The pavilion's name, Senjokaku, literally translates to 'Pavilion of One Thousand Tatami Mats'.
Construction was originally intended to be a large library for reading Buddhist sutras to honor soldiers.
The structure lacks exterior walls, which allows for natural ventilation throughout the massive open floor.
During the Meiji period, the building was converted into a Shinto shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Many of the large wooden paintings hanging from the rafters were created by master artists of the Kano school.
The building was designed to be a memorial service venue, but the unfinished status left it without a roof over certain sections for decades until minor repairs.
The floorboards consist of high-quality Japanese cypress, worn smooth by centuries of foot traffic.
Hokoku-jinja, widely known as Senjokaku, is an expansive wooden pavilion located on Miyajima Island. Commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587, the structure remains officially unfinished, as construction halted following his sudden death. It serves as a secondary hall to the Itsukushima Shrine complex, designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The interior features a vast, single-room hall measuring approximately 857 tatami mats, which gives the site its name, Senjokaku. The architecture showcases a blend of Japanese and Chinese influences, characterized by open-air walls and exposed structural beams. It is elevated on a stone foundation, offering elevated views of the Seto Inland Sea and the island’s famous torii gate. Unlike most religious shrines in Japan, the pavilion contains no central altar or religious icons, functioning primarily as a communal space. The wooden ceiling is adorned with centuries-old hanging votive tablets (ema), some of which date back to the Edo period.
The elevated porch facing the sea, which captures the Five-Storied Pagoda and the ocean in a single frame.
Bring thick socks, as you must remove your shoes to enter the wooden hall and the floors can be chilly.
Visit during the late afternoon to observe the light filtering through the open eaves, which creates distinct shadows on the floor.
Check the upper rafters carefully to see the historical paintings and intricate wood carvings that are easily missed.
Do not attempt to walk on the tatami mats if they are roped off; keep to the designated wooden walkways.
Shoes must be removed at the entrance; please keep noise levels low as it is a site of historical reflection.
