The shaden (the main hall) of Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Pref. was built in the distinctive Shinden-zukuri architectural style that was typical to the Heian period (794-1192). The shrine was founded in 593 during the reign of Empress Suiko. Later in 1168, it was reconstructed into the present gorgeous building complex with the fund of Taira no Kiyomori, the ruler of the country. Although the buildings have been repaired and reconstructed many times, the original forms are preserved in a good state. The orange color of the wooden buildings with Japanese cypress bark roofs contrast beautifully with the green mountains and the blue sea. As the shrine is partially constructed over the sea, the shrine buildings connected with corridors are gradually washed by the water as the tide comes in the bay. Looking like a floating palace in the sea, the shrine gives a solemn impression to the viewers. The famous Otorii Gate is erected in the water in front of the shrine. It used to be the formal manner to go through the floating torii gate at high tide and visit the shrine.