Hokokujinja Senjokaku Pavilion — Attraction in Hatsukaichi

The 1000 mat hall that is not actually a thousand mats big, but still very impressive and many say it is unfinished, but so beautiful as it is with its well used wooden floors that shine and reflect the surrounding nature - green in summer & golden ginko reflections in autumn are superb. Great vantage point to take in the pagoda next to it as well. Impressive Japanese bell, interesting paintings, exposed beams and giant shamoji good luck rice paddles around the pavillion. Can you find the lucky shapes in the wood repair too? Easter eggs I regularly do virtual tours on HeyGo and the visitors from around the world love this spot! A cool escape on hot or busy days when you can still see the 360 degree views of Miyajima island from a high vantage point. Recommend bringing your own bag for your shoes so you don't have to waste the single-use plastic bags they offer you to use while inside...

Worst experience I’ve ever had.

The young man who wrote Goshuin(御朱印) slammed the door very loudly to me.

I’m a Goshuin collector and have visited Japan over ten times. I knows that it better not to make change while having Goshuin. But it just happened today I had only 10000 yen left in my wallet, and was unfortunately found it after asking for Goshuin. I’ve described the situation and said I was really sorry for that to the man. Also buy extra stuff for my apology. But when the man went out of the booth to get some change, he just slammed the door heavily and make loud noise. I understand it’s annoyed, but slammed the door like that just way too much. The temple should be holy, but the sound he slamming the door just went though the hole building. I don’t think that’s an appropriate reaction. The madam behind me also got shocked and asked me if i was ok.

THE WORST...

Free to visit totally open temple. Located on top of a small hill by the sea, it offers a nice 360 view around thanks to the balcony on every side of the building. The pagoda isn't exceptional, but offers beautiful colors when enlightened by the sunset. The temple is old, all wooden structure. There is almost nothing inside (you can enter) but the ceiling is made of dozens of traditional painting on wooden boards. Some have been renewed, other are vanishing. They also have a collection of huge spoons. And you can see all the wooden framework that holds the roof, really impressive with quite not straight huge trees used for...