2022年08月26日
Hokoku Shrine
Miyajima Island in southern Hiroshima Prefecture is well-known for the picturesque red torii gate located in the water at the entrance to the island harbor with Itsukushima Shrine right in front of it. It is an iconic Japanese cultural symbol.
However, there are quite a few other attractions on the island along with the main shrine and torii gate. Of particular note is the Hokoku (Senjokaku) Shrine on a small hill just adjacent to the Itsukushima Shrine. The name Senjokaku means “pavilion of 1000 mats.” This is because of the spacious area located inside the shrine area.
The origin of the shrine goes back to around 1587 when Toyotomi Hideyoshi (a prominent samurai leader who fought to unify the clans of Japan) ordered to have the shrine built in honor of fallen soldiers from the ongoing civil war in Japan at the time. The building was never completed however. This is because Toyotomi Hideyoshi died in 1598, and the next government regime decided not to finish the work.
The shrine is of a very simple design with sparse adornments, lots of empty space, and no front entrance. I recently visited the shrine on a trip to Miyajima. I was quite taken in by its enormously open space, quiet surroundings, and calm atmosphere. The panoramic view of Miyajima is very pleasant from the shrine. It is a cool, shaded area with lots of floor space to roam around in. It is very serene and a peaceful place to just sit and relax, meditate, or reflect. It had a very simple but soothing effect on me as I sat there and took in all the surroundings.
For me, it was a serendipitous and very pleasant discovery. I highly recommend a visit if you are in the area the Miyajima area – it will not disappoint!
