Hokoku-jinja, also known as the Senjokaku Pavilion, is a beautiful and slightly hidden gem on Miyajima.
It’s located on a small hill just a short walk up the stairs right near the entrance of Itsukushima Shrine, so it’s easy to find after you’ve seen the big floating torii gate.
The name "Senjokaku" means the pavilion of 1,000 mats, and once you step inside, you really feel that sense of scale—it’s a massive, open wooden hall that feels very peaceful and airy.
The views from the pavilion are lovely, offering a great perspective of the surrounding area and the water. If you happen to visit during cherry blossom season, it’s even more special because there are several sakura trees planted around the building and the neighboring five-story pagoda.
The mix of the weathered wood, the vibrant red of the pagoda, and the pink blossoms makes for some incredible photos. It’s a fantastic place to take a break from the crowds, enjoy the breeze, and just soak in the atmosphere of the island.
Toyokuni Shrine (Senjokaku)is located adjacent to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Although it is currently a subordinate shrine of Itsukushima Shrine, it was originally commissioned by Toyotomi秀吉 in 1587 (Tensho 15) as a Buddhist sutra hall to chant the Senbu-kyo sutras once a month for the repose of the dead. For this reason, it still retains the atmosphere of a Buddhist temple.
Due to Hideyoshi's sudden death, construction was halted mid-way, leaving the building unfinished without a ceiling (except directly over the altar) or wooden walls. However, its distinctive highlights include the vast open space lined with massive pillars, numerous ema (votive plaques) hanging from the beams, and Miyajima's famous giant wooden rice scoops (shamoji).
Definitely worth the time and cost of visiting this pavilion in Miyajima island.
Hokoku-jinja (Senjokaku Pavilion) is Miyajima’s largest wooden structure, ordered by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587 as a Buddhist library. Its name translates to "Pavilion of 1,000 Tatami Mats" (it actually holds 857). Left unfinished due to Hideyoshi’s sudden death, its stark, wall-less hall provides a serene escape with sweeping ocean breezes and a perfect view of the adjacent Five-Storied Pagoda.
This is such a beautiful visit! Definitely come here and have a walk around inside. You pay a small entry fee and have to remove your shoes, but it is well worth it. You can see beautiful paintings inside as well as a shrine. Make the time to see this while you're on the island!
So glad we didn’t miss this shrine as lots of people do when visit island. Amazing views all around and fascinating structure and murals. If you are into plants, there is one of the oldest Sago Palm by its entrance you will ever find.
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