Itsukushima moon

The famous 'torii' or sacred gate at Itsukushima is one of the best known sites in Japan. The Shinto torii is partially submerged at high tide, and the main shrine is approached by passing the gate through the water. The shrine was constructed in 1168 by Taira no Kiyomori and has been rebuilt several times since. Itsukushima (Miyajima) is a small island near Hiroshima and has been maintained in a relatively pristine state due to the beauty and importance of the site. In this image, an unknown courtesan approaches the torii by boat for the festival which was historically held annually at the shrine.