At the Itsukinomiya Historical Experience Hall, visitors can discover what life was like for aristocrats during the Heian period (794–1185), when the Saiku complex reached its height. The facility offers a variety of hands-on activities, including trying on traditional court attire such as the elaborate twelve-layered kimono known as jūnihitoe, playing historical games such as board sugoroku and shell matching, and experiencing traditional crafts such as plant dyeing and weaving.
Saiku, also known as Itsukinomiya, was the area where the palace of the Saio and the administrative offices known as the Saiku-ryo were located. The Saio was an unmarried female member of the imperial family selected to serve at Ise Grand Shrine on behalf of the emperor.
After being appointed, the Saio left the capital and traveled to Saiku in Ise Province, where she carried out religious duties associated with the shrine. The history of Saiku offers a fascinating glimpse into the relationship between the imperial court and Shinto worship in ancient Japan.
The experience hall itself is designed to evoke the architecture of the period. Its wooden structures draw inspiration from shinden-zukuri, the residential architectural style of the aristocracy, as well as buildings used by ancient government offices.
杉 and cypress wood are used extensively in the construction, and traditional building techniques were incorporated, including assembly methods that do not rely on nails. The architecture therefore forms part of the experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and construction methods associated with ancient Japan.
One of the highlights is the opportunity to try on authentic-style court clothing, including jūnihitoe, the elaborate layered robes worn by aristocratic women, and nōshi, a type of court robe traditionally worn by men.
Visitors can also experience leisure activities enjoyed by Heian-period aristocrats, such as board sugoroku and kaioi, a shell-matching game. Other activities include plant-based dyeing, weaving, and making foods or small crafts associated with traditional annual events and seasonal celebrations.
These interactive programs provide an engaging way to explore court culture beyond what can be learned from books or museum displays. Some activities, including costume experiences and workshops, require a fee.
Immediately north of the experience hall is the Saiku Historic Site Historical Romance Plaza, where visual displays help visitors understand the scale and layout of the ancient Saiku complex.
About a 15-minute walk away, the Saiku Historical Museum presents exhibits on Saiku and the Saio, offering further insight into their history and significance. Combining these nearby attractions with the hands-on programs at Itsukinomiya Historical Experience Hall makes for a rewarding introduction to the culture and heritage of ancient Ise.
9:30-17:00
Mondays (or the following day if the Monday is a holiday)
The day following a national holiday
Year-end and New Year holidays
Free admission
There is a fee to experience lectures and try on costumes.
1 minute walk from Saimiya Station on the Kintetsu Yamada Line