I rarely meet people who don’t say that Miyajima was one of their favourite places to visit in Japan.
Its a place you will see deer and monkeys and some gorgeous foliage and flowers too, depending on the season, of course.
Miyajima Island is easily reached from Hiroshima by ferry. See my Hiroshima with kids tips.
To avoid the crowds and get the best pictures, I recommend going as early in the morning as you can manage.
In a perfect world, you will arrive early when the tide is out and walk right out to the famous tori gates ( to then see them “far at sea” later in the day.) Then you will explore on foot and start thinking about lunch around 11-12 when the little shops and restaurants are open for business.
The hike up Misen is so spectacular and you can take a ropeway / cable car up if the walk if a bit beyond what your family can manage.
Photo courtesy of @ineravelingien
Just a word when planning your trip to Miyajima Island in Hiroshima.
Another tip to keep in mind when traveling to Miyajima. Even though the ferries run late into the night, the island almost completely closes down around 5pm so you may struggle to find somewhere for dinner. Most people who stay on the island, have their dinner provided by their accommodation.
Lunch and snack recommendations on Miyajima :
Miyajima Brewery – famous for their craft beer options and oysters (steamed or grilled.) They also have a vegetarian pasta option.
Iwamura Momijiya – the oldest Momiji Manjyu ( traditional Japanese red bean paste filled sweets in the shape of Japanese maple leaves) shop on the island
The cutest Miyajima themed ice-creams are sold at a cafe called Miyajima Umaimono-kan. The wafers and candy decorations are all Miyajima themed (little deer and leaves etc, it’s so cute! You can see a picture here.) Please note that this shop takes cash only and is only open from midday – 4pm daily.
Please note that, as this is a small business, they can close without notice or the days following a national holiday – so please don’t promise that this will definitely happen until you are there and the doors are open.
Photo courtesy of @lilg350
A restaurant where kids can play and run around on Miyajima
Kiyomori Chaya serves udon, and oysters. There is also a swing set here. It’s next to the Shrine and 15 mins walk from the Ferry Port.
Open from 11am-5pm daily. Meals here are between 1000-2000 yen. You can take in the water views while eating here. Food is casual food.
Gluten free food on Miyajima Island:
Just 6 mins walk from Itsukushima Shrine is gluten free cafe Miyajima Base. They serve gluten free Japanese (karage) chicken, curry and donuts. They also have gluten free soy sauce. For a meal here, I would budget approximately 2000 yen per adult. This cafe also has a co-working space. This cafe does not take reservations. Miyajima Base accept most major credit cards and Apple Pay. Portions are big here so be careful not to over order!
MIYAJIMA BASE
広島県廿日市市宮島町310
310 MIYAJIMA-CHO, HATSUKAICHI, HIROSHIMA
OPEN MONDAY-THURSDAY 9AM-5:45PM (LAST ORDER AT 5;15PM)
OPEN FRIDAY-SUNDAY 9AM-7:45PM (LAST ORDER AT 7:15PM)
Another Gluten Free option, Miyajima Coffee have a matcha parfait and they don’t use cakes or cookies inside the parfait but, instead, use cornflakes (it’s still best to double check though, of course, each time.)
For those who are not gluten free, the cafe also sells soft-serve ice cream and cakes. This cafe doesn’t take reservations. This cafe accepts most major credit cards. The entire cafe is non-smoking.
MIYAJIMA COFFEE
OPEN EVERYDAY 9AM-6PM
A tempura and conger eel rice bowls
This restaurant is called Anago Tendon Tendon Tempura Mishinaya. They owners have the sweets little dog too. They can also cater for gluten free guests (please bring your own gluten free soy sauce with you though.) Meals are between 2000-3000 yen. Cash only.
ANAGO TENDON TEMPURA MISHINAYA
廿日市市宮島町北大西町1167-3
OPEN 11AM-4PM
Another idea- How about an onsen? – ryokan Morinoyado Miyajima allows their onsen to be used for day use (you don’t have to be a staying guest) between 10:30am -5pm (last bath entry is 4pm.) Just 500 yen per person + 150 yen for towel rental.
Also, you know that deer roam freely on Miyajima Island? You can’t feed the deer on Miyajima like you can in Nara (this is because they are wild deer)- but, keep an eye on them or they will gobble up your map or look for snacks in your stroller.
Where to stay on Miyajima with kids?
Miyajima Seaside Hotel is a ryokan with kids meals a play corner and very welcoming for families.
They are also really accommodating with dietary requirements when given advance notice. For example: you can tell them kids don’t like seafood and they can work around it.
Photo courtesy of @melpipprell
Miyajima Morinoyado is a ryokan which welcomes families. They are also able to accommodate gluten free guests (please let them know in advance if you require a gluten free menu.)
I have heard amazing things about Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya. They do a basic toast and cereal breakfast too.
Can you swim at Miyajima? Is there a swimming beach at Miyajima?
Although there are no signs saying “do not swim” it is considered quite disrespectful when tourists swim here – also, the beaches here aren’t very nice anyway.
If you would like to swim at a beach in the Miyajima area – you will need to take a taxi (approx 10 mins/ 1800 yen) to Tsutsumigaura Beach near the camping ground.
