In the summer season, it’s so hot your energy is drained just by walking outside, but Miyajima in summer is packed with some amazing events! Wouldn’t you like to feel the charm of Miyajima that you can only experience in summer?

Great Benzaiten Festival of Itsukushima -Held at Miyajima’s Best Power Spot

The Great Benzaiten Festival is held every June 17th at Daiganji temple. Many monks join in and recite from the 600 scrolls of the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. They pray for the well being of families, protection against disasters, and a good harvest. Photography isn’t allowed at Itsukushima Benzaiten, but the atmosphere alone makes the trip worth it.

Great Benzaiten Festival of Itsukushima
Address	Daiganji Temple 3 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi-shi (map)
Date &Time	Every June 17 10:00am – 4:00pm Buddhist Memorial Service: from 1:00pm

 

Kangen-sai, One of Japan’s Top Three Boat Rituals

Kangen-sai , one of Japan’s top three boat rituals, is held every June 17th of the lunar calendar. The festival is a boat ritual in which ceremonial music called kangen is played from Jigozen Shrine all the way to Itsukushima Shirine on the opposite shore.

When evening comes around, boats playing ceremonial music leave Itsukushima Shirine and return by way of Jigozen Shrine. The Itsukushima peace scrolls opened against the backdrop of the ocean channel are certainly wrapped in inspiration and excitement.

Kangen-sai
Address	Itsukushima Shirine
Date &Time	Every June 17 of the lunar calendar July 29, 2018(Sun) 3:00pm – 11:00pm
Website	Miyajima Tourist Association

Seven Gods of Fortune Festival

A Buddhist memorial service for the Seven Gods of Fortune in Miyajima is held every July 7th at Daishoin Temple. The Daishoin Temple is considered to have the longest history of all temples in Miyajima, and it is said that if you visit after this memorial service takes place, you will be spared seven calamities and invite seven cases of good fortune.

 

Seven Gods of Fortune Festival
Address	Daishoin Temple 210 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi-shi (map)
Date &Time	Every July 7 11:00am –

Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival

Among several yearly events, the one that really impresses the most tourists is the Miyajima water fireworks.

Miyajima’s historical buildings and fireworks come together to create a lovely scene.You can enjoy over 100 extra-large fireworks from any spot!

Miyajima Water Fireworks
Address	The Shore off the Great Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine
Date &Time	Mid Aug (Aug 25 in 2018) From 7:30pm
Website	Official Website

Miyajima’s Evening Dance(Odori-no-yube)

Miyajima Odori-no-yube is an event with tradition dating back to the Sengoku period, and is held for two nights at a special site near O-torii Gate.  The moves are quite simple, so anyone can join in the dance!
From beside the event site, you can also look at the wondrous appearance of O-torii Gate floating in the night water.

Miyajima Night of the Dance(Odori-no-yube)
Address	Mikasanohama beach (map)
Date &Time	Mid Aug (Aug 17, 18 in 2018) From 7:30 pm

Access

Learn how  to access to Miyajima from Hiroshima city; 4 Ways to Travel from Hiroshima City to Miyajima

Summary

Miyajima in summer has many events and festivals at night, like Kangen-sai Festival, Miyajima Water Firewworks, and Miyajima night of the dance. If you want to enjoy these events avoiding the hot sun, we recommend staying the night and joining in. Please keep it in mind if you plan a trip to Miyajima!

 

Photo Credit: Hiroshima Prefecture