Torii or Shrine Gate and Stone Lanterns on Miyajima

Photograph of Miyajima on the island of Itsukushima, Japan, showing waterside lanterns and the torii gate, circa 1945-1952.

Typed caption on margin: "Torii or Shrine Gate and Stone Lanterns on Miyajima or 'Shrine Island', Inland Sea."

Typed caption on verso: "Miyajima (Pron. Me-yah-jee-mah) -- Miya (shrine), jima (island), literally, 'Shrine Island', on which is located the famed 'Torii'. This sacred island, considered one of the most beautiful shrine sites in Japan, at the western end of the Inland Sea, is widely known for its scenery, and especially for its quaint red 'Torii' in the sea, in front of the shrine, the most famous of the gateways which stand in front of every xxx Shinto shrine in Japan. Founded in A.D 592, the shrine was built in a spot most affected by the tides -- and at high tide it appears to float upon the water -- an illusion that is most realistic when the tide is coming in. Miyajima is also famous for its wine-red maples, and from late October to late November, when the foliage is at the heaght [height] of its beauty, many people visit the island to view this splendid sit e-- and in April and May, throngs visit the island to view the cherry blossoms."