Many visitors to Miyajima wonder about the two names: “Miyajima” and “Itsukushima.” You may notice different spellings used side by side—tourist brochures say “Miyajima,” maps mark the island as “Itsukushima,” and the shrine is “Itsukushima Shrine.”
Both names refer to the same island, but they come from different historical backgrounds and are used in distinct contexts. The formal name “Itsukushima” dates back to ancient Japan, while “Miyajima” became the popular, everyday name during the Edo period. This split reflects the island’s sacred status and how people have related to it over the centuries.
Tracing the History of the Names “Miyajima” and “Itsukushima”
The Name “Itsukushima” Used Since Ancient Times
“Itsukushima” is an ancient name that has been in continuous use since the Asuka period, over 1,400 years ago. Records from the founding of Itsukushima Shrine in the first year of Empress Suiko’s reign (593 AD) already use “Itsukushima.” This was the era of Prince Shotoku and a pivotal moment in Japan’s early history.
There are several theories about the origin of “Itsukushima.” The most widely accepted traces it to the old word “itsuku,” meaning “to purify oneself and serve the gods.” This perfectly matches the belief that the entire island is sacred.
Another theory links “Itsukushima” to “Ichikishima,” the name of the principal deity of Itsukushima Shrine, Princess Ichikishima. Either way, the island itself was revered as divine since antiquity and was once considered too sacred for ordinary human settlement.
The Name “Miyajima” Popular Since the Edo Period
By contrast, the name “Miyajima” spread much later. Although it appears in the late Heian travelogue “Takakura-in Itsukushima Gokoki” by Minamoto no Michichika, it gained broad popularity after the Battle of Itsukushima (1555) and particularly in the early Edo period, when the Hiroshima domain placed the island under direct control.
“Miyajima” literally means “the island with the shrine” (referring to Itsukushima Shrine). During the Edo period, mass pilgrimages—like the famous journeys to Ise Shrine—boosted visits to this sacred island. Pilgrims affectionately began calling it “Miyajima,” and the name took root among travelers.
Because other places were also called “Miyajima,” people often specified “Aki no Miyajima” to distinguish it, using “Aki,” the old province name for western Hiroshima Prefecture. This helped cement Miyajima’s identity as a landmark of the Seto Inland Sea.
How Are the Official Name and Common Name Distinguished?
“Itsukushima” Is the Official Notation on Geospatial Information Authority Maps
On official maps issued by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI), the island is labeled “Itsukushima.” This is the island’s official geographic and administrative name. The GSI is Japan’s national mapping agency, responsible for accurately recording place names and topography nationwide, and it recognizes “Itsukushima” as the correct island name.
Academic works and official documents also typically use “Itsukushima.” Archaeological reports, historical studies, and cultural property documents follow the convention of using official place names for the sake of accuracy and consistency.
Patterns of Usage in Administration and Tourism
Administrative usage reflects this duality. When the town system was established in 1889 (Meiji 22), the municipality was named “Itsukushima Town.” After World War II, in 1950 (Showa 25), it was changed to “Miyajima Town.” Today the island is part of Hatsukaichi City, and addresses read “Hatsukaichi City Miyajima-cho.”
In tourism, “Miyajima” overwhelmingly dominates because it’s friendlier and easier to remember. You’ll see it on brochures, hotel names, and tour listings. However, “Itsukushima” is sometimes chosen when emphasizing history, solemnity, or the sacred nature of the site.
The Shrine’s Official Name Is “Itsukushima Shrine”
The shrine’s formal name is written with traditional characters as “嚴島神社.” This classical form underscores its status and long lineage, and it appears in official and ceremonial contexts. The simplified “厳島神社” is also widely used in everyday writing, and both are accepted.
Given the shrine’s rank and historic importance, the “嚴島神社” spelling conveys particular dignity, reflecting more than 1,400 years of veneration since its founding in 593.
The Meaning and Impact of Modern Usage
Which Name Do Locals Use?
Locals use both names naturally, switching depending on context. “Miyajima” is more common in everyday conversation, especially with visitors and in business. “Itsukushima” tends to appear in religious ceremonies, traditional events, and formal occasions.
Many shops and inns choose “Miyajima” in their names—such as “Miyajima XX Inn”—to create a welcoming image. In contrast, historic temples, shrines, and cultural institutions often prefer “Itsukushima,” emphasizing tradition and dignity.
International Recognition and Standardized Spelling
In international contexts, standardized spelling matters. When the site was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, it was listed as “Itsukushima Shinto Shrine,” making “Itsukushima” the official name in global documentation.
In tourism marketing, however, “Miyajima” appears alongside it because the name is memorable and approachable. Guides for international travelers often present both—”Miyajima (Itsukushima)”—to balance clarity with friendliness and avoid confusion.
The Value of Two Names Passed Down to the Present Day
The coexistence of “Itsukushima” and “Miyajima” is meaningful in itself. This is more than a spelling difference—it expresses the many ways people have connected with the island over time.
The formal name “Itsukushima” represents the sacred history and traditions rooted in antiquity, carrying the idea of the entire island as holy ground into the present. The everyday name “Miyajima” is a warm nickname embraced by travelers and locals alike, reflecting the island’s hospitality and the community’s affection for their home.
Together, these two names shape the island’s unique appeal: a solemn sacred site and a welcoming travel destination at once. Today, this dual identity still enriches the experience for both worshippers at Itsukushima Shrine and visitors exploring Miyajima’s nature and culture.
Summary
We have explored the difference between “Miyajima” and “Itsukushima,” from ancient origins to modern usage. Neither name is incorrect; each holds its own meaning and value.
While the island’s official name is “Itsukushima,” calling it “Miyajima” with affection is perfectly fine. In fact, the two names together reflect the island’s deep history and cultural richness. The next time you visit Miyajima, keep this in mind to appreciate the island on a deeper level.
References and Sources
- Dive! Hiroshima: Discover Miyajima in Greater Depth
- Miyajima Tourism Association: History of Miyajima
- Wikipedia: Itsukushima (Japanese)
- Wikipedia: Itsukushima Shrine (Japanese)
- Miyajima Town History Compilation Committee, “Miyajima Town History: General History Edition,” Miyajima Town, 1992
