Miyajima Treasure Museum: National Treasures & Heike Nokyo

When you exit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, the Treasure Museum sits right there to your left, and I’ll admit I wondered at first whether my kids would actually enjoy it. But after our family visit to see the National Treasure Heike Nokyo and around 260 other cultural artifacts on display, my eldest daughter’s face lit up: “People back then were amazing!” The Miyajima Treasure Museum earned Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for good reason—this is an absolute must-see when you’re exploring the island, especially if you want your family to experience Japanese history and culture up close.

A Nationally Registered Building Housing Precious National Treasures

About 15 minutes on foot from Miyajima Pier, the Treasure Museum is immediately to your left as you exit Itsukushima Shrine—you can’t miss it. Built in 1934, the building itself features rare concrete construction finished with traditional lacquer, and the entire structure is designated as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Even those of us who live here find ourselves marveling, “The building is part of the exhibit!”

The entrance plaque reading “Itsukushima Treasure Museum” was hand-written by Kuki Ryuichi during the Meiji era, and my history-loving husband was thrilled just seeing that: “This alone makes it worth coming.” Knowing that renowned scholars Okakura Tenshin and Ernest Fenollosa visited here in 1899 (Meiji 32) to conduct research adds even more layers to the deep sense of history surrounding this place.

Itsukushima Shrine holds approximately 260 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties in its collection, and a rotating selection is displayed here at the museum. From the world-famous Heike sutra scrolls to ancient swords, ceremonial masks, elegant fans, and historical votive plaques, every single item feels genuinely precious. It’s an excellent stop not only for history and art enthusiasts but also for families looking to give their children meaningful cultural education during their Japan travels.

Admission Fees and Money-Saving Combined Tickets

Admission to the Miyajima Treasure Museum is ¥300 for adults, ¥200 for high school students, and ¥100 for elementary and junior high school students. My family always uses the combined ticket with Itsukushima Shrine, which costs ¥500 total instead of ¥600 if purchased separately—an easy ¥100 savings per person. One important note: this combo ticket is only sold at the Itsukushima Shrine office, not at the museum entrance. The simplest approach is to visit the shrine first, buy your combined ticket there at the shrine office, and then make your way to the Treasure Museum afterward.

The museum is open year-round from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. A typical visit takes less than an hour, so it pairs perfectly with your Itsukushima Shrine tour. We visited when our second daughter was still quite small, and the nursing room and diaper changing station inside were absolutely lifesavers. It’s wonderful to see such thoughtful amenities for families traveling with young children.

Overview of Collections and Rotating Exhibits

The Treasure Museum exhibits over 50 significant artifacts at any given time, including portions of the National Treasure Heike Nokyo sutra scrolls. The curators keep explanatory text deliberately minimal so visitors can focus on appreciating the inherent beauty and powerful presence of the objects themselves without distraction.

Special themed exhibitions are held approximately twice a year, which means there’s always something new to discover even if you’ve visited before—my family has joked about buying an annual pass because we keep finding excuses to return! The annex storage facility also displays actual National Treasures, making this museum the perfect cultural conclusion to your Itsukushima Shrine experience.

The most natural flow is to stop by the Treasure Museum immediately after touring Itsukushima Shrine. It’s positioned right across from Daiganji Temple, so navigation is straightforward and you won’t get turned around.

Among the collection, you’ll find approximately 130 Noh masks and around 32 Kyogen masks representing 20 different types—an incredible repository of Japan’s traditional performing arts history. My eldest daughter made an important discovery here: “I always thought masks were scary, but some of these are actually beautiful.”

National Treasures on Display

The Heike Nokyo Sutra Scrolls

The Heike Nokyo consists of all 33 volumes of Buddhist sutras dedicated by Taira no Kiyomori and the entire Taira clan. Lavishly adorned with mother-of-pearl inlay, gold and silver leaf decoration, and intricate Yamato-e paintings, these scrolls represent the absolute pinnacle of Heian-period artistic achievement. Mesmerized by the delicate details shimmering under the museum lighting, my younger daughter squealed with delight: “It sparkles just like jewels!” A portion is kept on permanent display, allowing you to view this masterwork up close and personal.

Dedicated in 1164 (Chokan 2), the Heike Nokyo is a roughly 900-year-old decorated sutra set comprising all 33 volumes of the Lotus Sutra and related texts. The scrolls are extravagantly embellished with gold and silver leaf, precious pigments, and beautiful painted scenes, and they even contain a prayer written in Taira no Kiyomori’s own hand—a direct connection to one of Japan’s most powerful historical figures.

These sutras are said to have particularly attracted the devotion of noblewomen of the time, as they include the “Devadatta Chapter,” which speaks directly to the possibility of women attaining Buddhahood—a revolutionary concept for that era. The teachings of the “Dharmapala Chapter,” which extols the spiritual merit gained through sutra copying, also helped spread the culture of sutra transcription throughout Japanese society, demonstrating the scrolls’ profound cultural significance beyond their artistic value.

Typically, an exquisite replica—meticulously crafted over five years by master artisan Tanaka Chikami during the Taisho era—is what you’ll see on display. This replica has been so faithfully reproduced, down to every detail on the reverse side of the sutras, that it’s considered historically valuable in its own right. The original scrolls are only exhibited during carefully limited periods to preserve them for future generations, so if you happen to see the authentic Heike Nokyo during your visit, consider yourself truly fortunate.

Kozakura-Style Yellow-Return Armor

This impressive late Heian-period armor is said to have been used by the famous warrior Minamoto no Yoshitomo himself. With its characteristically broad small plates and powerful, imposing helmet, we found ourselves staring in genuine awe, thinking, “Someone actually went into battle wearing this heavy equipment?” Standing before it in person, you can almost feel the tension and intensity of medieval Japanese warfare.

Painted Cypress Fan

The Painted Cypress Fan showcases elegant patterns rendered in sophisticated pine green and delicate mica-white clay pigments. The refined color palette perfectly conveys the cultivated aesthetic taste of Heian-period nobility. My eldest daughter remarked thoughtfully, “People back then really cared about fashion and beauty too, didn’t they?”

Indigo-Thread Armor

Dedicated by Taira no Shigemori, this Indigo-Thread Armor is a magnificent, weighty suit constructed from black-lacquered iron plates and treated leather. Learning that a single complete set required approximately 2,000 individual wooden plates and an extensive drying period really highlights the incredible skills of medieval Japanese artisans and the immense labor involved in creating such protective equipment.

Black Leather-Lined Torso Armor

This striking Nanbokucho-period armor impresses visitors immediately with its glossy black lacquer finish and powerful, commanding silhouette. It invites you to imagine the strength, discipline, and aesthetic values of the samurai warriors who lived through Japan’s turbulent era of civil conflict.

The museum displays several other named armor sets with specific historical provenance, such as the “Light Yellow Ayai Armor” attributed to the legendary warrior Minamoto no Yoshiie and the “Indigo Leather Shoulder Red Armor” donated by the powerful daimyo Ouchi Yoshitaka. Each piece clearly illustrates the evolution of Japanese martial equipment culture across different historical periods.

Important Cultural Properties

Kanjo-Gaku Bugaku Mask

Donated by members of the Heike clan, this bugaku ceremonial mask is characterized by delicate carving techniques and remarkably lightweight construction. Looking at it, you can almost hear the elegant court music and imagine the graceful world of aristocratic dance performances.

Lacquered Wood with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Tachi Sword

This beautiful tachi sword features an elegant white sharkskin-wrapped handle and a scabbard finished in striking vermilion red accented with black lacquer. The luxurious mother-of-pearl inlay depicting phoenixes and arabesque patterns vividly evokes the refined, cultured lifestyle of Heian aristocrats who valued beauty as much as function.

Also on display is a historically significant tachi blade forged by Tomonari, a renowned swordsmith of the ancient Bizen school. This masterwork was once attributed to Taira no Munemori and carries deep historical significance for sword enthusiasts.

Brocade-Wrapped Bamboo-Bound Tachi

Wrapped in rich red brocade fabric and bound with slender bamboo strips, this tachi sword embodies elegant simplicity while simultaneously showcasing the era’s refined aesthetic sensibilities and advanced technical metalworking skills.

Wooden Komainu Guardian Lion-Dogs

A remarkable set of 14 wooden komainu in various sizes shines with vibrant polychrome lacquer and gleaming gold leaf. Some of the smaller guardian lion-dogs even feature glass eyes, offering a fascinating window into the religious culture and spiritual practices of medieval Japan.

Actually, while you’re in the area, Daishoin Temple—which is even older than Itsukushima Shrine itself—is absolutely worth visiting alongside the Treasure Museum. You can even witness special events like the dramatic hiwatari fire-walking ceremony, which kids find absolutely thrilling to watch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting

Q. Is photography allowed inside the Treasure Museum?

A. Photography is not permitted anywhere inside the museum. This strict policy exists to protect the precious exhibits from light damage, maintain a calm and contemplative viewing environment for all visitors, and respect copyright and cultural property regulations. My eldest daughter was initially disappointed when we explained the rules, but she understood completely when I told her, “Let’s look really carefully and remember everything with our eyes instead.”

Q. When can I see the actual National Treasure Heike Nokyo scrolls?

A. The original Heike Nokyo is only displayed during carefully limited special exhibition periods to preserve these 900-year-old treasures; the meticulously crafted replica is what’s usually shown. If you specifically want to see the authentic scrolls, we strongly recommend checking the official Itsukushima Shrine website in advance for exhibition schedules. Our family was fortunate enough to catch a special viewing once, and it was absolutely unforgettable!

Q. How long does it take to tour the Treasure Museum?

A. Plan for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour for a thorough visit. My children were surprisingly engaged and focused, so we spent about 45 minutes exploring the exhibits. If you’re the type who likes to read every description carefully and really absorb the atmosphere, definitely allow yourself a full hour or even a bit more.

Q. Where exactly can I purchase the combined ticket with Itsukushima Shrine?

A. The money-saving combined ticket (¥500 total) is exclusively available at the Itsukushima Shrine office—you cannot purchase it at the Treasure Museum entrance. The most efficient strategy is to visit the shrine first, buy your combo ticket there at the shrine office, and then head directly to the Treasure Museum with your discounted admission already in hand.

Q. Can I still enjoy the museum on rainy days?

A. Absolutely—the museum is completely indoors, making it perfect for rainy-day Miyajima sightseeing when outdoor activities might be less comfortable. Paired with your indoor Itsukushima Shrine tour, you get a completely weather-proof cultural experience regardless of conditions outside.

Q. Is it appropriate to bring small children and babies?

A. Yes, families are very welcome! The museum provides nursing rooms and diaper changing stations, so you can visit with complete peace of mind even with very young children. Since it is a quiet cultural space, it’s helpful to remind little ones beforehand to use their “indoor voices” and stay close to parents while viewing the exhibits.

Q. How do I get there from Miyajima Pier?

A. It’s approximately a 15-minute walk from Miyajima Pier to the Treasure Museum. The museum building is immediately to your left after you exit Itsukushima Shrine, positioned directly across from Daiganji Temple, so the location is very straightforward. If you walk there via the charming Omotesando Shopping Street, your kids won’t get bored during the journey—there’s plenty to look at along the way.

The lively Omotesando Shopping Street—absolutely perfect for leisurely strolling and snacking your way through Miyajima—is a must-visit on your route to or from the museum. If you’re wondering what to eat in Miyajima, look for authentic local specialties like grilled anago-meshi (conger eel rice, a Hiroshima specialty), fresh Hiroshima oysters prepared multiple ways, and the famous momiji manju maple leaf-shaped cakes. Families traveling with kids will find plenty of delicious, easy-to-try options that even picky eaters enjoy.

Honest Thoughts from a Local Hiroshima Mom

I’ll be completely honest—before our first visit, I genuinely wondered, “Will this museum be too dry or challenging for kids to appreciate?” But once we actually went inside, my eldest daughter became absolutely captivated by the ancient armor displays: “Can you believe people actually fought wearing such heavy armor back then?” Meanwhile, my younger daughter’s eyes lit up when she saw the elegant Heian-period decorative arts: “Everything is so beautiful, like treasures from a fairy tale!”

The museum isn’t overwhelmingly large, which means you can comfortably see everything at a relaxed pace before children’s attention starts to wander. It’s conveniently located right next door to Itsukushima Shrine, so it’s incredibly easy to add to your itinerary, and honestly, we discover something new and fascinating with every single visit we make.

One important reminder for families: photography is strictly not allowed inside the museum, so give your kids a heads-up beforehand to avoid disappointment at the entrance. The combined ticket option for both Itsukushima Shrine and the Treasure Museum (¥500 total) is genuinely a great value—just remember you absolutely must purchase it at the shrine office, not at the museum.

As a hands-on, engaging way to experience Japanese history and traditional culture firsthand, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting with your entire family. The extensive displays of authentic samurai swords and battle armor are particularly appealing for history enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by Japan’s warrior culture.

If you’d like to dive even deeper into Miyajima’s rich local history and cultural heritage, definitely add the History and Folklore Museum (Rekishi Minzoku Shiryokan) to your itinerary as well. It offers a completely different perspective on island life and local traditions compared to what you’ll see at the Treasure Museum.

The absolutely breathtaking panoramic views from the summit of Mt. Misen—easily reached via the scenic ropeway cable car—represent another essential Miyajima experience you shouldn’t miss. Kids absolutely love the gondola ride up the mountain, so if your schedule allows any extra time at all, definitely make the trip to the top.

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When travelers think of Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine immediately comes to mind—and for excellent reason. It’s a genuinely mystical place that transforms completely between high tide and low tide, offering two dramatically different experiences. Visiting both the shrine and the Treasure Museum together gives you the fullest possible appreciation of Miyajima’s profound history and living cultural traditions.