Inside Senjokaku
The largest structure on Miyajima is informally called Senjokaku, which means “1ooo tatami mat hall.” Unlike most of the other structures in the Itsukushima Shrine complex, the exact date of its founding is known. It was built in 1587 with the intended use of a Buddhist library to hold the Senbu-kyo sutras which were chanted once a month.
Senjokaku
However, it appears that the structure was never completed. There is no board ceiling or outer walls, and it was never painted. The altar had three Buddhist statues until the early Meiji Period, when it was converted to a Shinto shrine. The shrine is dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the three great leaders who unified Japan in the 16th century, and his loyal follower Kato Kiyomasa.
shakushi at Senjokaku
Today Toyokuni Shrine is decorated with votive tablets from many eras. It is on a small hill overlooking Itsukushima Shrine, and the breeze blowing through the open structure makes it a refreshing place to sit and relax. Visitors must remove their shoes to prevent damage to the wide board floors; the weathering of them has proved a valuable tool for helping date other structures on Miyajima.
Senjokaku exterior
There is a steep stone staircase leading to the hill with the shrine, making access for wheelchairs and strollers difficult. Senjokaku is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm and costs 100 yen to enter. Children between 6 and 15 years are 50 yen. For more information: http://www.miyajima.or.jp/english/spot/spot_other.html
View of mountain from Senjokaku
photos by:
Sam Sheffield &
KimonBerlin,
No Boring Stories,
No Boring Stories,
No Boring Stories
