A great hall equivalent to 857 tatami mats with sea breezes sweeping through—the sutra hall connected to Toyotomi Hideyoshi
About this spot
A great sutra hall connected to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, standing atop the hill called Tainohoka near the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine. Though Hideyoshi ordered its construction to honor war casualties, construction stopped before completion, and today the open-air structure remains without ceiling or walls. Stepping onto the expansive plank floor, equivalent to 857 tatami mats, you can see the crimson five-story pagoda, the Seto Inland Sea, and Miyajima's townscape between the thick pillars in one panorama. The great hall swept by sea breezes offers cool refuge even in summer, where travelers rest briefly. It later enshrined Hideyoshi and became Toyokuni Shrine, creating a picturesque vista together with the five-story pagoda beside it.
Tips
Remove shoes at the entrance before stepping onto the plank floor. The floor is pleasant underfoot, but thick socks are recommended in cold seasons. From Itsukushima Shrine's exit, you backtrack slightly toward the approach side; using the five-story pagoda atop the hill as your landmark makes the stone steps easy to find.
Best time to visit
Approximately 45 minutes required. Morning light from the sea side keeps the plank floor bright and pleasant.
Access & map
〒739-0588 Hiroshima Prefecture, Hatsukaichi City, Miyajima Town 1−1
Model course featuring this spot
Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine, Senjokaku Hall, and Omotesando Arcade Food Walk
Hiroshima
Explore features & model courses
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