World Heritage Temple In Hiroshima Japan Closed For Tourists During The G-7 Summit

JAKARTA - A Japanese island known for its UNESCO World Heritage temple will be closed to tourists for three days in May, in line with the potential visit of the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) during their summit in Hiroshima, according to the local city government.

Miyajima Island, home to Itsukushima Temple and its giant Torii Gate in the Seto Inland Sea, will be closed between noon on May 18 to 14:00 on May 20. Only those who issue identity cards from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are allowed to enter during that period, according to the City Government. Hatsukaichi, reported Kyodo News April 7

The G-7 summit, which is scheduled to be held for three days starting May 19, will be chaired directly by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Japan is also considering asking leaders to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

Meanwhile, residents of islands, couriers and commuters will be given an identity card to show when landing. The city said it was also considering reducing the frequency of the ferry connecting the island to the mainland and possibly asking the store to close during that period.

Known as one of the three most beautiful places in Japan, Itsukushima Temple was registered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1996.

The prefectural police have asked residents and businesses to reduce traffic by 50 percent in the city center of Hiroshima between May 18 and May 22, which is expected to be congested due to security restrictions.

In addition, trams and buses in the city will also be canceled or revised operating hours to be used for weekends.