What is the relationship between Miyajima and Hideyoshi!? Reflect on a distant history and visit places associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi / Hokoku Shrine (Senjokaku) and Tono-oka Chaya
#Art#History#Iconic Architecture#Scenic Views
The Grand Scripture Hall, Unfinished and Open to the Pleasant Breeze
As you disembark from the ferry and walk towards Itsukushima Shrine, you'll see a building with a commanding presence on a small hill.
This is the Grand Scripture Hall, which Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered to be built in Tensho 15 (1587) for the purpose of reciting a thousand sutras. Due to Hideyoshi's sudden death, construction was interrupted, so the ceiling panels and other elements were never installed, leaving it unfinished to this day.
Taking off your shoes and stepping inside, you'll find it incredibly spacious~! With hardly any walls, an unbelievably open space unfolds before you. Because of its vastness, equivalent to 857 tatami mats, it's also known as "Senjokaku" (the Pavilion of a Thousand Tatami Mats).
Admire Valuable Giant Ladles and Ema in a Space Where Time Stands Still
Originally a Grand Scripture Hall (Buddhist temple hall), after the Shinbutsu-bunri (separation of Shinto and Buddhism) decree, the Buddhist statues within the hall were moved to Daiganji Temple. Currently, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Kato Kiyomasa are enshrined here.
After your visit, be sure to walk around the spacious hall.
It's full of highlights, such as giant ladles dedicated as offerings, the *shakujō* (a large measuring stick used in construction) used when rebuilding the Great Torii gate, and numerous *ema* (votive tablets) and *eto ehōban* (directional plates for the zodiac) displayed on the ceiling.
As you view the magnificent architecture and valuable exhibits, you can feel the profound depth of Miyajima's history.
Be Enchanted by Miyajima's Nature, Changing with the Seasons
And what you absolutely mustn't miss is the view from the shrine hall, offering a panoramic vista of Itsukushima Shrine, the Five-story Pagoda, the Seto Inland Sea, and more!
While you can enjoy the changing nature with cherry blossoms in spring and ginkgo in autumn, personally, I recommend the fresh greenery from spring to summer. The way the dazzling green reflects on the floor is breathtakingly beautiful.
Another charm is the way the wind gently sweeps through, as there are no wallboards. Why not spend some relaxing time during your trip, basking in this comfortable natural air conditioning?
Enjoy Miyajima's Oldest Sweet, Which Hideyoshi Served to Carpenters
After visiting Hokoku Shrine, head to Tono-oka Chaya, a sweet shop right nearby. Its traditional appearance, straight out of a period drama, is simply irresistible.
The specialty here is Chikara Mochi (power mochi) (650 yen), said to have been served to carpenters by Hideyoshi when he ordered the construction of the Grand Scripture Hall. Also known as "Taiko's Chikara Mochi," it is Miyajima's oldest sweet, believed to have been eaten over 400 years ago.
This simple snack features homemade, springy mochi coated in kinako (roasted soybean flour) and sugar, with a gentle sweetness that fills your mouth. It's as if energy mysteriously surges through you... Take a bite while reflecting on the carpenters of that era.
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■Hokoku Shrine (Senjokaku) Address: 1-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi TEL: 0829-44-2020 Visiting Hours: 8:30 – 16:30 Closed: None Admission Fee: 100 yen for high school students and above, 50 yen for elementary and junior high school students
After working at a publishing company, she became a freelance writer. Based mainly in Hiroshima Prefecture, she covers and writes about restaurants, tourist attractions, and local businesses. As the editor in charge of Rurubu FREE Hiroshima, she spent many years covering Miyajima, which sparked her deep love for the island. She is also fond of picture books, manga, and cafés. When traveling, she prefers taking things slow rather than packing her itinerary with too many plans.
