I was struck with awe to find such a solemn shrine on a small island in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea. It has 3 museums and 2 of them have kept a lot of historical materials including swords and armor which were offered by famous samurais. Ochi Yoshikata (?-?) surpassed the Rebellion of Fujiwara Sumitomo (?-941), and, after the suppression, he offered his armor, which is the oldest that has been kept in Japan. Taira Shigemori (1138-1179), Minamoto Yoshinaka (1154-1184), who opened the Minamoto Clan's rebellion against the Taira Clan and tried to chase them along the Seto Inland Sea, Minamoto Yoshitsune (1159-1189), who actually chased the Taira Clan along the sea, and Minamoto Yoritomo (1147-1199), who succeeded in establishing his rule over Japan and who killed his younger brothers, Yoshinaka and Yoshitsune, in the process, followed Yoshikata. Many more later samurais followed them with prestigious swords and armor.

Although the museum of this historic shrine is sadly not very well maintained, the items on display include multiple national treasures, including those offered to the shrine by famous characters in Japanese history going back as far as the 12th century. A must for those who have interest in Japanese history and especially those who have visited Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima) which is about half a day away.