Buildings that have become National Registered Tangible Cultural Properties
20 minutes’ walk away from Miyajima Pier, the ancient buildings of Miyajima History and Folklore Museum can be seen as you walk from the exit of Itsukishima Shrine toward Miyajima Aquarium. Consisting of 2 private residences and 4 exhibition spaces, the museum encourages interest in the origins of Miyajima Island through exhibits such as a video explaining the establishment of Itsukishima Shrine, the trials and tribulations of the Taira clan, and the history behind the Battle of Itsukishima. The meticulously-kept courtyard is surrounded by the buildings so that it is enjoyable to take that view while on the tour.
Plenty of exhibits featuring the history of Itsukishima Shrine and the lifestyles of the common people
The private houses on Miyajima were built in the machiya style which is characterized by narrow entrances and a long distance from the entrance to the back of the house. You can observe this old-style longhouse construction which has the feature of installed household Shinto altars on the holy island of Miyajima. Part of the Old Egami House which was built in the early 1800s has been nationally designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, and the view of the garden from the central room is also wonderful. But the best highlight is the Itsukishima Shrine And Taira-no-Kiyomori Floor. The floor is separated into 6 zones featuring exhibits such as the history of Taira-no-Kiyomori and video on Itsukishima Shrine up until its inception as a World Cultural Heritage site. It is also well worth seeing for exhibits such as the copy of the seated statue of Taira-no-Kiyomori which is an Important Cultural Property of Rokuharamitsu in Kyoto and the statue of his wife, Nii-no-Ama. There are also many other exhibits including the Kiezu-no-Hi (Unextinguishable Flame) cauldron that was brought down from the Sacred Fire Hall on Mt. Misen and the Nanaura Folding Screen which depicts a pilgrimage of the island.
Perfect for touring around Itsukishima Shrine
What is attractive about the World Heritage site of Itsukishima Shrine is that it reveals completely different scenery at low tide and high tide. The approximately 6 hours between low and high tides are ideal for a surrounding tour. A look at the adjacent Itsukishima Shrine Treasure Hall will give an even better insight into Miyajima for that complete tour of the island.