Municipal Museum of History and Folklore 宮島歴史民俗資料館

Slightly secluded from the bustle of tourists who come to admire Itsukushima Shrine, a discreet house seems to hide behind its facade of traditional wooden bars. At the entrance, passersby look, intrigued, but hesitate and finally decide that no, it does not look like a public building. They are mistaken! Of simple but elegant architecture, this building of some two hundred years of age houses the municipal museum of history and folklore.

Inside, some of the narrow traditional rooms have been preserved to completely reconstruct craft workshops. The rest of the space has been converted into exhibition halls which outline the various aspects of life on Miyajima Island since the Edo period (1603-1868). Through the different rooms, the nature of the documents exhibited changes: religious objects and models of ritual festivities show the vital importance of Itsukushima Shrine, craft and industrial tools explain the economic development of the island, while through the works of art and ancient manuscripts it is possible to feel how Miyajima was a subject of inspiration for Japanese artists. This tour allows you to get a real idea of the life of an inhabitant of pre-modern Japan, through objects that seem so close. The setting of the visit encourages immersion, especially the small garden in the inner courtyard of the old house, including the charming pond. A beautiful moment of reflection on the sanctification of a lost day to day life.