Discover the Best of Miyajima: A Guide to Top Attractions and Delicious Local Cuisine

Discover the Best of Miyajima: A Guide to Top Attractions and Delicious Local Cuisine

Miyajima, located in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This beautiful island is easily accessible by ferry from Miyajima Pier, with the journey from Hiroshima Station taking just 30 minutes by JR train, followed by a 10-minute walk to the pier.

Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views from the Miyajima Ropeway or exploring the iconic Torii gate, Miyajima offers a rich blend of natural beauty, history, and culinary delights.

How to Get to Miyajima by Ferry

Getting to Miyajima from Hiroshima Station is simple and convenient:

  1. Travel by JR Train: The journey from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station takes approximately 30 minutes by JR train.
  2. Walk to the Miyajima Pier: From Miyajimaguchi Station, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the pier.
  3. Ferry Ride to Miyajima: Ferries run regularly from the pier, taking about 10 minutes to reach Itsukushima Shrine.
  4. Purchase Ferry Tickets: Tickets can be bought at the pier, and it’s advisable to check the schedule in advance.

Enjoy the smooth ferry ride and start your Miyajima adventure with ease.

Exploring Miyajima’s Top Attractions

Miyajima is rich with cultural and natural landmarks. Here are some must-visit spots:

  • Itsukushima Shrine: A symbol of Miyajima, this shrine is known for its grand Torii gate standing in the Seto Inland Sea. Visitors can walk to the gate during low tide, offering a unique experience.
  • Miyajima Ropeway: Take a cable car to the summit of Mount Misen, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands. The sunset from here is particularly breathtaking.
  • Senjokaku Pavilion: Located at the summit of Mount Misen, this expansive hall offers panoramic views of the sea and distant mountains, making it a perfect spot for photography.
  • Peaceful Temples: Explore the serene Toyokuni Shrine and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this historic site.
  • Momijidani Park: A beautiful park especially vibrant during the autumn foliage season, where you can enjoy the colorful leaves enhancing Miyajima’s scenic beauty.

Miyajima is a destination where history and nature coexist in perfect harmony, offering visitors a truly memorable experience.

Mount Misen (Miyajima Ropeway Momijidani Station)

Miyajima is revered as a “sacred island” in its entirety. Among its many sites, Mount Misen stands out as the island’s most famous power spot. You can reach the summit by taking the Miyajima Ropeway and then hiking, but as the path to the top is quite steep, just as it is said to have been for the monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) who trained there, it may be a good idea to take the ropeway only to Shishiiwa Station, where you can enjoy a round trip without the strenuous hike.

It takes about 15 minutes on foot from Itsukushima Shrine to the Momijidani Station, the ropeway’s boarding point. Additionally, there is a free shuttle bus to Momijidani Station available in front of the Iwaso Hotel, located about a 5-minute walk from the rear of Itsukushima Shrine.

The shuttle runs approximately three times per hour, so it’s recommended to adjust your timing accordingly to use the bus. However, note that there are fewer buses during the early morning and midday, so checking the schedule in advance is advisable.

The Five-Storied Pagoda of Itsukushima Shrine

The pagoda, built in the 14th year of the Ōei era (1407), features a combination of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles. Although it is currently designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and cannot be entered by the public, the interior is said to be adorned with a dragon painted on the ceiling of the inner sanctum, while the ceiling of the outer sanctum features a grape arabesque pattern.

The walls are richly decorated with vividly colored phoenixes, contributing to the pagoda’s opulent and splendid appearance. The vibrant red color of the pagoda harmonizes beautifully with the vermilion hue of Itsukushima Shrine.

The pagoda is situated on a small hill slightly removed from the main shrine, a location believed to have been the site where the forces of Mōri Motonari set up camp during the Battle of Miyajima.

Savoring the Flavors of Miyajima

Miyajima is not just about sightseeing; it’s also a food lover’s paradise. Here are some culinary delights you must try:

  • Fresh Oysters: Miyajima is renowned for its fresh oysters, served in various ways such as raw, grilled, or fried. Enjoy them at local markets or specialty restaurants.
  • Anagomeshi (Grilled Eel Rice): This local delicacy features tender, grilled eel served over a bed of rice, seasoned with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a must-try dish that reflects the island’s rich culinary heritage.

Recommended Restaurants

  • Kakiya: Specializing in oysters, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu dedicated to this local delicacy. The grilled oysters here are a favorite among visitors.
  • Yakigaki no Hayashi: Known for its exquisite oyster dishes, this restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Be sure to try their signature oyster rice.

Meeting Miyajima’s Friendly Deer

Miyajima is also famous for its free-roaming deer, which are a charming sight as they wander around the island, especially near Itsukushima Shrine.

However, feeding the deer is now prohibited to preserve the natural environment.

Omotesando Shopping Street (Kiyomori Street)

The final spot to visit on Miyajima is the bustling Omotesando Shopping Street, an excellent place to spend your time before catching the ferry. This lively area is lined with shops selling Miyajima’s specialties and traditional crafts, making it a fun destination for shopping and snacking.

In addition to oyster and eel specialty stores, you’ll find Hiroshima’s famous momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped sweets) in unique flavors that are rarely seen on the mainland.

One of the highlights is the “Age Momiji,” a crispy fried version of the sweet, coated in a special batter and fried to perfection—sure to excite anyone strolling through the street. Popular souvenirs from Miyajima include wooden crafts such as rice paddles and chopsticks, which are well-known products of the island. In the center of the shopping street, you’ll find a giant rice paddle on display, measuring 7.7 meters in length, 2.7 meters at its widest point, and weighing 2.5 tons, which serves as a popular symbol of the area.

Keep in mind that some popular stores may have long lines, so be sure to watch the time to avoid missing your ferry.

Conclusion

Whether you’re drawn to Miyajima for its stunning landscapes, historical sites, or delicious local cuisine, this island offers something for everyone. From exploring the iconic

Torii gate to savoring fresh oysters, Miyajima is a must-visit destination in Japan that promises to leave a lasting impression.

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