Senjokaku Pavilion
Senjokaku or “pavilion of 1000 mats” was built in 1587 by one of Japan’s three unifiers: Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Its purpose was to provide a place to chant Buddhist sutras for Japan’s fallen soldiers. However, after Hideyoshi’s death the pavilion was never finished, though centuries later the pavilion would become a dedication to his soul. Indeed, the most notable feature is a vibrant five-storey pagoda which pre-dates the shrine itself.