Explore the stone steps of five hundred Rakan statues at Daishoin, the oldest temple on Miyajima
About this spot
Founded in 806 by Kobo Daishi Kukai, this is the most historically significant Shingon Buddhist temple on Miyajima. Rows of expressively carved five hundred Rakan statues line the stone steps, and there's a prayer wheel at the Manji-den hall believed to purify the heart, along with many other sites of interest. Simply walking through the temple grounds envelops you in a solemn atmosphere. Located near Kouyou Valley Park, the temple set against green mountains reveals a different charm of Miyajima from Itsukushima Shrine. It's fun to walk with children, counting the Rakan statues on the steps.
Fireworks details
Name: 管絃祭
Date & time: 7/30 (Thu) 15:00–23:00頃
Venue: 廿日市市宮島町・嚴島神社及び周辺
管絃祭は、平清盛が平安時代に大阪の住吉大社から取り入れたと伝わる、嚴島神社で最も重要な神事のひとつです。海上に浮かぶ大鳥居を舞台に、雅楽を奏でる御座船(ござぶね)が地御前神社との間を渡御し、夜の海に浮かぶ提灯とかがり火、雅楽の調べが幻想的な光景を作り出します。2026年は7月30日(木)の15時ごろから夜23時ごろまで、満潮の時刻に合わせて神事が進行します。観客は嚴島神社の廻廊や大鳥居周辺、対岸などから見物するのが定番で、御座船が大鳥居をくぐる瞬間は祭りいちばんの見どころです。夕方から夜にかけて長時間にわたる神事のため、途中で腰を落ち着けられる場所を見つけておくと、家族でゆっくり楽しめます。
Tips
御座船の運行時刻は潮の満ち引きによって毎年変動するため、当日は現地の案内や公式情報で最新のスケジュールを確認しましょう。夜間は足元が暗くなるので懐中電灯やスマホのライトがあると安心です。桟橋周辺は大変混雑するため、帰りのフェリーは余裕を持った時間で計画を。
Tips
From Miyajima Pier, it's about a 20-minute walk, or you can take a bus or taxi to the Daishoin-mae stop. The temple grounds have slopes and stone steps, so comfortable walking shoes are advisable. Temple visits are free, but consider making an offering.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour. Morning hours are relatively quiet, ideal for peaceful worship.
Access & map
210 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan
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2026 Kangen Festival Full-Day Experience Course
Hiroshima
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