Miyajima (also known as Itsukushima) is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Seto Inland Sea area, visited by many tourists for its World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine, abundant nature, and exquisite cuisine. Here are 10 sightseeing spots that you should visit when you visit Miyajima! We hope you will find them useful in planning your trip.
What is Miyajima like?
Along with Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture, Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture is one of the three most beautiful places in Japan. Itsukushima Shrine floating on the sea against the green backdrop of Mount Misen is a unique sight that can only be seen here. The shopping district near Itsukushima Shrine offers a wide variety of gourmet foods unique to Miyajima and Hiroshima. There is a wide variety of takeout food that can be eaten while strolling along the shopping street, including Miyajima’s famous anago-meshi (conger eel on top of rice). You can also compare different kinds of momiji manju buns from different manufacturers.
Access to Miyajima
The most common route is to walk from JR Miyajimaguchi Station or Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station to the Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal, purchase a ticket there, and take the 10-minute ferry ride.
10 Sightseeing Spots
Itsukushima Shrine (嚴島神社)
Itsukushima Shrine is one of the two major sightseeing spots in Hiroshima along with the Atomic Bomb Dome. It is visited by many tourists from all over the world. The Otorii (Grand Gate) of Itsukushima Shrine is built on the sea about 160 meters from the Itsukushima Shrine Shrine Pavilion, and is known as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, changing its appearance with the ebb and flow of the tide.
When the tide is close to low tide, you can get very close to the Otorii. The recommended course is to visit Itsukushima Shrine at high tide, stroll along the Omotesando shopping street and enjoy eating and drinking, and at low tide, approach the torii gate and enjoy taking pictures. The tide changes with the season, so be sure to check. The contrast between the blue of the ocean and the vermilion torii gate is beautiful.
Mount Misen (弥山)
Miyajima Island is home to Mount Misen, a 535-meter-high mountain with beautiful rock formations. It is a popular hiking course because of the panoramic view of the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea that can be seen from the summit. A ropeway runs up to the halfway point of the mountain, making it an easy climb. In the fall, the beautiful autumn foliage makes this a power spot that attracts many tourists.
Momijidani Park (紅葉谷公園)
Momijidani Park, one of Miyajima’s most famous landmarks, is located in a valley at the foot of Mt. Misen. There are approximately 700 trees in the park, and while the cherry blossoms in spring and the lush greenery in summer are of course beautiful, the brilliantly colored autumn leaves from mid to late November, when the park is at its best, are especially breathtaking. The red bridge at the entrance is the most photogenic spot in the park. The beautiful collaboration with the fiery autumn leaves attracts visitors.
Miyajima Public Aquarium (宮島水族館 /みやじマリン)
This aquarium is located near Itsukushima Shrine. The aquarium exhibits more than 13,000 exhibits of 350 species, mainly creatures from the Seto Inland Sea, with the most popular attraction being the “Sunameri,” a dolphin of the Seto Inland Sea. They are very popular because they love humans and are very charming. You are sure to be attracted by them because they are so cute. The aquarium is built in a modern Japanese architectural style so as not to ruin the surrounding landscape.
Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street (表参道商店街)
Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street is the busiest street in Miyajima. It is a 350-meter shopping street leading to Itsukushima Shrine. It is lined with about 70 stores, from restaurants to countless momiji manju stores, souvenir stores, and gourmet eateries. The shopping street is full of vitality all year round.
All stores often close around evening, so be careful. In addition, some popular stores and those with low stock often close as soon as they sell out, so if there is a gourmet item you are looking for, it is safe to aim for it in the morning!
Check out the video of enjoying street food in the Omotesando shopping street with 3,000 JPY!
It is located in the Omotesando shopping street!
Momijido Main Store (紅葉堂 本店)
Momiji-manju is one of the local specialty sweets that you must try if you come to Miyajima. Momiji-manju is a bun shaped like an autumn leaf, and is generally made of sponge cake dough with red bean paste inside. However, in recent years, various flavors such as cream, chocolate, and green tea, as well as evolved sweets that rearrange momiji-manju are also popular.
Momijido is a long-established Japanese confectionery store, where you can try a new Miyajima specialty, deep fried momiji manju, “Age momiji manju”. It is deep frying momiji manju in a unique batter. The crispy new texture of the deep-fried bun is very popular and has a reputation for its deliciousness.
It is located in the Omotesando shopping street!
Yakigaki No Hayashi (焼がきのはやし)
If you want to eat oysters in Miyajima, this is the place to go! It is such a classic and famous oyster spot.
It is also one of the few places where you can eat raw oysters in Miyajima and is a safe and secure oyster restaurant. The menu is extensive, so you can enjoy oysters in all kinds of ways. Please try their fresh and plump oysters.
Anagomeshi Fujitaya (あなごめし ふじたや)
Anago-meshi (conger eel with rice) is one of Miyajima’s specialties. It is said that Miyajima’s oyster production is thriving, and at the same time, the environment is conducive to the growth of conger eels, making it a specialty because of its large production of conger eels.
Fujitaya is the only restaurant on Miyajima to have the honor of being awarded a star in the Hiroshima edition of the Michelin Guide for its anago meshi (conger eel rice). The flavor of the conger eel is robust, and the sauce that soaks into the rice is very tasty. Enjoy the flavor of the meaty conger eel to the fullest.
All of the restaurants where anago-meshi is served at lunchtime are very popular, and you must wait in line, so be sure to organize your plans when you visit.
MIYAJIMA BREWERY
At MIYAJIMA BREWERY, the only brewery on the island of Miyajima, you can enjoy freshly brewed craft beer. There are always around 5 kinds of Miyajima’s local beers available. There is also a drink comparison menu that is perfect for those who want to try a little of each type!
Daisho-in Temple (大聖院)
Located a short walk from Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple is the oldest temple on Miyajima. The main hall can be seen after climbing a long flight of stairs. What is unique about the temple is the many spots scattered throughout the grounds where visitors can enjoy the benefits of the temple. There is also a place where visitors can walk down the hill while admiring the unique Jizo statues. At the far end of Daisho-in Temple, there is a Daishi-sama who grants only one wish. The autumn leaves are beautiful in fall.
