Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall
museum
厳島神社宝物館
National Treasures from the Taira clan era displayed steps from the floating torii.
The Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall holds artworks, weapons, costumes, and ritual objects accumulated by the shrine over its history, the majority donated by powerful patrons as expressions of faith or gratitude. Itsukushima was popular with Japan's ruling class from the Heian period onward, and contributors included emperors, aristocrats, and warlords. Among the highlights are the Heike Nokyo sutra scrolls from 1164, designated National Treasures. The building itself, a reinforced concrete structure in traditional style designed by architect Oe Shintaro and completed in 1933, is a designated Tangible Cultural Property. It sits near the main shrine complex and adds depth to a Miyajima visit.
Most Miyajima visitors skip this museum, but it contains some of the finest Heian-era art in western Japan. The illustrated sutras are exquisite. Allow 30-40 minutes.
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