ArticleKey #26: A Floating Gate

Some wonders require an explanation because they look inconspicuous or even commonplace, and one has to dig deeper to realize that they are unique and indeed wonderful. Others are more straightforward - yet even they would benefit from a cultural background. For instance, Mount Fuji is just that, a mountain. There are many impressive mountains on Planet Earth, and it's not immediately obvious why this one - undeniably beautiful and even breathtaking as it is - is so special far beyond its looks. It takes at least some familiarity with Japanese lore and traditions to fully grasp Fuji's significance. Itsukushima shrine on Miyajima Island presents no such challenge.

This entry title has a touch of poetic license to it, and even more so does a more commonly used moniker “a floating shrine”. The shrine itself is located on a raised platform, and is unlikely to come in contact with water - even though its interior looks like a ship deck or a cave crisscrossed by tunnels

A place like that must significantly enhance one's spiritual experience - in particular, considering the gate that actually flirts with water. Not that anybody could suspect it while looking at the top part of the gate on the “featured image” spot - an impressive structure that is reminiscent of Roman Triumphal Arches, inexplicably towering and light, at the same time. However, it's the following picture that tells the real story of Itsukushima Gate

The thin silvery film of water in the foreground looks like it could have been left by recent showers - yet, it was deposited by the receding tide that promised to be back on schedule. In the meantime, the gate is considered to be “on land” (as opposed to “at sea”). Even so, to cross certain areas, one has to go barefoot or use mini-bridges made of stepping stones

When the ocean does return, it completely covers not only the whole swath of the ground but the bottom part of the gate, as well - and that's when the gate that, in reality, stands on solid ground, seems to be floating. And the very expression “floating gate” - unlike, say, “mountain such-and-such” - immediately creates a strong sense of wonder. It excites and stirs emotions - that might be the reason that Itsukushima Gate is the second most popular image of Japan, and the main driving force behind the influx of visitors to Miyajima.