During the Heian Period, the court ladies (naishi) of the Imperial Court were among the most important attendants. With multiple ranks and well defined roles, they were sometimes involved even in the imperial ceremonies.

That’s why one of the most beautiful places from the Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima is a bridge directly related to them, the Naishi bashi, declared today a National Treasure. This was the bridge used by the court ladies while going to the shrine to bring offerings for the gods.

Naishi bashi, Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

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