Hinjitsukan

What to know

Hinjitsukan (賓日館) is a former guesthouse built in 1887, not far from the Meoto Iwa rocks in Futami along the coast of Ise City. Originally built to host important visitors to the Ise Shrines, this two-story wooden structure now serves as a museum showcasing Meiji Period architecture and interior design.

Construction of Hinjitsukan took only three months, and its first guests were members of the Imperial family. The building is primarily wood and underwent several major renovations over the decades. Many rooms feature ornate decorations and classical designs by leading architects of the time, befitting its status as a guesthouse for royalty and dignitaries. Renowned gardeners created the meticulously landscaped garden with gravel paths that surrounds the building.

While most rooms are designed in traditional Japanese style, some contain Western-style furniture, creating an interesting juxtaposition. One of the most impressive spaces is the Grand Hall, a 120-tatami-mat banquet hall on the second floor. Its ceiling is constructed in an elaborate Momoyama style with intricate designs, gold leaf gilding, and chandeliers. Another notable second-floor room is Goten no Ma, reserved for the highest-ranked guests, offering views over the garden and the sea.

Several first-floor rooms display items detailing the history of Futami town, as well as works by Nakamura Sashu (1873–1953), a renowned local painter. An English pamphlet is available, but displays lack English explanations.

Hinjitsukan is a five-minute walk from Meoto Iwa or a 15-minute walk from JR Futaminoura Station, which is reachable by hourly JR trains in under 10 minutes from Iseshi Station (210 yen one way). Alternatively, take the CAN bus and get off at Meoto Iwa Higashiguchi Ise Sea Paradise-mae.

How to get to and around the Shima Peninsula