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Itsukushima, remodeled into its present grandeur in 1168 by Taira-no-Kiyomori, is dedicated to three sea goddesses who dwell there (the three daughters of the shintogod Susano-no-Mikoto). Only the priests may enter the inner shrine.

An ancient religious rule forbade birth or death on the island, and no record has ever reported theat it has been broken at any time through the centuries. Pregnant women wera ferried to the mainland, as well as the gravely infirm and their soon-to-be mourners, who underwent a 50-day purification at Ono on the opposite shore before returning.