The temple can be approached by land through a traditional gate, or, more impressively by sea, where the famous torii (gate) surrounded by the sea marks the spiritual boundaries. A very photogenic sight, so we have lots of photos of it, but I'll spare you the others. Miyajima is ranked one of the Big Three Scenic Attractions. In the US, anyone can say anything to create a tourist trap. For example, Monroe, Connecticut may call itself "the prettiest town in northeast Fairfield County" and that goes unchallenged. But in Japan there are hordes of government bureaucrats who measure all these things and dole out the appropriate titles, so the Big Three claim is the official word. Even weirder, Japan has a complicated system of National Treasures, Cultural Treasures etc. and they're numbered, so as you travel, a particular temple, or a vase in a museum or whatever gets a precise title and number, like National Treasure No. 6832. Weirder still, people are often given these titles too, especially famous artists, calligraphers, dancers etc. I'd love to be able to call myself National Treasure No. 354.