, it has long been revered as the guardian shrine of the castle town of Hiroshima.
The stone steps, the karamon gate, and the surrounding greenery convey its atmosphere as a guardian protecting the northeastern side of the castle town.
While it is an easy stop between sightseeing, about an 8-minute walk from Hiroshima Station, the grounds are also a place where prayers and rituals are held, so pass through quietly during ceremonies.
4. Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine | A Shrine Surrounded by the Greenery of the Hiroshima Castle Ruins
Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine (Hiroshima Gokoku-jinja) sits on the ruins of Hiroshima Castle and is widely revered by local people.
Founded in the first year of the Meiji era, it lost its shrine buildings to the atomic bombing, after which the halls were rebuilt on the present Hiroshima Castle ruins in Shōwa 31.
It is also known as a shrine where many worshippers gather for the New Year's first visit.
Combined with a stroll taking in the castle's stone walls and moat, you can feel a landscape where the early-modern castle town overlaps with present-day Hiroshima.
Even when taking commemorative photos, give priority to those receiving prayers and to the progress of ceremonies, and avoid occupying the front of the worship hall for long.
5. Fudō-in | A Quiet Old Temple with a National Treasure Main Hall
Fudō-in (Fudō-in) is a temple of special head-temple rank in Shingon Buddhism, preserving cultural properties that convey Hiroshima's history, foremost among them its main hall (kondō) designated a National Treasure.
The main hall is the only National Treasure building in Hiroshima City and, said to have been built in 1540 (Tenbun 9), boasts the largest scale among medieval Zen Buddhist halls.
The present temple complex is deeply connected to its restoration by Ankokuji Ekei, known as a diplomatic monk of the Mōri clan.
When viewing Zen-style architecture, paying attention to details such as the curve of the roof, the arrangement of the pillars, and the bracket complexes deepens your understanding of Japanese temple architecture.
6. Mitaki-dera | Walking Among Three Waterfalls and Spaces of Prayer
Mitaki-dera (Mitaki-dera), also called Mitaki Kannon, is a temple of the Kōyasan Shingon school, and the three waterfalls flowing through its grounds are said to be the origin of its name.
There are three falls—Komagataki, Bon'on-no-taki, and Yūmei-no-taki—and their water is also used as the dedicated water offering at the Peace Memorial Ceremony.
Halls and stone Buddhas are scattered along the valley approach, and you can pay your respects while walking amid seasonal trees and the sound of water; around mid-November it is also beloved as a spot for autumn foliage.
Because the approach has narrow stretches and steps in places, choose comfortable walking shoes and yield to other worshippers as you go.
Renowned Temples That Convey Onomichi's Temple-Town Culture
Onomichi is a town with a distinctive landscape where the urban area spreads between mountains and sea, with temples and narrow alleys layered along the slopes.
Rather than making temples your only destination, walking while connecting the stone steps, glimpses of the sea over the rooftops, and the old townscape conveys its charm as a temple town.
7. Senkō-ji | A Slope-Side Temple Overlooking the Onomichi Channel
Senkō-ji (Senkō-ji) sits halfway up Mount Senkō-ji, about 140 meters above sea level, and its vermilion main hall is also fondly known as the "Red Hall."
According to temple tradition it is an ancient temple said to have been founded in 806 (the first year of the Daidō era) by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), and its main hall is said to have been built in 1686 (Jōkyō 3).
Within the grounds, rocks and halls stand close together, and there are spots where the view opens onto the Onomichi Channel and the islands.
When photographing the view, do not block the paths or stone steps, and refrain from touching the bell or hall fixtures without guidance.
8. Jōdo-ji | A Temple Conveying National Treasure Architecture and Medieval History
Jōdo-ji (Jōdo-ji) is an ancient temple said to have been founded by Prince Shōtoku, and its main hall and tahōtō (two-storied pagoda) are designated National Treasures.
It is said that Ashikaga Takauji prayed here for a turn in the tide of battle as he fled to Kyushu, and traces remain that offer clues to the relationship between medieval samurai and temples.
With cultural-property architecture, looking not only at the facade but at the shape of the roof, the eaves, and the arrangement of the buildings makes the overall composition of the grounds easier to understand.
Visiting Distinctive Shrines and Temples in Setouchi and Fukuyama
In the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, island culture, modern artistic activity, and the castle-town culture of Fukuyama each give rise to distinct shrine and temple landscapes.
Planning to visit them on a different day from Hiroshima City or Miyajima lets you savor the regional differences at a relaxed pace.
9. Kōsan-ji | A Temple Museum Born of Gratitude to a Mother
Kōsan-ji (Kōsan-ji) on Ikuchijima is a temple of the Jōdo Shinshū Hongan-ji school built by the businessman Kōzō Kōsanji in gratitude to his late mother.
Its halls and pagodas were built over a lifetime beginning in Shōwa 10, and it is known for its splendid scenery.
The halls and pagodas within the grounds incorporate designs reminiscent of old architecture from across Japan, and the entire temple precinct is open to the public as the registered museum "Kōsan-ji Museum."
While you can see Buddhist art and architecture at once, photography conditions differ between the exhibition rooms and the halls, so check the on-site guidance.
10. Kusado Inari Shrine | Vermilion Shrine Halls Overlooking the Town of Fukuyama
Kusado Inari Shrine (Kusado Inari-jinja) sits in Fukuyama City, and according to shrine tradition its origins date to 807 (the second year of the Daidō era) in the Heian period, when it was enshrined as the guardian of Myōō-in Temple.
Its vermilion halls catch the eye from all around, and from the upper worship hall the view opens out over the city of Fukuyama.
It is also beloved as a shrine visited by many worshippers for the New Year's first visit.
On the stairs, avoid stopping to take photos and give priority to worshippers passing through.
Etiquette to Observe at Shrines and Temples
Japan's shrines and temples are tourist attractions and, at the same time, religious facilities where prayer continues to this day.
Rather than perfectly memorizing every fine point of etiquette, what matters is acting quietly and respecting the on-site signs and the guidance of staff.
At Shrines, Proceed Quietly from the Torii to the Worship Hall
There is a custom of giving a slight bow before the torii gate, and one school of thought is to walk avoiding the center of the approach.
If a temizuya (purification fountain) is available, you cleanse your hands and mouth, but when the method of use has been changed, follow the posted notices.
At Temples, Give Priority to Consideration for Statues and Rituals
After passing through the temple gate, keep your voice down, remove your hat in the main hall, and put your hands together calmly.
Rather than clapping as at a shrine, it is customary to press your palms together and pray quietly.
Check On-Site Signs for Photography, Goshuin, and Accessible Areas
Even where outdoor photography is allowed, it may be restricted inside halls, near statues, during prayers, and in specially opened areas.
Because the method of receiving goshuin (shrine and temple stamps) and the hours they are granted may also change, check the official guidance before your visit.
The table below summarizes the basic considerations for each situation.
| Situation | Desirable Behavior | Behavior to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Approach path | Walk quietly | Occupying the path |
| Worship hall / main hall | Give priority to those praying | Talking loudly |
| Photography | Check the signs | Photographing inside halls without permission |
| Goshuin | Check how to receive it | Rushing staff when crowded |
| Cultural properties | Keep your distance | Touching while photographing |
Tips for Fitting a Hiroshima Shrine and Temple Tour into Your Itinerary
Rather than trying to visit all the prefecture's shrines and temples at once, choosing areas close to where you are staying leads to a calmer experience of worship.
Keep in mind that visiting conditions change not only with weather and season but also with festivals, special openings, construction, and traffic conditions.
Walk Miyajima and Onomichi Each as Its Own Cultural Sphere
On Miyajima you can see the seaside and the mountain foot, and in Onomichi the port town and the slope-side temples, each as a continuous landscape.
It's about a 10-minute ferry ride to Miyajima from Miyajimaguchi, and the shrines and temples in central Onomichi involve many slopes, so in both cases it's reassuring to tour in comfortable clothing with time to spare.
By not adding too many destinations and leaving room to pause in the alleys and on the approaches, it becomes easier to observe the relationship between the buildings and the land.
In Hiroshima City, Think of the Castle Ruins, Mount Futaba, and Mountain Temples Separately
Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine is around Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Tōshō-gū is at the foot of Mount Futaba, and Fudō-in and Mitaki-dera lie in settings a little away from the city center.
Because their characters differ even within the same city, choosing a theme—history-focused, architecture-focused, or nature-walk-focused—makes for a more cohesive trip.
Check the Day's Worship Conditions with Official Information
The areas open for viewing, the services available at stamp offices, entry restrictions due to events, and photography rules may change.
Especially when your aim is a special opening of cultural properties or a ritual, check the information on the official websites of the facility or the tourism association before setting out.
Organizing the combinations by travel interest gives the following.
| Travel Interest | Example Combination | Points of Note |
|---|---|---|
| World Heritage | Itsukushima Shrine & Daishō-in | Faith of sea and mountain |
| Castle-town history | Tōshō-gū & Gokoku Shrine | Relation to Hiroshima Castle |
| Old architecture | Fudō-in & Jōdo-ji | National Treasure buildings |
| Temple-town strolls | Senkō-ji & Jōdo-ji | Slopes and port town |
| Nature and prayer | Mitaki-dera & Daishō-in | Mountain paths and sound of water |
| Art and architecture | Kōsan-ji | Displays within the precinct |
Summary | Feel Hiroshima's History and Culture Through Its Shrines and Temples
Hiroshima's shrines and temples each convey a different history, tied to the sea of Miyajima, the castle town of Hiroshima City, the slopes of Onomichi, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and the townscape of Fukuyama.
Rather than only looking at famous buildings, turning your attention to the terrain of the approaches, the surrounding scenery, and the people who continue to pray deepens your understanding of the journey.
Before worshipping, check the official information, and while observing the rules on photography and access, experience Hiroshima's culture with a quiet heart.
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