The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National Treasures.

It is most famous for its dramatic gate, or torii on the outskirts of the shrine,[2] the sacred peaks of Mount Misen, extensive forests, and its ocean view.

[6] Another renowned patron of the shrine was Mōri Motonari, lord of Chōshū Domain,[2][6] who was responsible for rebuilding the honden in 1571.

[2] Spilling blood violated the strict taboos meant to preserve the sacred purity associated with Shinto shrines.

It was not uncommon during the 12th century for the nobility to build shrines or take on other architectural projects in order to "reflect their power and splendor.

[2] Supposedly, Kiyomori chose the location also for the reason to further establish himself in the Heian aristocracy as one who deviated from the social norms of Shinto pilgrimage .

[9] He lavished great wealth upon Itsukushima, and he enjoyed showing the place to his friends and colleagues, or even to royal personages..."[10]

To allow pilgrims to approach, the shrine was built like a pier over the water, so that it appeared to float, separate from the land.

Commoners had to steer their boats through the torii before approaching the shrine.Japan has gone to great lengths to preserve the twelfth-century-style architecture of the Shrine throughout history.

The shrine was designed and built according to the Shinden-zukuri style, equipped with pier-like structures over the Matsushima bay in order to create the illusion of floating on the water, separate from island, which could be approached by the devout "like a palace on the sea.

[2] The placement of an additional leg in front of and behind each main pillar identifies the torii as reflecting the style of Ryōbu Shintō (dual Shinto), a medieval school of esoteric Japanese Buddhism associated with the Shingon Sect.

[1] Noh theater performances have long been used to pay homage to the gods through the ritual acting out of key events in Shinto myth.