Miyajima Museum and Treasure Hall Visit

YCAPS Miyajima Museum and Treasure Hall Visit 

Saturday, 23 November 2024

When Kiyomori Taira – whose statue sits to the right of the ferry terminal as you walk toward the Torii Gate – upjumped Miyajima from a backwater pilgrimage center to the heart of the ritual regime set up for his rise to power as the Donald Trump of Japan’s 12th century, the hope that it would still be an important part of Japan’s semiotic geography must have seemed wishful, if not quixotic, thinking. Yet, here it is, one of the most popular of Japan’s tourist sites at the beginning of the 21st century.

Although advertised as a scenic location, Miyajima is in fact integral to two civil wars and an imperial restoration, as well as one of the reasons Hiroshima was chosen to be the premier 軍都military city at the dawn of the Imperial Age. While you’ve probably already been to Itsukushima, this tour will take you into the deep lore of the island, not available on any tourist brochure or tour guide.

John Mensing will lead a day trip to explore two museums not commonly visited on trips to Miyajima. The guide will provide historical detail and context.

To register, please email jeffmazziotta@ycaps.org

The itinerary for the day is: (starting time is fixed, other times are estimates)

• 12:00 – Meet up at Itsuki Coffee The Terrace (near Ferry Terminal- closest train station: Miyajimaguchi station 20 min from Iwakuni Station)
• 12:30 – 13:20– Take the Ferry and walk through the Shrine to the Miyajima History and Folklore Museum 
• 13:30 – 15:00 – Guided tour of the Museum, with a short film
• 15:00 – 15:10 – Walk to the nearby Treasure Hall
• 15:10 – 15:40 – Guided tour of the Treasure Hall
• 16:00 – Optional drinks at the Gallery Miyazato Cafe

Participants should be prepared for approximately 4 hours of walking at a slow pace, encompassing travel between each site and time spent exploring each location. Participants are advised to dress appropriately. Following the event, participants are invited to tea - or the drink of their choice – at the Gallery Miyazato Cafe. YCAPS will provide entrance tickets for the Museum and Treasure Hall.

The group size will be limited so please RSVP early. YCAPS will be buying the first round at Gallery Miyazato Cafe.

RSVP required: Please confirm your spot via jeffmazziotta@ycaps.org Space is limited.

Cost: YCAPS will provide all attendees admission tickets for the Miyajima History and Folklore Museum and Treasure Hall as well as buy the first round of drinks at the optional Gallery Miyazato Cafe. Participants are required to pay their individual travel cost to and from the event and ferry ticket (Ferry is 500 yen round trip) *Other food, beverages, & souvenirs will be the responsibility of individual participants.*

CO-Sponsor: None