National Treasures Recreated in Minecraft—Touch and Play “Kibitsu Shrine: An Interactive Design Exhibition” Opens July 14

Kibitsu Shrine (Kita Ward, Okayama City) and the Faculty of Design at Okayama Prefectural University will host the “Kibitsu Shrine: An ‘Experiential’ Design Exhibition” to commemorate the 600th anniversary plus one year of the reconstruction of the shrine’s National Treasure Main Hall andto mark the 600th anniversary plus one year of their reconstruction, will finally open the “Kibitsu Shrine: ‘Experiential’ Design Exhibition” next week, starting Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Tenjinyama Culture Plaza.

Exhibition Logo

This exhibition offers a new cultural experience that goes beyond simply “viewing” the National Treasure architecture.

It features a wide array of interactive content designed to engage all five senses—including a 600-inch immersive video, a full-scale model of the chigi gable, a timber-framing workshop, and a digital recreation of the National Treasure buildings in Minecraft—allowing visitors to learn while having fun.

These will be six special days where everyone—from children to adults—can “experience National Treasures firsthand.”

Experience Guide

■ Main Exhibition Highlights (Available starting next week)

● Immersive video that lets you “walk through National Treasures” on a 600-inch giant screen

Based on high-precision LiDAR measurement data, the National Treasure Main Hall and Worship Hall are recreated on a 600-inch giant screen. Within this vast visual space, you can “experience the details of these National Treasure buildings as if you were walking through them.”

● Traditional Timber-Frame Construction Experience

Experience “timber framing”—the traditional technique of assembling wood without nails—using miniature models. As you assemble the pieces like a puzzle, you’ll have fun learning about the wisdom behind these architectural designs.

Timber-Framing Experience

● Life-Size “Chigi” Model Exhibition

The chigi—which are normally located on the roof—are reproduced here at full scale. You can observe them up close and even walk underneath them, allowing you to physically feel their imposing presence and grandeur.

Walking Under a Full-Scale Chigi

● “Digital Kibitsu Shrine” Recreated in Minecraft

The National Treasure Main Hall and Worship Hall, faithfully recreated by students based on point cloud data, are now available within the popular game Minecraft. You can freely walk around the virtual space and explore it from perspectives that would be impossible in reality.

Recreating the National Treasure Main Hall and Worship Hall in the World of Minecraft

● Giant Coloring Book Experience Based on Full-Scale Blueprints

A large-scale coloring page based on the actual-size blueprints of Kibitsu Shrine. This popular activity, which allows visitors to learn about architectural structure and design, is enjoyable for both children and adults.

● Stamp Rally (Commemorative gifts for the first 300 participants)

A participatory event where you collect stamps as you tour the exhibition. Participants who complete all points will receive an original commemorative gift.

● Upcycling Workshop: “Making Forest Amulets”

A workshop where participants create “omamori” (amulets) using locally sourced thinned timber.

Amulet-Making Workshop

*July 18 & 19 / 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM (1 hour per session). The final session on July 19 is from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Limited to 10 people per session; advance registration required; spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register via the QR code.

Please select your preferred time slot.

Workshop Registration QR Code

■Background of the Project

The aim is not only to “preserve” cultural properties but also to “touch, learn, and experience” them, thereby passing their value on to future generations. We will reinterpret the charm of National Treasure architecture using contemporary design techniques to create a new cultural experience where traditional culture, digital technology, and local resources converge.

■Exhibition Name, Location, and Dates

Title: Kibitsu Shrine “Hands-On” Design Exhibition

Location: Tenjinyama Cultural Plaza, 8-54 Tenjin-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

Dates: July 14 (Tue) – 19 (Sun), 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (until 4:00 PM on the final day)

■Exhibition Highlights (List)

600-inch Video Experience / Full-Scale Chigi Model Display / Traditional Timber-Frame Construction Experience / Full-Scale Blueprint Coloring / Minecraft Digital Reconstruction Display / Forest Amulet Workshop / Stamp Rally, and more

■ Kibitsu Shrine Overview

Name: Kibitsu Shrine

Address: 931 Kibitsu, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 701-1341

Access: 10-minute walk from “Kibitsu Station” on the Momotaro Line (from JR Okayama Station)

Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Open to the public)

Prayer Services & Goshuin Reception: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

URL: https://www.kibitujinja.com/

Phone: 086-287-4111

FAX: 086-287-7644

Email: info@kibitujinja.com

Kibitsu Shrine: National Treasure Main Hall and Worship Hall—1

Kibitsu Shrine: National Treasure Main Hall and Worship Hall—2

■Contact Information

Okayama Prefectural University, Faculty of Design

Contact: Takahashi, Department of Visual Design

TEL: 090-1900-3819

Email: toshiomi_takahashi@dgn.oka-pu.ac.jp

Contact: Hatake, Department of Architecture

Email: hata@dgn.oka-pu.ac.jp

■Organizers and Supporters

Organized by: Kibitsu Shrine, Faculty of Design, Okayama Prefectural University

Supported by: Technopro Construction Co., Ltd., Maruo-gumi Ltd.