Miyajima and Itsukushima are both located in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
They refer to the same place, but what’s the difference?
“Miyajima”: This is the name that most people use. Locals often use this name, and it is also known as Miyajima as a tourist destination.
“Itsukushima”: This is the official name of the island.This name seems to be used for old historical and religious items. It is also often shown as Itsukushima on maps.
Origin of the name
Origin of the name Miyajima
It is said that the name came to mean “an island with a shrine” after the Edo period (1603-1867).
Origin of the name Itsukushima
The word “itsuku” means “to purify body and soul to serve the gods. Itsukushima Island is believed to mean the island where the gods reside. It is also said to derive from the name of the goddess of Itsukushima Shrine, Ichikishimahime.
For address or station name, “Miyajima” is used
The address of Miyajima is Miyajima-chou, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and the name of the station on the JR and Hiroshima Electric Railway lines is also “Miyajima”.
Living nearby, I also call it “Miyajima” and feel that the whole place is Miyajima and the shrine is Itsukushima.
