Itsukushima shrine

Itsukushima shrine is dedicated to three goddesses. Each goddess is worshipped as deitie of sea, traffic safety, fortune and accomplishment.

It was built in 593 first, but it was remodeled by Taira no Kiyomori in 1168. It consisted of the main shrine, a Noh stage, music halls and other shrines which are connected by long corridors to make beautifully balanced components. Same as the Otorii gate, some parts go under the water at high tide. Nevertheless, it is interesting that only the main shrine is built one block higher not to go under the water, because it accommodate the goddess. It is coated with vermilion lacquer to ward off the evil spirits and avoid corrosion.

Here is the roof of the entrance gate.

Please watch carefully to give a correct answer to my question.

Here is Sori Bashi, literally meaning warp bridge that was allowed to go across only for imperial messengers.

This is the Noh drama stage. Noh is traditional Japanese dance performed by actors who ware Noh mask. The actors expresse their emotions by posture and rhythm. It was ritual art peformance.

This is Kagami ike, literally meaning mirror pond. It might be named after its looks like a mirror. It appears only during the low tide because underground water comes up at this point.

The underground waterways appears at low tide. Frow the veiw point between components, you can see the O torii gate.

Here is the exit.

Did you notice the difference between the entrance gate and the exit?

There is a big difference in the shape of roofs.

The entrance has a triangular roof called Kiritsuma. On the other hand, the exit has a unique shape called Karahafu, decorative roof.

Is there any meaning in that difference?

Karahafu roof is used for special buildings such as religious shrines and aristocrasy houses.

So, the exit was originally built as the gate for aristocrasy and the current entrance was planned as the gate for low class such as warriors.