Miyajima Kangen-sai on July 22nd This Year!!

The Miyajima Kangen-sai takes place on the 17th day of the sixth month of the old lunisolar calendar, which means its date fluctuates annually in the Gregorian calendar. Kangen-sai is a festival held on Miyajima dating back to the Heian period (794 – 1185 CE) wherein participants ride boats and travel between various shrines on the island and the mainland. It starts in the evening and ends at midnight, so those who wish to see the ceremonies in their entirety would do well to reserve a hotel on Miyajima or by Miyajima-guchi (ferry hours are extended on Kangen-sai). Don’t miss out on your chance to see a whole other side of the normally tranquil Itsukushima Shrine at night!