basic information

Senjokaku means "pavilion of 1000 mats" in Japanese and is the common name of Hokoku Shrine. The name describes the spaciousness of the building, as Senjokaku is approximately the size of one thousand tatami mats. The hall, which dates back to 1587, is located on a small hill just beside Itsukushima Shrine.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the three unifiers of Japan, commissioned Senjokaku for the purpose of chanting Buddhist sutras for fallen soldiers. The building was not yet completed when Hideyoshi died in 1598. As Tokugawa Ieyasu took power thereafter, rather than the Toyotomi heirs, the building was never fully completed.

Senjokaku has neither ceilings nor a front entrance, and will surely strike visitors as rather sparse. In 1872, the incomplete building was dedicated to the soul of its founder, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, which remains its present religious function. Directly adjacent to Senjokaku stands a five-storied pagoda.

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how to get there

Senjokaku is a ten minute walk from the Miyajima ferry pier, on the hill just beside Itsukushima Shrine.

How to get to and around Miyajima

hours and fees

Hours:	8:30 to 16:30
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	100 yen

news and reports

Miyajima Cherry Blossom Report March 28, 2009

travel community

Users who have been to Miyajima: 488
Users who have been to Senjokaku: 150

4th of 6 most visited sights in Miyajima.
115th of 509 most visited sights nationwide.

Rating by users:		recommended (83/100, 87 votes)
Rating by staff:		interesting
Overall Rating:		interesting

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Mijayima ferry Sunday

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hotels & ryokan

Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto 17th century sukiya style Japanese hotel built in the Edo Period. With private open air baths with view of Itsukushima Shrine torii. Benten no Yado Itsukushima Enjoy onsen baths and delicious seafood while staying in Miyajima Island. Offers the Torii gate views from some rooms.

tours and packages

Hiroshima and Miyajima Tours Various tours and travel packages for Hiroshima and surroundings.